Counseling in Ministry

DSC07822
Program Overview

Why Study Counseling in Ministry at TFC?

The Counseling in Ministry concentration within the Counseling Psychology degree program provides additional training for students who desire to use their degree within the context of ministry.  This concentration provides a more focused approach to the integration of Christianity and counseling and the practice of counseling ministry. Psychology and theology are integrated while retaining priority on evangelical doctrine and biblical authority. This option helps students to understand how to work within various cultural settings with additional training in marriage and family therapy and addiction counseling.

Students are encouraged to seek emotional wholeness and spiritual maturity, realizing healthy persons make better counselors. Counseling psychology graduates with a concentration in counseling in ministry hope to use their degree in a ministry setting. The concentration utilizes focused courses to best help prepare students to apply their counseling knowledge within the context of a ministry setting. This option helps students to understand how to work within various cultural settings with additional training in marriage and family therapy and addiction counseling.

Toccoa Falls College students smiling, exiting a building
Minors:
  • Multi-Generational Ministries
  • Outdoor Leadership & Education
  • Pastoral Ministries
  • Youth Ministries
Program Video

Counseling Psychology

“If you have a heart for God and a passion for helping people, I’m confident you will find no better program to support your growth and your education than the program here in the counseling psychology department at Toccoa Falls College.”

Nicole Brown, M.A.
Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology

counseling-psycology-video-still
2DE72EA6-4DBB-457F-8715-022151B5D1AC
Degree Layout

Counseling in Ministry Courses

Our Counseling Psychology degree is a 126 hour program that includes 69 hours of general education courses (including 30 hours of Bible and Theology), 15 hours of open electives, and 42 hours in Counseling Psychology-specific courses (18 of which are hours dedicated to the Counseling in Ministry concentration).

Featured Courses:

  • Marriage & Family Therapy
  • Counseling for Addictions
  • Spiritual Care & Counseling
  • Counseling across cultures
Josh Abernathy

Testimonial

My degree and experience from Toccoa Falls College equipped me in ways that I could never have expected when I first chose my major. Although I did not end up as a professional counselor, the education and gospel centered filter from which classes were taught prepared me to work in both the faith based and secular environments I have found myself in over the last 20 years. As a pastor for over 15 years, I have used the counseling skills and foundation I received in just about every capacity and position I have been in. At TFC I was able to explore my gifts and passions creatively, while also being prepared professionally for service.
Josh Abernathy, Class of 2006
DSC_5271
Career Choices

What can you do with a Counseling in Ministry concentration?

The counseling psychology degree programs at TFC are uniquely designed to provide students with the skills they need within the framework of a Christian environment. Our graduates are able to work closely with their clients in an empathetic and compassionate manner, and they are able to rely on their Christian background in order to provide them with faith-based counseling services. In addition, they develop practical skills, such as how to evaluate a client, how to maintain accurate records and how to develop a treatment plan that is customized to meet the needs of the individual. The Christian counseling psychology degree is a specialized degree program that prepares graduates for a successful career in their chosen field. Some of the counseling psychology jobs that are available include:

Pastor/Church Director

Many graduates who study counseling in ministry in go on to pursue their calling to become a pastor or a variety a full time church ministry roles. There are opportunities to specialize as a pastor, such as working as a youth pastor or serving as a teaching pastor. In some cases, graduates go on to become church directors, specifically responsible for the counseling ministry within the church.

Counseling Psychologist

Most students who earn a degree in counseling psychology go on to work as a counseling psychologist. Counseling psychologists work with a diverse range of clients, often helping them learn how to manage their stress, improve their emotional health and minimize negative behaviors.

Group Counselor

A group counselor often works with clients in group-based settings, facilitating discussions and helping group members learn how to relate to one another.

Clinical Social Worker

A clinical social worker may work in a school, a hospital, in private practice or for a non-profit organization. They advocate for the needs of their clients and work to connect them with helpful community resources.

Meet the Professors

Counseling in Ministry