Counseling Ministry, MA

What is the Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry (MACM)?

The Master of Arts in Counseling Minstry is a one-year biblically-based, academically-integrated program that trains students in developing a ministry of people-helping within a variety of ministry contexts, including congregational ministry, pastoral ministry, chaplain ministry, family ministry, and lay ministry.

Who is the MACM for?

It is designed for ministers, professional counselors, lay persons and others interested in counseling from a decidedly Biblical Worldview and accurate knowledge of human behavior offered by the Behavioral Sciences. The program emphasizes a sound understanding of behavioral science and pastoral approaches to counseling combined with a thorough understanding of Theology as a Behavioral Science.

What will students learn?

Three major emphasis of the program are:

Theology: Students will learn a solid Biblical understanding of human beings, human problems, and solutions.
Biblical Community: Students will learn how congregations practicing biblical commands for relating can create a healing environment for troubled people. This is an emphasis unique to the MACM.
Practical Counseling Ministry: Students will learn how to apply Biblical principles in developing a rubust ministry of people-helping within their local congregation and ministry contexts.

Counseling Ministry is the application of revealed truth (Scripture) to everyday life with its challenges and struggles. Its purpose is to instruct, advise, guide and counsel the people of God according to the revealed will of God through the covenants, confessions and commandments found in the Scriptures and as applied in the context of Judaism and Christianity. It involves knowledgeable persons assisting unlearned or errant persons in addressing specific problems or life situations with the specific intent of solving or coping with the problem or situation in a manner acceptable to God.

The Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry is also available as a dual degree with Master of Science in Counseling Psychology - Counseling Ministry, MA and Counseling Psychology, MS

This program does not prepare students for state licensure.

Admission Requirements

Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry Admission Requirements

Admission standards for Graduate Studies at California Baptist University can be found in the Admissions section of the University Catalog. Specific application requirements for the Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry are:

Grade Point Average
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for unconditional admission and a minimum GPA of 2.75 is required for conditional admission
- Applicants with a 2.75 or lower GPA may be considered for conditional acceptance upon consideration of the entire admission application
Prerequisites
- An introductory course in Anthropology, Behavioral Science, Psychology, or Sociology
- Sufficient knowledge of Systematic Theology as determined by the program director
Two Recommendations, completed on forms provided, from sources who can address an applicant’s potential for success. It is preferred at least one recommendation be from a professor or instructor. Family members and friends may not complete recommendations.
Comprehensive Essay of at least 500 words that includes the following:
- Purpose for entering the program
- Experiences that have directed the applicant’s interest toward becoming a counseling minister
- Religious background, present pattern of spiritual growth, fundamentals of personal faith and the relationship between the applicant’s faith and professional goals
- Reasons for choosing to study at California Baptist University
- Influences that have shaped the applicant’s present values and approach to life
Successful interview(s) with the Director of the Counseling Ministry program

Program Requirements (33 units)

Core Requirements

Comprehensive Examination

Students graduating from the graduate program in Counseling Ministry will be required to successfully complete a seven (7) hours written comprehensive examination. Information regarding possible content and format of the examination may be obtained in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences office.