MDiv with a Pastoral Care and Counseling Concentration
You need to prepare yourself for the types of ministry that will be expected of you as a pastor—it’s not all sermons and preaching. Often, you’ll encounter brokenness in your congregants and staff that require you to engage in the ministry of counseling. The master of divinity with a concentration in pastoral care and counseling blends well-rounded biblical, theological, and pastoral training with the tools and resources you need to competently meet the counseling demands you’ll face with those in crisis.
While this concentration does not lead to the qualifications for counseling licensure, it does combine solid biblical training with psychological principles. Your internship will allow you to practice your pastoral counseling skills in off-campus settings, such as traditional churches, parachurch organizations, rescue missions, and some healthcare settings. With this education in pastoral care and counseling, you will be ready to provide comprehensive pastoral ministry to those God places in your care.
How Can I Use This Degree?
You will be prepared for all kinds of pastoral positions, including:
- All pastoral church positions
- Pastoral counselors
- Pastors of congregational care and outreach
- Marriage and family counseling pastors
- Pastors within community settings
What Courses Will I Take?
See each course you will take for this program by reviewing our degree worksheet and academic catalog:
Where is the MDiv Pastoral Care and Counseling concentration offered?
How many credit hours is the MDiv Pastoral Care and Counseling concentration?
How long does it take to complete this degree?
3 years (full-time study)
What are the Program Requirements?
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited undergraduate institution
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5
- Completion of the application for admission and all required application documents
Counseling Faculty
- Eva Bleeker, EdD
- Krystal Clemons, PhD
- Janet R. McCormack, DMin
- Elizabeth (Liz) Norris, PhD
- Loretta Sanchez, PhD
- Eric Suddeath, PhD
- Michell Temple, PhD
- Paula Tipton, PhD
- Adam Wilson, PhD
Faculty Highlight
Dr. Loretta Sanchez joined Denver Seminary in 2023. She holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of the Cumberlands, and an MEd in Educational Psychology (School Counseling track) and a BA in Music-Music Education from the University of Texas-Pan American. Dr. Sanchez is also a school counselor at Dr. William Long Elementary and a Licensed Professional Counselor with Payson Counseling Group.
Prior to joining Denver Seminary, Dr. Sanchez taught courses on human growth and development, grief and crisis in counseling, play therapy, and child and adolescent, group, and career counseling at the University of the Cumberlands. She is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Level I and II and is a Registered Play Therapist with the Association of Play Therapy.
For more information about this degree program, please contact the Admissions Office or call 303.762.6937.