Doctor of Theology in Christian Counseling Program Description

Doctor of Theology in Christian Counseling (Th.D.) – Online Program Description

The Doctor of Theology in Christian Counseling (Th.D.) is a 40–semester–hour advanced doctoral program designed to equip pastors and Christian leaders with a strong biblical and theological foundation in counseling. This program prepares individuals to serve parishioners with wisdom, discernment, and compassion by integrating sound theology,  biblical counseling principles, and practical ministry application. It is ideal for those called to shepherd, teach, counsel, and lead within church and faith-based ministry settings.

Each student will be assigned a mentor to help them throughout the program.

Arno Profile System (APS) Reports are $30 each; 15 are required. They are tests that  provide a personal temperament client inventory

Dissertation Required, 6 Credits

Pre-requisite: A Master's degree (Any discipline)

Application Fee:   $125 - One-time charge

Tuition:  $399 per 3 credit hours

Graduation Fees: $125

Dissertation: $425 (compilation of 15 APS case studies) 

1. VR 1T Temperament Theory

 NCCA Temperament Theory is a foundational course in Christian counseling that teaches the God-given design of human personality and behavior. Rooted in biblical principles, the course explains how individuals are created with distinct temperament needs in the areas of Inclusion, Control, and Affection. Students learn how these inborn needs influence emotions, relationships, communication, and decision-making.

Through this course, counselors gain insight into how unmet temperament needs can lead to emotional struggles and relational conflict, and how meeting those needs in a Christ-centered way brings healing and growth. Temperament Theory provides the biblical and practical framework for effective Christian counseling and serves as the foundation for temperament-based therapy and the Arno Profile System (APS).

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the biblical foundation and purpose of NCCA Temperament Theory as it relates to Christian counseling.
2. Identify and describe the three core temperament needs—Inclusion, Control, and Affection—and their influence on personality and behavior.
3. Analyze how temperament needs affect emotions, relationships, communication, and decision-making.
4. Evaluate how unmet temperament needs contribute to emotional struggles and relational conflict.
5. Apply Temperament Theory and the Arno Profile System (APS) as a foundational framework for Christ-centered counseling, healing, and personal growth.

VR 2T Testing/Measurements

Testing and Measurements is a core course in Christian counseling that equips students to accurately assess personality, temperament, and emotional needs using approved counseling instruments. The course focuses on the proper administration, scoring, and interpretation of assessment tools—particularly the Arno Profile System (APS)—within a biblical and ethical framework. Students learn how to use testing results to identify underlying needs, understand behavior patterns, and develop effective, Christ-centered counseling strategies while maintaining professionalism, accuracy, and ethical responsibility. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the purpose and role of testing and measurement within Christian counseling practice.
2. Demonstrate proper administration and scoring of approved counseling assessment instruments, including the Arno Profile System (APS).
3. Interpret assessment results to identify temperament traits, emotional needs, and behavior patterns.
4. Apply testing data to develop accurate, ethical, and Christ-centered counseling strategies.
5. Practice professional and ethical standards in the use of psychological and temperament assessments within a biblical framework.

VR 3T Temperament Therapy

Temperament Therapy is a practical Christian counseling course that builds upon Temperament Theory and focuses on applying biblical principles to meet an individual’s God-given temperament needs. Students learn how unmet needs in Inclusion, Control, and Affection affect emotions, behavior, and relationships, and how to guide counselees toward healing and balance.

The course equips counselors with step-by-step strategies to use temperament insights in real counseling situations, helping individuals, couples, and families experience restoration, improved relationships, and spiritual growth through Christ-centered therapy.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the principles and purpose of Temperament Therapy within a Christ-centered counseling framework.
2. Analyze how unmet temperament needs in Inclusion, Control, and Affection affect emotions, behavior, and relationships.
3. Apply temperament-based interventions to guide individuals toward emotional healing and spiritual balance.
4. Utilize step-by-step counseling strategies to address temperament needs in individuals, couples, and families.
5. Integrate biblical principles with Temperament Therapy to promote restoration, healthy relationships, and spiritual growth.

CC 607 Temperament Case Studies

The candidate will learn firsthand the counseling model used by NCCA members and graduates. These case studies use the counseling method taught by NCCA and incorporate other testing instruments with this model.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the NCCA counseling model as applied in real-life counseling situations.
2. Analyze temperament-based case studies using approved NCCA counseling methods.
3. Integrate multiple testing instruments within the temperament counseling framework.
4. Evaluate counseling interventions and outcomes based on case study analysis.
5. Apply ethical, professional, and biblical principles when working through temperament case studies.

GBTH 692 Christ Our Healer

This course deals with the healing ministry of Jesus. It explains God’s will for healing today, even as it was His will in ancient times. The subject of faith is also addressed in this commentary. The relation of sickness to sin is discussed in great detail.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the biblical foundation of Jesus’ healing ministry and its significance within the Gospel narrative.
2. Analyze God’s will for healing as revealed in Scripture, affirming its continuity from biblical times to the present.
3. Examine the role of faith in healing, including its biblical definition and practical expression.
4. Evaluate the relationship between sickness and sin from a biblical and theological perspective.
5. Apply principles of Christ-centered healing to ministry, counseling, and pastoral care contexts.

GBTH 620 The Holy Spirit

This course in pneumatology defines the works and teachings of the Holy Spirit in relationship to the Messianic Kingdom of God. The course defines the Trinity, the personality of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit‘s works in the Old Testament, Baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the Nine Spiritual Gifts.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the doctrine of the Trinity with particular emphasis on the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
2. Describe the personality and divine attributes of the Holy Spirit within biblical theology.
3. Analyze the works of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament and their fulfillment in the Messianic Kingdom of God.
4. Explain the biblical teaching on the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and its significance for believers.
5. Identify and describe the Nine Spiritual Gifts and their operation within the life of the Church and the Kingdom of God.

GBTH 640 Covenants

This course discusses all the Old Testament Covenants, how they culminate in the Messianic Covenant, and how they offer us valuable insights for today’s society. The true biblical definition of the word “covenant” is discussed, along with its relevance to our modern world. It also compares the word covenant from both the Old and New Testament perspectives.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the true biblical definition of covenant and its theological significance in Scripture.
2. Identify and describe the major Old Testament covenants and their purposes within God’s redemptive plan.
3. Analyze how the Old Testament covenants culminate in the Messianic Covenant.
4. Compare Old Testament and New Testament perspectives on covenant, emphasizing continuity and fulfillment.
5. Apply covenant principles to contemporary faith, society, and ministry contexts.

GCCS 610 Crisis Counseling 1

This course provides a comprehensive biblical and practical framework for Christian crisis counseling, equipping students to minister effectively during times of trauma, disaster, emotional breakdown, and acute life disruption. Emphasis is placed on understanding the nature of crisis, the spiritual and psychological impact of trauma, and the role of the Christian counselor as a stabilizing and redemptive presence.

Students will explore crisis theory, stages of trauma response, grief processes, suicide intervention, disaster response, and post-crisis restoration. The course integrates biblical principles, temperament understanding, and practical intervention strategies to help individuals regain emotional stability and spiritual clarity during overwhelming situations.

Special attention is given to short-term stabilization techniques, compassionate listening, prayer ministry, ethical boundaries, and referral procedures. Students will learn how to respond wisely and confidently to emergencies while remaining grounded in Christ-centered care and professional responsibility.

The course prepares counselors, pastors, and ministry leaders to become calm, Spirit-led responders who bring hope, structure, and biblical truth into moments of chaos—reflecting the heart of Christ, who came “to heal the brokenhearted” (Luke 4:18).

Learning Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Define crisis counseling and explain the biblical and psychological foundations of crisis intervention.
    
2. Identify the stages of crisis and trauma response, including shock, denial, emotional flooding, and stabilization phases.
    
3. Assess immediate emotional, spiritual, and safety needs during acute crisis situations using structured intervention models.
    
4. Apply Christ-centered stabilization techniques, including grounding strategies, prayer, Scripture application, and active listening skills.
    
5. Differentiate between crisis counseling and long-term therapy, understanding the goals, time frames, and ethical boundaries of each.
    
6. Respond appropriately to high-risk situations, including suicidal ideation, domestic violence, abuse, disaster trauma, and grief emergencies.
    
7. Develop referral and follow-up plans to ensure continued care beyond the immediate crisis phase.
    
8. Demonstrate ethical decision-making and professional responsibility when providing emergency and short-term counseling services.
    
9. Integrate temperament understanding into crisis response, recognizing how different personality structures react under stress.
    
10. Formulate a biblically grounded crisis care plan that restores hope, promotes resilience, and guides individuals toward emotional and spiritual recovery.

GCCS - 620 Crisis Counseling ll 

This course expands the student’s understanding of Christian crisis counseling by examining specific life crises that commonly affect individuals and families. Emphasis is placed on practical counseling strategies and biblical responses to crises such as death, divorce, childhood trauma, adolescent struggles, life transitions, and challenges faced by military personnel.

Students will learn to recognize emotional and spiritual responses to major life disruptions and develop compassionate intervention strategies that restore hope, stability, and faith. The course also explores personality-related stress patterns, crisis assessment techniques, confidentiality, and the responsible use of Scripture, prayer, and referrals in counseling practice.

Through biblical insight and practical counseling tools, students are prepared to respond wisely and ethically to individuals facing severe emotional distress, guiding them toward healing, spiritual strength, and renewed purpose in Christ. Crisis Counseling II Commentary

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Identify major categories of personal crises, including death, divorce, childhood trauma, adolescent challenges, and transitional life crises.
    
2. Explain the emotional, psychological, and spiritual effects of major life disruptions on individuals and families.
    
3. Apply biblical counseling principles to guide individuals through grief, loss, and significant life changes.
    
4. Recognize crisis patterns in children and adolescents and implement age-appropriate counseling interventions.
    
5. Evaluate the unique challenges faced by military personnel and families and develop appropriate counseling responses.
    
6. Assess personality-related stress responses, including behaviors associated with high-pressure personality patterns.
    
7. Utilize crisis assessment tools and structured evaluation methods to understand the severity and nature of a client’s crisis situation.
    
8. Integrate Scripture, prayer, and spiritual encouragement appropriately within the counseling process.
    
9. Demonstrate ethical counseling practices, including confidentiality and proper use of referrals when specialized care is needed.
    
10. Develop Christ-centered intervention plans that help individuals regain emotional balance, spiritual clarity, and hope for the future.

GBPA 650 Integrity

This course targets the need for integrity as a Believer. It described the qualities of God that should be found in anyone called to the ministry. Topics included in the course are: Conviction, Falsehoods, Accountability, Integrity of Heart, Character and Family, and Becoming a Person of Discernment.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the biblical foundation and importance of integrity in the life and ministry of a believer.
2. Identify and describe the godly qualities essential for those called to Christian leadership and ministry.
3. Analyze the roles of conviction, truthfulness, and accountability in developing integrity of heart.
4. Evaluate the relationship between character, family life, and effective ministry witness.
5. Apply principles of discernment and integrity to personal conduct, leadership decisions, and ministry practice.

GCCS 629 Counseling, Psychology, and the Christian

This course reveals that a Believer’s warfare is in the mind. It discusses Man’s triune being and Demonic Activity. It presents seven detailed behavioral patterns as seen from an Old Testament perspective. Other sections in the course include: Shaping our Destiny, Spiritual Management, and Managing the Mind.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the biblical perspective that spiritual warfare occurs primarily in the mind.
2. Describe the triune nature of humanity and its significance for Christian counseling and spiritual growth.
3. Analyze demonic activity and behavioral patterns from an Old Testament perspective.
4. Evaluate biblical principles related to shaping destiny, spiritual management, and mental discipline.
5. Apply Christ-centered strategies for managing the mind in counseling, spiritual formation, and daily living.

GCCS 630 Marriage Counseling

This course begins with premarital counseling and continues through problems in marriage, examining Biblical marriage models. It will give tips on choosing the right mate, the effects of premarital counseling, Marriage problems, and working through marital conflicts.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain biblical models of marriage and their application to Christian counseling.
2. Analyze the purpose and benefits of premarital counseling in preparing couples for marriage.
3. Identify common marital problems and their underlying emotional, relational, and spiritual factors.
4. Apply biblical counseling strategies to address marital conflict and promote reconciliation.
5. Develop Christ-centered counseling approaches for strengthening marriages and guiding couples through challenges.

GBNT 645 Epistles of John

This course gives a detailed look at books written by John the Beloved. It sheds light on all major points and provides commentary on each chapter. Each book begins with an outline and a short overall survey, and then proceeds to provide detailed spiritual and historical data.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the historical background, authorship, and purpose of the Epistles of John.
2. Identify and describe the major theological themes present in 1, 2, and 3 John.
3. Analyze the structure and key passages of each epistle using sound biblical interpretation.
4. Evaluate the spiritual and historical issues addressed in the Johannine letters.
5. Apply the teachings of the Epistles of John to Christian doctrine, personal faith, and ministry practice.

Dissertation / Practicum  6 Credits