Bethel Virtual Seminary
Congregation and Family Care
In a generation characterized by increasing family and societal disintegration and by larger numbers of emotionally wounded people seeking help through the church, the call for preventive strategies and therapeutic responses by Christian practitioners is ever-increasing. This track is designed for pastors, church staff, and leaders in Christian organizations. It will develop an increased understanding of systems (including family systems) and proficiency in both strategies and skills for effective pastoral care with individuals and groups.
Concentration: Spiritual Formation (SF)
For persons who desire to focus primarily on developing their own spirituality and their capacity to lead in processes designed to deepen the spirituality of individuals and groups.
- Personal Spiritual Development
- Church Renewal and Revitalization
- Spiritual Disciplines and Practices
- Spiritual Identity and Behavior
Concentration: Pastoral Care (PC)
For persons who desire to focus primarily on the care of both the pastor/leader and the community to which they minister.
- Pastoral Counseling and Conflict Resolution
- Life Stages and Family Systems Ministry
- Relational and Interpersonal Dynamics
- Spiritual Accountability, Discipline, and Restoration
Concentration: Marriage and Family Studies (FS)
For persons who desire to focus primarily on developing their skills for effective pastoral care with individuals and groups.
- Family Processes and Structures
- Theological Themes and Ministry Issues with Couples and Families
- Prevention, Enrichment, and Intervention
- Families in Context
Generalist (G)
While students are encouraged to select an area of concentration, some may desire to take courses in several areas without specifying a particular concentration. Students must still declare a track and take three core courses in that track.
Bethel Seminary Catalog