All seminary classes have the option to be taken virtually or online.
GBC 501 – Theology and Practice of Pastoral Counseling (2)
An introduction to the role of the pastor in church counseling. The course includes basic instruction in grief counseling, marriage and family counseling, financial counseling, and other areas of counseling common to the pastorate. (2 credit hours)
GBC 504 – Methods of Biblical Change (3)
The purpose of this course is to provide a doctrinal foundation for biblical counseling that focuses on spiritual change as it relates to the doctrine of sanctification. Emphasis will be placed on progressive sanctification as the best understanding of how believers grow in Christ. Other models of sanctification will also be examined. The course will also demonstrate the need for discipleship as pre-counseling and the importance of biblical counseling as specialized discipleship. Students will be given the opportunity to begin developing experience in discipleship/counseling. (3 credit hours)
GBC 514 – Counseling Problems and Procedures (3)
The purpose of this course is to build off of the information and lessons in GBC 503 Methods of Biblical Change. This course will provide a procedure for counseling including data gathering, diagnosis and assessment, homework generation, and application of biblical principles to counseling. Special emphasis will be given to four important counseling situations including anger, addiction, abuse, and post-traumatic stress. Prerequisite: GBC 503 Methods of Biblical Change or its equivalent. (3 credit hours)
GBC 536 – Crisis Counseling (3)
Crisis situations such as suicide, sudden death, loss, grief, trauma, divorce, and other transitions of life are not isolated events. It is imperative that the biblical counselor has a proper scriptural construct to handle each counselee. This course will include an in-depth analysis of counseling for these crisis situations. Special attention will be given to the dynamics of a crisis, biblical principles regarding a crisis, and the process for crisis intervention. Prerequisite: GBC 503 Methods of Biblical Change or equivalent. (3 credit hours)
GBC 538 – Marriage and Family Counseling (3)
It is essential for a biblical counselor to be well-trained in pre-marital and post-marital counseling. This class will address many marriage and family issues from a biblical perspective. Some of the topics that will be handled will be finances, parenting, in-laws, sexual difficulties, conflict, and communication. Prerequisite: GBC 503 Methods of Biblical Change or equivalent. (3 credit hours)
GBC 545 – Counseling Addictive Behavior (3)
Addictions are plaguing many in the Christian community. These addictions are devastating for individuals, their families and circle of influence. This class will survey various chemical and behavioral addictions like alcohol, illicit drugs, eating disorders, and sexual addictions. Different treatment models will be analyzed and evaluated. A special emphasis will be given to a biblical approach for spiritual restoration. Prerequisite: GBC 503 Methods of Biblical Change or equivalent. (3 credit hours)
GBC 561 – Counseling Survivors of Abuse (3)
One of the most prevalent counseling issues today in Christian communities is helping people through abuse situations. The Bible gives answers and hope for these very difficult situations. This course will define the terms and explain the types of abuse, symptoms of abuse, a proper theology for recovery, and a biblical strategy for giving hope to the survivor. Special emphasis will be given to providing a proper counseling framework for the counselor. Prerequisite: GBC 503 Methods of Biblical Change or equivalent. (3 credit hours)
GBC 585 – Biblical Counseling Seminar (3)
An examination of biblical solutions to real issues faced in ministry. The student will research and apply what they have learned so that they can begin to help others. This seminar usually takes place for one week off-campus. The seminary does not charge tuition for this class, but there is a $25 recording fee. Prerequisite: GBC 503 Methods of Biblical Change or equivalent. (3 credit hours)
GBC 590 – Biblical Counseling Practicum (3)
The approved practicum is designed for the student to apply their training in biblical counseling. The student will observe counseling and may counsel under the supervision of an experienced veteran in the field. The practicum connects the student’s biblical knowledge with effective practical application. (3 credit hours)