The work of the Christian ministry has many emotional hazards.  This seminar will examine these hazards as they pertain to the mental and spiritual health of the minister, attempt to assist the minister in identifying the areas of potential personal weakness and provide resources for dealing with the problems that arise in ministry.  Attention will be given to aspects of the minister's personal and family life, roles and role conflicts, problems of anger, depression, assertiveness, relationships, etc., as well as to techniques for modifying behavior.   

What Others Have Thought:  

"This course should be required for all pastors. I only wish I had taken it earlier!" 

"Encouraged me to become a healthier person and, therefore, a better minister." 

Course Project:   

All students will write a personal response to the issues covered by the lectures.  A critical self-evaluation written either as an autobiography or with a focus on a specific personal problem area is recommended.   

Sample Readings From This Course May Include:   

Anderson, Ray S. Christians Who Counsel: The Vocation of Wholistic Therapy. Pasadena, CA: Fuller Press, 1990. 

Cloud, Henry, and John Townsend. Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life. Zondervan, 1992.  

Hart, Archibald D. Counseling the Depressed. Word Books, 1987. 

Lee, Cameron, and Jack Balswick.  Life in a Glass House: The Minister's Family and the Local Congregation. Zondervan, 1990.    

If you would like more information about this course please email the DMIN office at dmin@fuller.edu 

For a sample course description please click here.  NOTE: This is not to be used as a source for course preparation.