Center for Spiritual and Personal Formation

Catalog

The Center for Spiritual and Personal Formation

Pastoral Care | Marriage & Family Studies | Spiritual Formation | Interdisciplinary Courses

The Center for Spiritual and Personal Formation holds responsibility for developing intentional strategies for making the formation process part of the entire Bethel Seminary experience, in and out of the classroom, through chapel and convocations, at Seminary Village or in communities where nonresident students live, at practicum and field education sites, and within covenant relationships throughout the entire Bethel community. Spiritual and personal formation is the process of opening oneself to the work of God in one’s life so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Eph. 4:12-13). It is a multifaceted, invitational process with many points of entry, both formal and informal. We encourage students to respond to God’s call to wholeness and holiness by reflecting on the biblical and theological foundations of their faith as well as on their personal experiences of God in the past and present. We want to nurture the process of personal transformation so that transformational leadership can be offered in one’s ministry setting, wherever that might be. We also want to help students develop a working knowledge of the dynamics of family, congregational, and community systems so that their ministries may be more effective.

As students address issues of spiritual and personal formation identified both by themselves and by Bethel personnel, they are increasingly likely to demonstrate:

a desire for and commitment to living in a covenant love relationship with God that is marked by a passion for the Word of God, personal obedience and discipleship, spiritual hunger, and a lifestyle of holiness and spiritual maturity;
a desire for and commitment to living with others in covenantal love relationships that are marked by integrity, respect, justice, service, reconciliation, and the ability to build bridges across the potential barriers of racial, gender, and theological differences;
an ability to develop a biblically grounded theology of spiritual and personal formation, to recognize historical instances of the movement of the Holy Spirit, and to critically examine the practice of formation as understood by a variety of Christian traditions;
an awareness of their own brokenness, call, and gifting that enables them to maintain healthy personal and professional boundaries, appropriately use authority and power, and respond sensitively to the pain of others; and
an ability to respond to God’s call in their lives with proactive, lifelong personal and professional development strategies that are characterized by honesty, accountability, and a commitment to wholeness spiritually, emotionally, physically, financially, and relationally.

Assisting students in becoming whole and holy persons requires a whole-life curriculum experienced in the context of community interaction and accountability. The Center for Spiritual and Personal Formation pursues this holistic approach by incorporating a variety of formal and informal structures and programs related to the whole of a student’s experience at Bethel. These cluster into three areas: student life, covenant groups, and academic disciplines.

Student Life

Opportunities for community involvement, spiritual/leadership development, and emotional, physical, and relational wellness are coordinated through the Office of Student Life. Examples of some of the elements of this holistic program include:

Opportunities for community involvement through Genesis (new student orientation); the Seminary Village hospitality program; the all-seminary fall retreat and spring banquet; end-of-quarter potlucks and socials; and students’ nights out.
Opportunities for spiritual/leadership development through the chapel program; community prayer fellowship; missions specials and brown-bag lunches; small group experiences; Student Senate; SemWomen (ministry to women students); Woman-to-Woman (ministry to wives of students); and retreats.
Opportunities for emotional, physical, and relational wellness through counseling for students addressing personal or relationship concerns; tutorial assistance; seminary food shelf; the Sunshine Fund (emergency fund for students); subsidy for on-campus child development program; facilities and equipment for physical exercise; retreats, training, and small-group experiences coordinated by the Office of Relationship Enrichment.

Spiritual Formation

A significant part of students’ experiences within the Center for Spiritual and Personal Formation is the formation program that provides students the opportunity to join with others in the journey toward wholeness and holiness in their relationships with God and one another. Areas of attention include family of origin, personality and temperament, spiritual heritage, spiritual disciplines, and vocational calling. Students also explore topics such as human nature, sin, grace, sanctification, and Christian community. The group reflection process transforms the theological doctrines learned in class into character-shaping wisdom that, when faithfully acted on and integrated into students’ lives, results in personal godliness.

The faculty and administration are dedicated to the vision of making Bethel Seminary a place where people are increasing in understanding of the absolute truth of the gospel, growing toward personal holiness and wholeness, and gaining the passion and skill to lead people to transforming encounters with the Lord.

SP500/SP505 (SP110/SP109) • Spiritual and Personal Formation: Foundations and Traditions.
This course will explore biblical and historical models and themes for spiritual and personal formation, models of transformation and faith development, and cultural dimensions of formation models and traditions. St. Paul students only. SP500 Four hours; SP505 Two hours.

SP501 (SP101) • Disciplines of Spiritual and Personal Formation.
This is a first-year course in San Diego. Participants will explore their experiences of and relationships with God by asking theologically reflective questions such as, “Who is God to me at this time in my life?” and “Who am I in relationship to God?” The primary task will be to help students learn to watch and listen for how and when the answers to these questions intersect. The groups will be a crucial place for students to integrate what they are learning and experienceing at Bethel with who they are as children of God and ministering servants of God. Psychological assessment intruments are utilized. San Diego only. Four hours.

SP502A, B, C (SP108) • Disciplines of Spiritual and Personal Formation A, B, and C.
This is a first-year course in St. Paul. Each participant will be able to explore their experiences of and relationship with God by asking theologically reflective questions such as, “Who is God to me at this time in my life?” and “Who am I in relationship to God?” The primary task will be to help students learn to watch and listen for how and when the answers to these questions intersect. Students will be encouraged to integrate what they are learning and experiencing at Bethel with who they are as children and ministering servants of God. Psychological assessment instruments are utilized. St. Paul M.A.M.F.T. students only. One credit.

SP504 (SP104) • Disciplines of Spiritual and Personal Formation.
This is a first-year course in San Diego. Each participant will be able to explore their experiences of and relationship with God by asking theologically reflective questions such as “Who is God to me at this time in my life?” and “Who am I in relationship to God?” The primary task will be to help students learn to watch and listen for how and when the answers to these questions intersect. Students will be encouraged to integrate what they are learning and experiencing at Bethel with who they are as children and ministering servants of God. Psychological assessment instruments are utilized. San Diego only. Two hours.

SP511A, B, C (SP101SOE) • Spiritual Formation I: Introduction to Spiritual Formation A, B, and C.
This year-long track introduces students to the process of spiritual formation through a survey of the broad variety of forms of Christian spirituality found within the church, both historically and in our own day. Students are challenged to examine their own spiritual journeys and to assess areas of need for further growth. Students will participate in a weekly discipleship group for the purpose of prayer, theological reflection, mutual accountability, and encouragement with a community of learners facilitated by a faculty member. Students are expected to meet with their mentors on a regular basis. Seminary of the East only. Four hours.

P102SOE) • Spiritual Formation II: Spiritual DisciplinSP551A, B, C (Ses A, B, and C.
This year-long track exposes students to the spiritual disciplines that have traditionally been used in pursuing a closer walk with God. Students are challenged to use some of these spiritual disciplines in their own spiritual formation. Students will continue to participate in a weekly discipleship group for the purpose of prayer, theological reflection, mutual accountability, and encouragement with a community of learners facilitated by a faculty member. Students are also expected to meet with their mentors on a regular basis. Prerequisite: SP511A, B, and C. Seminary of the East only. Four hours.

SP600 (SP141) • Spiritual and Personal Formation: Self in Community.
This course is a dedicated attempt to assess, describe, and sustain beliefs and practices that generate individual, relational, and corporate health and spiritual well-being. The course will integrate the best concepts of human sciences (e.g., health, growth, development, maturation, etc.) with key biblical insights (e.g., healing, freedom, transformation, restoration, etc.) to promote the experience of wholeness in members. The course will be organized to treat comprehensively a systems model of human experience. It is expected that the resources available to the students in the form of their personality and lifestyle assessments will be available for use in the class (e.g., Strengths Finder, MBTI, etc.). Prerequisite: SP500/505. St. Paul only. Four hours.

SP602A, B, C (SP140) • Spiritual and Personal Formation: Self in Community A, B, and C.
In this experience, second-year students participate in small, facilitated reflection groups that explore topics such as human nature, sin, grace, sanctification, and Christian community. The group reflection process transforms theological doctrines into character-shaping wisdom that, when faithfully acted upon and integrated into students’ lives, leads to greater realization of God’s intention for wholeness and holiness and to deeper integration of theological, theoretical, and experiential truths. Students are challenged to articulate the intersections of their experience and the wisdom of Scripture and the Christian tradition, to demonstrate the ability to use theological reflection to better understand both their own experience and the Christian tradition, and to analyze the impact of theological reflection on their personal integration journeys. St. Paul M.A.M.F.T. students only. One credit.

SP651A, B, C (SP201SE) • Spiritual Formation III: Union with Christ.
This year-long track focuses on a deeper relationship with God through a growing appreciation of God’s grace, which results in our union with Christ in His death, His resurrection and present ministry, and in the Christian’s walk in the Spirit. Students are challenged to use this pursuit of God as the catalyst for addressing personal and community needs. Students will continue to participate in a weekly discipleship group for the purpose of prayer, theological reflection, mutual accountability, and encouragement with a community of learners facilitated by a faculty member. Students are also expected to meet with their mentors on a regular basis. Prerequisites: SP511A, B, and C, SP551A, B, and C. Seminary of the East only. Four hours.

SP652 (SP227) • Christian Spiritual Life: Henri Nouwen.
A study of major themes in the thought of Henri Nouwen (1932-1996), internationally one of the most influential Christian spiritual writers of our generation. The emphasis will be on primary sources, set in the framework of his life and development, and complemented by reflections from the instructor, who served as a teaching fellow with Nouwen during his Harvard years (1983-1985). The goal is for this experience to provide critical insights and personal values that will illuminate and encourage our lives as beloved and faithful children of the Lord. (Cognate credit with SP652 and HS652.) Four hours.

SP700 (SP161) • Spiritual and Personal Formation: Integration Seminar.
This course invites students to explore major biblical and theological themes that are present in and critical for the literature of spiritual and personal formation. This course is intended to be an advanced, “culminating” experience for seminary students, and therefore it is anticipated that participants will have adequate competence in analysis, exegesis, and interpretation for study of biblical texts. An examination of period movements and the histories of revivals among the many traditions of the church in the world will be used in a systematic effort to build an anthropologically informed spiritual theology. Prerequisites: SP500/505, SP600. St. Paul only. Four hours.

SP712 (SP212) • Marriage Enrichment and Leadership.
Students and spouses enter together into a marriage enrichment and communications experience. Background on the marriage enrichment (ME) movement is also provided, and guidelines are laid out for leadership of ME experiences. Christian principles for such prevention work are explained. (Cognate Credit with PC712.) Four hours.

SP713 (SP213) • Personal Discipleship and Spiritual Formation.
An examination of the meaning of personal Christian discipleship as well as the process of faith development. This course explores both classic and contemporary resources pertaining to faith development including information about Christian disciplines and human development and their interaction. Opportunity is given to pursue these topics from the perspectives of pastors, ministers of Christian education, and lay persons. Four hours.

SP739 (SP239) • Holistic Discipleship.
An investigation into the ways that our spirituality is tied to our emotional, physical, intellectual, and relational health. This class is designed to encourage each student to develop an integrated and holistic understanding of spirituality with special emphasis on what it means to love God with your heart, soul, strength, and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself. Four hours.

SP749 (SP250) • Spiritual Direction.
Development of a working definition of spiritual direction and an understanding of the unique characteristics of discipling, mentoring, counseling, and direction relationships. The roles of director and directee, the life of faith and the growth of prayer, the conduct of spiritual direction relationships, and possible benefits and hazards are among the topics considered. Christian educators, pastors, and lay persons respond to the assignments of the course in ways that are suitable for their particular situations. (Cognate credit with DC749.) Four hours.

SP751A, B, C (SP104SOE) • Spiritual Formation IV: Disciplines of Spiritual and Personal Formation A, B, and C.
The final track of spiritual formation challenges students to commit themselves to a lifelong process of pursuing God and growing as disciples of Jesus. Students will work on the patterns needed to continue a posture and attitude of lifelong learning and personal formation that will help sustain them throughout their lives and ministries. This is a two-hour course for one academic year. Students must be in their final year of seminary to qualify for this course. Seminary of the East only. Two hours.

Academic Disciplines

This center consists of several interdisciplinary courses and two academic departments: Pastoral Care and Marriage and Family Studies. While complementary in nature, the two departments are distinct in the kinds of ministry preparation they offer students.

Interdisciplinary Courses

These courses offer students an opportunity to explore biblical, theological, and conceptual issues of spiritual and personal formation. Whether taken as electives or as part of a concentration, these courses will enrich students’ understanding of the historic and contemporary traditions of soul care and will encourage students to enter more fully into the process of becoming whole and holy persons who demonstrate the qualities described in the center’s objectives.

SP/TS735 (SP/TS218) • Life and Theology of Prayer.
The purpose of this course is to encourage and stimulate a growing and meaningful life of devotion. Attention will be given to the historical and biblical teaching on prayer. Personal sharing and practical experiences of prayer provide a challenge to apply theory to life. Four hours.

SP/PC725 (SP/PC225) • Nurturing Spiritual Formation in Small Groups.
In this course, we will both analyze and experience the effectiveness of small groups in the nurture of spiritual formation. We will discuss models of spiritual development and their implications for group participation; group dynamics; distinctions between content and process in groups; and the interaction of group participation with other avenues of formation. Particular attention will be given to group spiritual direction. This course will be taught primarily through the use of discussion, case study examination, lecture presentations, and videos. A significant portion of time will be given to experiential work. Four hours.

Pastoral Care

Ben K. Lim
Don Mortenson

The provision of pastoral care is the responsibility of each member of the community of the church of Jesus Christ. Ministers must be equipped to take the initiative in training and challenging the community of faith to develop and implement both preventive and responsive strategies of care. This care is appropriately offered, following the example of Christ, to persons within and outside the immediate congregational or parachurch setting and may require the addressing of systemic issues in the multiple contexts surrounding the ministry setting.

Picture of Student Praying Pastoral care courses, as compared to courses in marriage and family studies, are offered from the perspective of the church-based minister rather than the clinic-based specialist. These courses help students combine reflective self-understanding, spiritual formation, pastoral care theory, and ministerial practice. They do so by drawing on the rich historic traditions of soul care found in the writings of the church since its inception and on observation and understanding from both biblical revelation and well-grounded social science exploration. Students are encouraged to reflect on the interaction of their theological perspective, ministry practice, and life experience as they seek to respond to the complex needs of persons in a holistic manner, with authentic sensitivity and informed creativity.

Course offerings in pastoral care are designed to enable students to develop competencies to:

describe the most common spiritual, mental health, and relational issues encountered in a church or other ministry context;
plan appropriate strategies of care and guidance for these issues, whether within the church structure or by referral to other professionals;
attain insight into how their own spiritual, mental, emotional, theological, and cultural formation affects the ministry they offer to those in need; and
practice contextualization and theological reflection with regard to issues of human need and pastoral care, for both the purposes of offering personal guidance and developing preventive community strategies, paying particular attention to the distinctives (e.g., geographic, demographic, socioeconomic, and ethnic factors) found within a particular ministry setting.

PC500 (PC100) • Principles of Counseling.
This course is designed to provide a foundation of basic skills for persons who would like to enhance their therapy and pastoral care abilities. It combines theoretical understanding and hands-on practice of essential counseling microskills and can serve as the prerequisite counseling course for persons enrolling in or transferring to the M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy program. Four hours.

PC501 (PC101) • Introduction to Pastoral Care/Pastoral Care and Counseling.
Introduces students to the minister’s shepherding functions, then guides them to practical applications in preventive teaching, counseling, and shaping of healthy community life. This course includes a practicum that forms the core learning. Lectures deal with typical situations faced in pastoral ministry. Evaluation of the student focuses on personal integration. Seminary of the East course includes a Guided Learning Experience. Four or five hours.

PC652 (PC227) • Christian Spiritual Life: Henri Nouwen.
A study of major themes in the thought of Henri Nouwen (1932-1996), internationally one of the most influential Christian spiritual writers of our generation. The emphasis will be on primary sources, set in the framework of his life and development, and complemented by reflections from the instructor, who served as a teaching fellow with Nouwen during his Harvard years (1983-1985). The goal is for this experience to provide critical insights and personal values that will illuminate and encourage our lives as beloved and faithful children of the Lord. (Cognate credit with SP652 and HS652.) Four hours.

PC701 (PC201) • Change and Conflict in Christian Ministry.
Studies change agency and conflict in church contexts. Increases understanding of skills, threats, defenses, and resolution procedures. Encourages students to consider personal styles and approaches to conflict. Responses are learned in group process as well as wide exposure to the literature on conflict. (Cognate credit with ML701.) Four hours.

PC702 (PC202) • Practice and Process of Pastoral Counseling.
Study and practice in the fundamentals of counseling, using readings, recorded materials, and group process.

PC703 (PC203) • Christian Use of Counseling Theory.
Weighs the basic elements of counseling theory, and then compares secular and Christian examples of theory and practice. Each student is encouraged to develop an appropriate approach to counseling in a particular ministry population and setting. Four hours.

PC704 (PC204) • Supervised Counseling Practicum.
Under a local pastoral counseling supervisor, students work at developing skills and approaches that represent an appropriate Christian response to human problems. Prerequisite: PC500 or PC501. Four hours.

PC705 (PC205) • Clinical Pastoral Education.
Students contract under an accredited CPE center for a 400-hour supervised experience, usually in a hospital or nursing care center. CPE is particularly important for persons who plan to enter chaplaincy posts of various kinds, but it is also quite applicable to many other ministry settings. The credits may be applied as pastoral care electives, but in cases in which students plan on a counseling vocation, field education credit may be sought (one course). Supervisory fees are paid directly to the CPE center. This fee is deducted from the charges Bethel Seminary makes for the course credits for PC205. Prerequisite: PC500 or PC501. Up to 12 hours.

PC710 (PC210) • Pastoral Care of Youth.
Students with strong interest in youth ministry will focus on social, psychological, and spiritual issues of that developmental age group. Includes discussion of youth culture, youth identity crises, drug abuse, rebellion, evangelism, vocational issues, sex education, and parent-child conflict. (Cognate credit with DC710.) Four hours.

PC711 (PC211) • Marriage, Pre-Marriage, and Family Counseling.
Gives ministry students an overview of basic principles involved in marriage and family counseling for use in church, not clinical settings. Focuses on short-term counseling methodology. Four hours.

PC712 (PC212) • Marriage Enrichment and Leadership.
Students and spouses enter together into a marriage enrichment and communications experience. Background on the marriage enrichment (ME) movement is also provided, and guidelines are laid out for leadership of ME experiences. Christian principles for such prevention work are explained. (Cognate credit with SP712.) Four hours.

PC713 (PC213) • Pastoral Care of Children and Families.
This course explores two primary areas: pastoral care theory and skills, and issues in pastoral care of children and families. It introduces students to the minister’s functions with children and families, then guides them through practical applications in preventive teaching, intervention and care-giving, and shaping a healthy church community. Concepts such as parent-child conflict, families in perpetual crises, crisis intervention, child abuse, loss and grief, divorce, remarriage and step families, and ethical and legal issues will be addressed. Four hours.

PC720 (PC220) • Cross-Cultural Counseling.
Explores the role of the belief system in a variety of cultures from a psycho-social-theological perspective. The processes of self-examination, inquiry, and formulating counseling paradigms will be examined to gain insights that can be generalized to other belief systems. Students will explore the psychological effects of racism as factors used in counseling of the perpetrator, benefactor, and victim. Four hours.

PC721 (PC221) • Crisis Intervention.
Students will explore definitions, theories, and practice of crisis intervention as it is practiced in church-based systems and networks. Grief, illness, accidents, violent death, and related crises will be examined. Students will look at theological frameworks for doing this kind of ministry, and develop integrative syntheses for themselves. Four hours.

PC722 (PC222) • Chemical Dependency and the Church.
Students will explore addictive behaviors of all kinds including chemicals, sex, gambling, workaholism, and relationship compulsivity. Course includes a visit to a treatment center, testimonies from recovering addicts, and presentations by experts in the field. Pertinent biblical, theological, and historical information will be applied to church settings and prevention efforts in that context as well as cooperation with community-wide efforts with youth. Four hours.

PC723 (PC223) • Counseling through Experiences of Grief and Loss.
Students will explore their own losses, as well as the literature around bereavement, for purposes of counseling and pastoral care. Small group processing, as well as larger class discussion, will involve the student in preparation for dealing with this topic on all kinds of levels in church and community. Four hours.

PC731 (PC231) • Christian Wholeness.
Investigates biblical, historical, and contemporary information regarding Christian wholeness, health, and healing. Explores the role of prayer, spiritual formation, and self-care for maintenance of well-being, and applies the learning to church settings as well as to counseling events. Four hours.

PC732 (PC232) • Family of Origin and Self-Understanding.
Provides students with small group experience for giving attention to one’s own family history, and how issues remaining from one’s past can affect one’s ministry. Students make plans to gain sufficient liberty from these issues to be able to minister and lead more effectively. (Limited to 10 students.) Four hours.

PC738 (PC255) • Christian Ministries in Historical Perspective.
A survey of important models in the history of Christian ministries from the first century through the present day. Students will consider selected ministry themes, illustrated by classic and contemporary sources, within a chronological framework. The goal is for these “voices” to enlighten and inspire our lives in faithful, fruitful service for Jesus Christ and the Kingdom. (Cognate credit with HS738.) Four hours.

PC742 (PC242) • Ministering to Families.
Sees the modern family as an object of study with the objective of creating prevention-oriented educational ministries in churches. Studies issues such as divorce, crime, sexual issues, unemployment, social mobility, disintegrating social/family norms and sanctions, and plans ways of educating church attendees in ways to help them more successfully manage in today’s world. (Cognate credit with DC742.) Four hours.

PC744 (PC244) • Perspectives on Evil and Suffering.
Explores both the theological and the clinical aspects of helping persons who suffer with theological and existential doubt concerning the goodness of God and the presence of evil in the world. Attempts an integrated view of ministry from both a caregiver’s and theologian’s point of view. (Cognate credit with TS744.) Four hours.

PC745 (PC245) • Family Systems.
This course will discuss basic family dynamics with special emphasis given to encouraging students to develop a congruent theological and theoretical perspective on families. Relevant family topics will be addressed with opportunities for students to apply theoretical principles to actual family situations, including their own. Special attention will be given to a family’s interaction with the institutional church and ways in which pastors can minister more effectively to a broad range of families. (Cognate credit with DC745.) Four hours.

PC746 (PC251) • Small Groups in the Church.
Establishing healthy cell groups in local churches is the focus of this course. Specific congregational approaches are examined, including 3-C and meta-church models. The roles of study groups, support groups, and service groups are considered. The course also explores group development theory and its appropriate application to small groups in the church and other Christian organizations. It provides an opportunity for students to analyze their own styles of working with groups and to enhance their communication and leadership skills through direct group work in class and in a church setting. Life cycles of groups and their role within the congregation are studied. (Cognate credit with DC746.) Four hours.

PC747 (PC247) • Marriage, Family, and Friendship.
This course offers a biblical perspective on building a Christian marriage, premarital counseling, divorce and remarriage, human sexuality, healthy communication patterns/styles, and the giving and receiving of friendship. Students learn to recognize symptoms of disease in a family system and acquire methods for positive intervention. Includes a Guided Learning Experience. Seminary of the East only. Four hours.

PC748 (PC248) • Family-Based Youth Ministries.
Focuses on a model of church youth ministry that appreciates the role of parents and family systems on the spiritual growth and character development of adolescents. (Cognate credit with DC748.) Four hours.

PC670 (PC270) • Independent Study in Pastoral Care.
Research and study by arrangement with the professor. (Permission is required.)

Marriage and Family Studies

Carla M. Dahl
Ben K. Lim
G. Keith Olson
Steven J. Sandage

The primary focus of the courses in marriage and family studies (St. Paul and San Diego only) is to prepare students to function in the role of marriage and family specialists with a strong biblical and theological understanding of the need for and implications of this ministry of the church. This role could be practiced as a specialist in family ministries within a church setting, in a parish-based counseling practice or other kinds of parachurch or pastoral counseling agencies, in a secular community mental health center, or in other treatment settings requiring family expertise.

Objectives:

The M.A. program in Marriage and Family Therapy (M.F.T.) in St. Paul and the M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy in San Diego intend to prepare marriage and family specialists who are able to:

develop a professional identity as agents of formation and transformation who respond to God’s call to minister to couples, families, and other systems by intentionally integrating biblically grounded, professionally coherent theological and theoretical understandings with ethical clinical practice;
provide effective therapeutic responses (both preventive and interventive) in a broad range of settings, as previously described, for a wide variety of presenting issues;
demonstrate sensitivity and expertise in ministering to individuals, couples, families, and members of other systems who differ from themselves in areas such as culture, ethnicity, religious background, worldview, and value system; and
demonstrate emotional and spiritual maturity and wholeness, which enable them to reflect on their own continuing formation process in ways that enhance their personal relationships as well as their professional effectiveness.

The M.A.M.F.T. program is not intended for persons who will eventually seek ordination. However, the presence of the program in the seminary means that persons in the Master of Divinity track will be able to choose a concentration in marriage and family studies. Academic preparation in marriage and family studies and therapy is particularly relevant for seminarians. One’s current ministry is influenced by themes and experiences from one’s family of origin and adult relationships, and ministers function within congregational systems characterized by dynamics similar to those in families.

This program offers students a comprehensive, advanced opportunity to learn to:

understand their own family relationships in ways that enhance ministry;
offer effective programming for prevention and enrichment;
intervene appropriately with troubled couples and families; and
understand systemic dynamics in congregations and other organizations.

PC500 (PC100) is a prerequisite for students without an undergraduate/graduate degree in counseling or a related discipline:
PC500 (PC100) • Principles of Counseling.
This course is designed to provide a foundation of basic skills for persons who would like to enhance their therapy and pastoral care abilities. It combines theoretical understanding and hands-on practice of essential counseling microskills and can serve as the prerequisite counseling course for persons enrolling in or transferring to the M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy. Four hours.

MF500 (MF100) • Foundations of Marital and Family Therapy.
MF501 (MF101) • Foundations of Marriage and Family Studies.
These courses examine the historical development and theoretical foundations of marriage and family studies, as well as theological issues in the study of marriage and family and the practice of marriage and family therapy. Special attention is given to family systems theory. Students are encouraged to examine their own assumptions about families and to develop increased congruence between their theological convictions and their theoretical perspectives. Four hours.

MF502 (MF121) • Individual Development within the Family.
This course explores the development of individuals within the family over the life cycle. Childhood, adolescent, and adult development are examined with attention given to physical, spiritual, intellectual, and social development and their implications for the practice of therapy and pastoral care. St. Paul only. Four hours.

MF503 (MF131) • Theories of Marriage and Family Therapy.
Students review and critique, from theological and theoretical perspectives, major approaches to family therapy. Application of techniques from these approaches are practiced in class. Students also examine the place of marriage and family therapy in pastoral care and begin to articulate their own approaches to working with families. Recommended prerequisite: MF501, and MF551. St. Paul only. Four hours.

MF504 (MF146) • Theories of Marital Family Therapy I.
Students review and critique, from theological, spiritual, and theoretical perspectives, the major foundational approaches to family therapy. Application of techniques from these approaches are practiced in class. Students also examine the place of marriage and family therapy in pastoral care and begin to articulate their own approach to working with families. San Diego only. Four hours.

MF504L (MF146L) • Theories of MFT Lab I.
This lab affords students the opportunity to develop some comfort and competence using the clinical skills and interventions that are associated with the MFT theories being studied in MF504 Theories of Marital Family Therapy I. Watching videos of therapy sessions and participating in, observing, and critiquing role plays will stimulate the primary learning experiences. Students must enroll in MF504L concurrently with MF504. San Diego only. One hour.

MF505 (MF147) • Theories of Marital Family Therapy II.
Students review and critique, from theological, spiritual, and theoretical perspectives, the major newer approaches to family therapy that incorporate a postmodern worldview. Application of techniques from these approaches are practiced in class. Students continue to examine the place of marriage and family therapy in pastoral care and do additional work toward articulating their own approaches to working with families. Prerequisite: MF504. San Diego only. Four hours.

MF505L (MF147L) • Theories of MFT Lab II.
This lab affords students the opportunity to develop some comfort and competence using the clinical skills and interventions that are associated with the MFT theories being studied in MF505 Theories of Marital Family Therapy II. Watching videos of therapy sessions, and participating in, observing, and critiquing role plays will stimulate the primary learning experiences. Students must enroll in MF505L concurrently with MF505. San Diego only. One hour.

MF506 (MF125) • Individual Development and Family Life Cycle.
This course explores the development of individuals within the family over the life cycle and therapeutic strategies for addressing developmental issues. Childhood, adolescence, marriage preparation, transition to parenthood, parenting over the life cycle, work and family issues, and chronic illness are examined. Attention is given to physical, spiritual, intellectual, and social development and their implications for the practice of therapy and pastoral care. Prerequisite: MF504. San Diego only. Four hours.

MF551/557 (MF102/MF106) • Families in Context: Gender, Class, and Culture.
This course explores differences in family structure and interaction related to race, ethnicity, culture, and socioeconomic status. The influences of gender role perceptions are examined. Students identify challenges of providing therapy and pastoral care to families who differ from themselves in terms of gender, class, and culture. Prerequisite in San Diego: MF504. Four hours.

MF552 (MF122) • Challenges over the Family Life Cycle.

MF558 (MF124) • Family Challenges over the Life Cycle.
Students examine therapeutic strategies for addressing developmental issues throughout the family life cycle, such as marriage preparation, transition to parenthood, parenting over the life cycle, work and family issues, chronic illness, and aging. Recommended prerequisite in St. Paul: MF502. Four hours.

MF553 (MF132) • Marriage and Family Assessment.
Theoretical perspectives on marital and family assessment are presented, along with an overview of and experience with frequently used personality and relationship assessment tools. Students are encouraged to use their own profiles to identify opportunities for continuing spiritual, personal, and relational growth. Prerequisite: MF503. Recommended prerequisite: MF562. Four hours.

MF555 (MF134) • Professional and Ethical Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy.
MF560 (MF144) • Professional and Ethical Issues in Marital and Family Therapy.

These courses address legal and ethical situations arising in the practice of marital and family therapy and examine unique challenges of maintaining appropriate boundaries within ministry settings. Issues of professional development are discussed, and students are encouraged to develop strategies for continuing professional, personal, and spiritual growth. Recommended prerequisite in St. Paul: MF503. Prerequisite in San Diego: MF504. Four hours.

MF559 (MF139) • Psychological Assessment in MFT.
This course will familiarize students with the psychometric characteristics and limitations of both projective and standardized psychological, marital, and family assessment tools. Students will learn how to administer and score various instruments, interpret assessment data, and write clinical reports that will assist in diagnosis and treatment of individuals, couples, and families in therapy. The legal and ethical issues involved in the use of assessment measures, especially in diverse populations, will be discussed. Students are encouraged to use their own profiles to identify opportunities for continuing spiritual, personal, and relational growth. Prerequisite: MF504. San Diego only. Four hours.

MF561 (MF103) • Dynamics of Family Interaction: Sexuality, Spirituality, and Socialization.
This course analyzes dynamic processes of family and couple relationships such as love and intimacy; communication; shame; power; family stress; and coping. Family changes such as divorce, remarriage, and grief are also addressed. Special attention is given to the ways couples and families interact around issues of sexuality and spirituality. Students are encouraged to develop an awareness of the influences of these family dynamics in their own families of origin. Recommended prerequisites: MF501 or MF500 and MF551. Four hours.

MF562/564 (MF123/MF127) • Individual and Family Psychopathology.
This course helps students understand and identify individual and relational problems and gain awareness of abnormal and/or unhealthy development of individuals and relationships. The course includes introduction to and critique of DSM-IV diagnostic categories. Prerequisite in St. Paul: MF502. Prerequisites in San Diego: MF504 and MF506. Four hours.

MF563 (MF133) • Advanced Clinical Issues.
This course focuses on developing therapeutic and pastoral care strategies based on research, theory, and theological reflection to address issues such as separation and divorce, single-parent and remarried families, infertility, adultery, sexual dysfunction, abuse and violence in the family, and addictive and compulsive behaviors. Prerequisites: MF503 and MF561. Four hours.

MF565 (MF104) • Dynamics of Family Process.
The dynamic processes of family and couple relationships such as socialization, communication, shame, power, stress, and coping will be examined. Special attention will be given to spirituality and how families transition through divorce, remarriage, and grief. Students will be given opportunities to explore these dynamics in their own families of origin. Prerequisite: MF504. San Diego only. Two hours.

MF606 (MF126) • Psychopharmacology and Marital and Family Therapy.
Students will gain a historical perspective of the use of medication in treating mental disorders within the context of social, cultural, gender, and religious issues. The central focus will be on the major classifications of psychotropic drugs, specifying their psychiatric uses, benefits, side effects, toxicities, combinations, and biochemical actions. This course will also explore how MFTs can best work with medical practitioners in providing more comprehensive client care. Prerequisites: MF504, MF506, and MF564. San Diego only. Three hours.

MF608 (MF128) • Sexuality and Intimacy in Couples and Families.
This course analyzes the dynamic processes of love, intimacy, and sexuality in couple and family relationships from spiritual and systems perspectives. Special focus is given to human sexuality including strategies for enhancing the sexual experience, as well as diagnosing and treating sexual dysfunctions within the context of marital and family therapy. This course satisfies the California BBS requirement of a minimum of 10 contact hours of course work in human sexuality. Prerequisite: MF504. San Diego only. Two hours.

MF653 (MF136) • Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Marriage and Family Therapy.
This course introduces the student to the fundamental skills necessary for mental health diagnostic assessment and treatment planning. Students will learn and practice the skills essential to the first three sessions of family treatment. Both medical model and systems integration will be addressed so that students may become bilingual in their ability to negotiate professional relationships with insurance companies, Rule 29 agencies, and other professionals who use a medical model as their primary approach to mental health, while retaining an inherently systemic approach to treatment. Prerequisites: MF503. Recommended prerequisite: MF553. St. Paul only. Three hours.

MF654 (MF135) • Research Design and Evaluation in Marriage and Family Therapy.
MF655 (MF145) • Research Design and Evaluation in Marital and Family Therapy.
Students explore the interpretation and design of qualitative and quantitative research in family issues and in processes and outcomes of marriage and family therapy. Principles of understanding and critiquing published research are examined with the goal of enabling students to use current literature to ground their therapeutic and pastoral responses to family concerns. Prerequisites in St. Paul: MF501 and MF503. Prerequisite in San Diego: MF504. Four hours.

Supervised Clinical Experience I-IV.
St. Paul: MF701, 702, 703, 704 (MF151, 152, 153, 154)
These four units, of which students are required to take three, constitute a nine-month practicum including 300 hours of clinical contact and 75 hours of supervision by a licensed marriage and family therapist and/or an AAMFT-approved supervisor. The practicum must conform to the guidelines of the Commission on Accreditation of Marriage and Family Therapy Education and the M.F.T. program manual. A continuation fee of $250 will be assessed for any quarter of participation in group supervision beyond the third S.C.E. unit for M.F.T. students, or for any extension required in certificate programs. Prerequisite: Permission of the director of the M.F.T. program. Nine hours.

San Diego: MF705, 706, 707, 708 (MF151, 152, 153, 154)
These four units constitute a 12-month practicum including 500 hours of clinical contact and a minimum of 100 hours of supervision by a qualified California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, AAMFT-approved supervisor, and/or other approved supervisor. The practicum fulfills the requirements of the BBS for face-to-face experience counseling individuals, couples, families, or groups. A continuation fee of $250 will be assessed for any quarter of participation in group supervision beyond the fourth S.C.E. unit for M.F.T. students, or for any extension required in L.P.S. programs. Prerequisite: Passing the practicum qualifying exam, and permission of the M.F.T. program administrator. Nine hours (MF705, three hours; MF706-708, two hours each).

MF718 (MF148) • Child Abuse Assessment and Intervention.
In addition to learning California laws regarding assessing and reporting child abuse, students will be exposed to research, theories, and spiritual perspectives about perpetrators, victims, assessment, and interventions in child abuse cases. This course satisfies the California BBS requirements for seven hours of instruction in child abuse prevention, assessment, and reporting. Prerequisite: MF504. San Diego only. One hour.

MF719 (MF149) • Substance Abuse Assessment and Intervention.
Students will be exposed to research and theories of ideology, progression, assessment, and treatment of alcoholism and other chemical substance abuse and dependency. Spiritual, psychosocial, and biological perspectives will be integrated. This course meets California BBS requirements for a minimum of 15 hours of specific instruction in alcoholism and other chemical substance dependency. Prerequisite: MF504. San Diego only. Two hours.

MF720 (MF150) • Domestic Violence Assessment and Intervention.
The focus of this course includes California laws, research, theories, and spiritual perspectives regarding detection, assessment, and intervention in cases of spousal or partner abuse. California BBS requirements for specific instruction in this area are met in this course. Prerequisite: MF504. San Diego only. Two hours.

MF726 (MF156) • Aging and Long-Term Care: MFT Perspectives.
Aging is accompanied by many developmental, psychosocial, and contextual changes that affect every domain of the individual’s life. Focus will be given to normal aging and differential diagnosis between depression, complicated bereavement, and dementia, along with their treatments. Emphasis will be given to psychotherapeutic, pastoral, and psychopharmacologic treatments for geriatric clients. This course meets California BBS requirements of 10 hours of instruction in aging and long-term care. Prerequisite: MF504. San Diego only. One hour.

MF740 (MF240) • Personal Formation of the Christian Therapist.
Students will examine the development of their selves as therapists, giving special attention to the influences from their families of origin, spirituality, sense of self, personal maturity, gender, cultural, and ethnic background. Particular focus will be given to what it means to be a Christian therapist. Prerequisites: MF504 and MF505. San Diego only. Two hours.

MF741 (MF241) • Spiritual Formation in Couples and Families.
Spiritual formation will be studied with a scope that expands to the relationship dynamics in couples and families. Developmental, theological, and systems perspectives will be integrated, and implications for clinical work will be given focus. Prerequisites: MF504 and MF505. San Diego only. Two hours.

MF742 (MF242) • Therapy with Children.
Developmental considerations for conducting therapy with pre-adolescent children will be explored within the systems context. Students will learn a variety of treatment approaches including play, art, sand tray, and group therapies. Legal and ethical issues associated with therapy for minors as well as special characteristics and competencies required for doing therapy with pre-adolescent clients will be explored. Prerequisites: MF504, MF505, and MF506. San Diego only. Two hours.

MF743 (MF243) • Therapy with Adolescents.
Developmental considerations for conducting therapy with adolescents will be explored within the systems context. Students will learn a variety of individual, family, and group treatment approaches. Legal and ethical issues associated with therapy for minors as well as special characteristics and competencies required for doing therapy with adolescent clients will be explored. Prerequisites: MF504, MF505, and MF506. San Diego only. Two hours.

MF744 (MF244) • Therapy with Couples.
Spiritual, developmental, and psychosocial dynamics in couple relationships along with research and theoretical perspectives on therapy with couples will be examined from a systems perspective. Various forms of coupling like marriage, cohabitation, and gay and lesbian partnering will be examined in light of their particular needs and challenges to the Christian therapist. Prerequisites: MF504, MF505, and MF506. San Diego only. Two hours.

MF745 (MF245) • Therapy with Groups.
The major approaches to group therapy will be presented with an emphasis on process groups. The strategies and techniques as well as the role and characteristics of effective leaders will be explored. Therapy groups will be differentiated from self-help, 12-step, care groups, and other group experiences. The place of group therapy in MFT practice and pastoral care will be examined. Prerequisites: MF504 and MF505. San Diego only. Two hours.

MF746 (MF246) • Assessment and Treatment of Addictive Processes.
Students will explore the spiritual, psychological, and interpersonal processes involved in a wide variety of addictive and compulsive behaviors including sex, gambling, work, substance abuse, religious activity, eating, and relationship compulsivity. This course covers a broader spectrum of compulsive behaviors than MF719 (substance abuse), which deals only with substance abuse and dependence. Prerequisites: MF504, MF505, and MF719. San Diego only. Two hours.

MF747 (MF247) • Crisis Intervention and Trauma Response.
This course focuses on acute emergency mental health intervention that covers the Critical Incident Stress Management fundamentals and protocols needed to respond to emotional trauma associated with natural as well as human-caused disasters and crises such as earthquake, fire, death, suicide, injury, threat, and terror. Steps to lessen the potential negative impact of such crises and the prevention of possible post-trauma syndromes for both the primary and secondary victims of trauma will be described. Appropriate follow-up services using government and faith-based resources and referrals will be discussed. Students will identify compassion fatigue risk factors and learn self-care strategies. Prerequisites: MF504, MF505, and MF564. San Diego only. Two hours.

MF751 (MF161) • Integration Seminar: Worldview, Ethics, and Practice.
This seminar is designed to encourage students to integrate theoretical, theological, and clinical elements into a coherent worldview that will facilitate congruence in professional therapy and ministry practice. Attention will be given to epistemological theories in shaping integrative knowledge; the moral nature of clinical practice, research, and theory; and the value of the paradigms of virtue ethics and wisdom for effective ministry to individuals and families. St. Paul: Limited to graduating seniors in the M.A.M.F.T., M.Div./M.F.S., or M.Div./P.C. degree programs. Four hours.

MF/TS755 (MF/TS267) • Theology and MFT Theory: An Integrative Seminar.
This course is an investigation of human nature and Christology from both theological and psychological perspectives. Different theories of human nature are considered in relation to a theological understanding of imago dei. The consequences of the fall on the human person and race are appraised theologically and clinically. The effect of redemption from sin through Christ is compared and contrasted to psychopathology and therapeutic effectiveness. Students will contemplate the person and example of Christ and explore ways in which they can be incarnational in practice to bring about change and healing to a hurting humanity. This course will assist M.F.T. students to write the Senior M.F.T. Paper. The class will be team taught by a theology professor and a marital and family therapy professor. Prerequisites: MF504 and TS501. San Diego only. Four hours.

The Bethel Seminary Catalog is provided online as a convenience for those who desire course information in electronic form. The printed version of the Bethel Seminary catalog is the official version, and it will be treated as the document of record in all seminary business.