TM 522: Pastoral Care and Counseling in Multicultural Contexts

This course covers the theory and practice of pastoral care and counseling in the local church setting. It seeks to integrate personal faith development and compassionate ministry of the pastor or church leader with critical insights and caring strategies of the helping professions and the discipline of pastoral theology. Specific emphasis will be given to the development of spiritual relationship in multicultural, cross-cultural context; understanding of black socio- religious experience; and the black family in American society. A particular concern will be given to such topics as human sexuality, adolescent and youth issues, emotional, substance and physical abuse, marriage and family dynamics, and the care of the elderly. The students will be engaged in exploring effective ways to address these challenges and minister to the needs identified.