By Wes Thompson

Christian Counseling is an integrated approach that relies on the methods of psychology and biblical understanding to provide treatment, guidance, and recovery to those in need. Among His many talents as a leader, Jesus Christ is widely regarded as the supreme teacher, philosopher, and counselor. To serve as a Christian Counselor, you must have the ability to use the voice of God to determine the needs of a counselee and the remedy for curing any ailments.

If you have ever found yourself consumed with helping others solve their problems through Christian ways, you have the dedication necessary to reach out to entire families to make a difference in their lives. Through an empathetic understanding of their difficulties, you can use your Christian Counseling education to show them love and hope, improving the quality of life by leading them to better choices through Christian teachings. This degree is highly useful working in religious or nonprofit institutions; however the crucial helping skills you learn through this study will transfer to a wide array of human and social service employment opportunities.

Work Environment

Pastoral counselors are usually employed by hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, independent living centers, psychiatric facilities, correctional institutions, and residential health-care facilities.

Degree Requirements

Individuals interested in obtaining a degree in pastoral counseling must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Students must have equivalent experience to a bachelor’s degree and acquire a Master of Divinity degree from a seminary. Often, endorsement of a minister, priest, or rabbi in a recognized religious community is required to obtain this degree. Years as a practicing member of the clergy, or a certain amount of pastoral counseling hours can also be counted toward qualifying for this degree.

Interested students for a degree in pastoral counseling should seek a qualified online university for specific information on admissions and specific courses of study.

Career Outlook

Employment opportunities for the pastoral counselors are expected to be excellent for some time through 2016. Almost every hospital, nursing home, and correctional facility has needs for qualified mental health professionals to be permanent staff members. These facilities are expected to have modest needs in helping people with spiritual guidance. Patients, families, and staff will continue to utilize pastoral counselors and help them with psychological as well as religious issues.