Master of Theology in Christian Counseling Program Description

The Master of Theology in Christian Counseling (Th.M.) is a 36–semester–hour graduate program designed to provide a strong biblical and theological foundation for Christ-centered counseling. This program equips individuals to integrate sound theology with compassionate counseling practices, enabling them to serve a hurting flock wisely and effectively.

Through in-depth study of Scripture, theology, and counseling principles, students are prepared to address spiritual, emotional, and relational needs within churches, ministries, and faith-based settings. The Th.M. in Christian  Counseling is ideal for those called to shepherd, teach, counsel, and lead with biblical clarity, pastoral sensitivity, and a heart for restoration.

Pre-Requisite: A Bachelor's degree (Any discipline)

Application Fee: $125 - One-time charge, nonrefundable.

Tuition:  $363 per 3 credit hours

Graduation Fees: $125

GBNT - 506 In-Depth Book of James

 In-Depth Book of James is an advanced New Testament course focused on a thorough exegetical and theological study of the Epistle of James. This course examines James’s emphasis on practical, lived faith—where belief is demonstrated through obedience, righteous conduct, perseverance, and wisdom. Students explore the historical context, authorship, audience, structure, and key themes of the book, including faith and works, trials, speech, humility, social justice, prayer, and spiritual maturity. The course challenges students to integrate sound doctrine with authentic Christian living, equipping them to teach, preach, and apply the message of James with clarity and conviction. 

Learning Outcomes – 

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

1. Explain the historical background, authorship, audience, and purpose of the Book of James.
2. Analyze the structure and major themes of James, including faith and works, trials, wisdom, speech, humility, and perseverance.
3. Interpret key passages in James using sound biblical and hermeneutical principles.
4. Evaluate the relationship between genuine faith and righteous living as presented in the Epistle of James.
5. Apply the teachings of James to personal spiritual growth, ministry practice, leadership, and Christian discipleship.

GBPA - 500 Utilizing the Power of the Word by Faith

 Utilizing the Power of the Word by Faith is an advanced course designed to equip believers to understand, apply, and release the authority of God’s Word through faith. This course examines the relationship between Scripture, faith, confession, obedience, and spiritual authority, emphasizing how the Word of God actively works in the life of the believer. Students will explore biblical principles such as speaking the Word in faith, renewing the mind, standing on God’s promises, and applying Scripture in prayer, spiritual warfare, counseling, and daily living. The course challenges students to move beyond theoretical knowledge into confident, disciplined, and faith-filled application of God’s Word for transformation and spiritual victory. 

Learning Outcomes – 

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

1. Explain the biblical foundation of the Word of God and its power when activated by faith 
2. Analyze the relationship between faith, confession, obedience, and spiritual authority in the believer’s life.
3. Demonstrate how to apply Scripture effectively through faith in prayer, decision-making, and spiritual growth 
4. Evaluate common misunderstandings and misapplications of faith and the Word, distinguishing biblical truth from misuse.
5. Integrate the power of God’s Word into personal life, ministry, counseling, and leadership with confidence, balance, and biblical integrity.

GCCS - 570 Victorious Christian Living

 Victorious Christian Living is an advanced course designed to equip believers to live consistently in spiritual victory through a renewed mind, biblical truth, and a disciplined walk with Christ. This course addresses the spiritual, emotional, and practical challenges believers face and provides a Christ-centered framework for overcoming fear, sin, strongholds, discouragement, and spiritual opposition. Emphasis is placed on identity in Christ, spiritual authority, faith in action, obedience to God’s Word, and the role of the Holy Spirit in daily living. Students are guided to apply biblical principles that lead to maturity, resilience, and sustained victory in personal life, relationships, ministry, and leadership. 

Learning Outcomes – 

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

1. Explain the biblical foundation of victorious Christian living and the believer’s identity and authority in Christ.
2. Identify spiritual, emotional, and mental obstacles that hinder victorious living and apply biblical strategies to overcome them.
3. Demonstrate how faith, obedience, and renewal of the mind contribute to consistent spiritual victory.
4. Apply biblical principles for overcoming fear, temptation, discouragement, and spiritual opposition.
5. Integrate Christ-centered practices into daily life that promote spiritual maturity, perseverance, and long-term victory in Christian living.

GBTH 590 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 Holy Spirit's personality, 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 Holy Spirit (Pneumatology) and His role within the Trinity and the Messianic Kingdom of God.
2. Describe the personality and divine nature of the Holy Spirit, distinguishing Him from impersonal force or influence.
3. Analyze the work of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, identifying continuity and development in redemptive history.
4. Explain the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, including its biblical foundation and purpose for believers.
5. Identify and interpret the Nine Spiritual Gifts, applying their use biblically, responsibly, and for the edification of the Church..

GCCS 550 Christian Counseling I

This course provides an overview of many problems that Believers face and how the counselor can help. It briefly discusses the differences in Christian Counseling. The course is divided into four sections: The Counselor, Personal Issues, Interpersonal Issues, and Family Issues. Part 1 to Part 4

Learning Outcomes – 

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

1. Explain the role and responsibilities of the Christian counselor, grounded in biblical principles and ethical practice.
2. Identify common personal issues faced by believers, recognizing spiritual, emotional, and behavioral factors.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of interpersonal issues, including communication, conflict, and relational dynamics.
4. Apply biblical counseling principles to family-related issues, promoting healing and restoration.
5. Distinguish Christian counseling approaches from other counseling models while integrating Scripture, compassion, and practical wisdom in counseling ministry.

GBTH 580 God's Righteousness in the Believer

This course describes the righteousness given to us by the work of the Messiah. It examines the righteousness of both the Old and New Testaments. It discusses atonement at length, including Propitiation, Reconciliation, Imputation, Sanctification, and Justification.

Learning Outcomes – 

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

1. Explain the biblical doctrine of righteousness, emphasizing its source in the redemptive work of the Messiah.
2. Compare the understanding of righteousness in the Old and New Testaments, identifying continuity and fulfillment.
3. Define and analyze key aspects of atonement, including propitiation, reconciliation, imputation, sanctification, and justification.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the believer’s position in Christ, rooted in God’s imputed righteousness.
5. Apply the doctrine of righteousness to personal faith, spiritual growth, and ministry with confidence, humility, and biblical integrity.

GBTH 553 Spiritual Warfare III

This course addresses how to overcome conflicts caused by the demonic realm. It gives us information on how Jesus dealt with demons, how our decisions can be a form of warfare, spiritual management, mind management, and weapons of our warfare.

Learning Outcomes – 

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

1. Explain biblical principles for overcoming spiritual conflict, particularly those arising from the demonic realm.
2. Analyze how Jesus confronted and overcame demonic opposition, applying His model to Christian living and ministry.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of personal decision-making as an element of spiritual warfare and spiritual authority.
4. Apply principles of spiritual and mind management, aligning thoughts, attitudes, and actions with biblical truth.
5. Identify and use the biblical weapons of spiritual warfare, exercising faith, discernment, and authority to live victoriously in Christ.

GCCS 560 Christian Counseling II

This course provides an overview of many problems that Believers face and how the counselor can help. It briefly discusses the differences in Christian counseling. The course is divided into four sections: The Counselor, Personal Issues, Interpersonal Issues, and Family Issues. Part 5 to Part 8

Learning Outcomes – 

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

1. Demonstrate advanced understanding of the role of the Christian counselor, integrating biblical truth, ethical responsibility, and compassionate care.
2. Assess and address complex personal issues faced by believers, applying Scripture-based counseling strategies.
3. Analyze interpersonal challenges, including relational conflict, communication breakdowns, and emotional wounds, from a Christian counseling perspective.
4. Apply biblical counseling principles to family-related issues, supporting restoration, reconciliation, and healthy family dynamics.
5. Distinguish levels and approaches within Christian counseling, building upon Christian Counseling I (Parts 5–8) to provide deeper, more effective ministry-centered counseling interventions.

GCCS - 540 Pastoral Counseling

 Pastoral Counseling is an advanced course designed to equip ministers, counselors, and Christian leaders to provide effective, Christ-centered care within pastoral and ministry contexts. This course integrates biblical theology, pastoral responsibility, and foundational counseling principles to address spiritual, emotional, relational, and life challenges faced by individuals and families. Emphasis is placed on the pastor’s role as shepherd, counselor, and spiritual guide, with careful attention to ethics, boundaries, confidentiality, and referral when necessary. Students will learn to apply Scripture, prayer, discernment, and compassionate listening to facilitate healing, restoration, and spiritual growth while maintaining biblical integrity and pastoral wisdom. 

Learning Outcomes – 

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

1. Explain the biblical foundation and purpose of pastoral counseling within the role of the shepherd-leader.
2. Demonstrate essential pastoral counseling skills, including active listening, spiritual discernment, and Christ-centered guidance 
3. Identify common spiritual, emotional, and relational issues encountered in pastoral ministry and apply appropriate biblical counseling responses.
4. Apply ethical standards, boundaries, and accountability in pastoral counseling relationships.
5. Integrate Scripture, prayer, and pastoral care principles to promote healing, restoration, and spiritual maturity in individuals and families.

GCCS - 530 Conflict Management & Resolution

 Conflict Management & Resolution is an advanced counseling and leadership course designed to equip students with biblical, psychological, and practical tools for understanding, managing, and resolving conflict in personal, relational, church, and ministry settings. This course examines the sources of conflict, including unmet needs, communication breakdowns, emotional wounds, power struggles, and spiritual immaturity. Emphasis is placed on Christ-centered reconciliation, healthy communication, boundary-setting, forgiveness, and peacemaking modeled after biblical principles. Students will learn how to address conflict redemptively, transform tension into growth opportunities, and guide individuals, couples, and groups toward lasting resolution and restored relationships. 

Learning Outcomes – 

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

1. Explain the biblical foundation of conflict and reconciliation, applying Scripture to conflict resolution processes.
2. Identify the root causes of conflict, including emotional, relational, spiritual, and behavioral factors.
3. Demonstrate effective communication and listening skills that promote understanding and de-escalation.
4. Apply Christ-centered strategies for conflict management, forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration.
5. Guide individuals, couples, and groups through structured conflict resolution processes that foster peace, accountability, and healthy relationships.

GCCS 523 Counseling for Change

This  course deals with self-awareness and change. It offers a biblical perspective on how to change one’s circumstances. It discusses counseling and the Church, as well as counseling in the community.  Furthermore, it specifically deals with: anxiety, loneliness,  depression, anger, guilt, and life stages.

Learning Outcomes – 

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

1. Demonstrate increased self-awareness, recognizing personal patterns that influence behavior and emotional health.
2. Apply biblical principles for personal and life change, addressing circumstances through Scripture and spiritual growth.
3. Explain the role of counseling within the Church and the community, understanding collaborative care and outreach.
4. Assess and respond to common emotional challenges, including anxiety, loneliness, depression, anger, and guilt.
5. Apply counseling strategies across various life stages,  integrating biblical wisdom to support growth, healing, and transformation.

GCCS 529 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 concept of spiritual warfare as it relates to the mind, recognizing its impact on behavior and belief.
2. Describe the triune nature of humanity—spirit, soul, and body—from a biblical perspective.
3. Analyze the influence of demonic activity and spiritual factors on thoughts, emotions, and actions.
4. Identify and interpret seven key behavioral patterns presented from an Old Testament framework.
5. Apply biblical principles of spiritual and mind management, shaping destiny through renewed thinking, disciplined choices, and Christ-centered counseling practices.