PM202 — Pastoral Care and Counseling Foundations

Foundations of listening, grief support, visitation, ethical care, safeguarding and appropriate referrals.

Program: Certificate in Pastoral Ministry (non-accredited). Prerequisite: PM101 and PM104. Format: Self-paced written lessons, quizzes, and assignments. Note: This training does not confer academic credit, professional licensure, or ordination.

What You Will Learn

• Explain major biblical and theological principles relevant to the subject.
• Apply responsible interpretation and ethical reasoning to ministry situations.
• Produce written and practical work demonstrating ministry readiness.

Course Overview

Foundations of listening, grief support, visitation, ethical care, safeguarding and appropriate referrals.

This course contains 16 lessons, each with guided reading, reflection, a written assignment and four knowledge-check questions. Students should consult relevant biblical texts and credible references, and complete work in their own words.

Assessment

Complete all lessons and assignments; recommended minimum score: 70%. The program-wide final project is assessed separately in PM304.

Prerequisites

PM101 and PM104

Course Lessons

1. The Purpose of Pastoral Care
2. Compassionate Listening
3. Asking Helpful Questions
4. Confidentiality and Its Limits
5. Pastoral Boundaries
6. Grief and Bereavement
7. Visiting the Sick
8. Care During Family Conflict
9. Supporting People in Crisis
10. Recognizing Mental Health Needs
11. Referral to Qualified Professionals
12. Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults
13. Responding to Abuse Disclosures
14. Prayer and Spiritual Support
15. Caring for Caregivers
16. Building a Pastoral Care Plan