PC 411 Course at a Glance

Complex Problems in Pastoral Care

Lectures By: Michael Gembola

Effective for the Academic Year: 2024-2025

Course Description

Building off of PC 111 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling, this elective course takes a deep dive into complex counseling issues you may encounter in your ministry. We will spend a brief time reviewing biblical frameworks and foundations before learning about complex suffering (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety/OCD/scrupulosity, and traumatic suffering) and family struggles (e.g., divorce, domestic violence, sexuality issues).

Books to Purchase

The books listed below are required readings which students should acquire by the start of the term.Additional required readings will be listed in the course syllabus and available electronically in Canvas.

Dangerous Passions, Deadly Sins: Learning from the Psychology of Ancient Monks
by Dennis Okholm
Brazos Press, 2017
ISBN: 9781587433535
Grace for the Afflicted: A Clinical and Biblical Perspective on Mental Illness
by Matthew S. Stanford
InterVaristy, 2017
ISBN: 9780830845071

Estimated Workload

Please note, the Winter Term is an accelerated 4-week term. Please expect at least 4x the workload listed here which is calculated based on a normal, full-length term.

Lectures Readings Assignments
0.9 56.2 2.1
Hours Per Week Pages Per Week Hours Per Week

Course Assignments

The assignments listed below are provided for general guidance for students to reference as they plan and register. Please reach out to support@wts.edu if you have any questions.

  • 1 - Goldilocks (15%)
  • 1 - Sexuality Issues (20%)
  • 1 - Collaborative Care (25%)
  • 1 - Independent Research (30%)
  • 4 - Live Class Meetings (10%)

Synchronous Meeting Times

Please note this course meets for synchronous sessions listed below. You are required to attend these sessions, but an alternate assignment may be submitted if you are unable. If you cannot attend regularly, then please reach out to support@wts.edu before registering for the course.

  • The Following Meetings Time are for the Winter 2025 Term
  • Live Class Meeting 1: Wednesday, Jan. 8, 8-9:30am ET
  • Live Class Meeting 2: Wednesday, Jan. 15, 8-9:30am ET
  • Live Class Meeting 3: Wednesday, Jan. 22, 8-9:30am ET
  • Live Class Meeting 4: Wednesday, Jan. 29, 8-9:30am ET