Birmingham Theological Seminary
2200 Briarwood Way
Birmingham, Alabama 35243
Spring 2016
BC7624 Readings in Biblical Counseling Email:
Professor: Dr. Howard A. Eyrich Phone: 776-5344 (O)
Class Hours: 2 (Non-Research) 527-3444 (Cell)
Course Description
This class is intended to build your theory and practice of pastoral or biblical counseling through exposure to literature not covered in the course curriculum. The ethos of biblical counseling will affect the way you do ministry over all; it will also affect the way you speak with believers and unbelievers who disagree with your approach to counseling.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. The student will be able to articulate a broad perspective on Biblical Counseling
2. The student will be able to cite the differences and similarities of the current expressions of biblical counseling
3. The student will experience an immersion in the current literature of the biblical counseling movement
4. The student will be able to identify the major players in the movement
Course Texts
Read the following books. Prepare a three page personal response to these books. Develop five questions you can use to lead a thirty minute discussion from each assignment from these texts.
Choose one of the following three books by Ed Welch:
Shame Interrupted (New Growth) 352 pages
Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest (New Growth Press) 324 pages. Side by Side (Crossway) 176 pages
Biblical Counseling and the Church (Zondervan) 486 pages
Scripture and Counseling: God’s Word for Life in a Broken World (Zondervan) 480pages
Christ Centered Biblical Counseling (Harvest House Publishers) 480 pages
Paul the Counselor (Focus Publishing) 196 pages
These are all books that should be staples in your Biblical Counseling library, therefore, no apologies for the added expense for texts in this class.
None-Textbook Readings
• The Biblical Counseling Movement, David Powlison (New Growth Press). Peruse this volume looking for the historical flow. If you don’t know the history you will not understand the movement—development, refinement and growth. Write a two page paper: describe the flow, what garnered your attention, and conclude with two questions you would like to see answered through this course. [No need to purchase this volume, though it is highly recommended. It will be on reserve in the BTS/Briarwood library]
• CCEF (http://www.ccef.org). Browse wherever you would like. You will find blogs and short articles, podcasts and video Q & A. Keep a journal noting what you read or heard. Summarize your thoughts about the general approach revealed and conclude with two questions for further exploration.
Each of the following websites reflects dimensions of change, growth and depth in the biblical counseling movement. As your browse these cites look for change, growth and depth indicators. Write a one-page paper on each site noting indicators.
• Biblical Counseling Coalition (http://biblicalcounselingcoalition.org). The BCC was formed to draw together like-minded though different professional Christian counselors who identify as being biblical counselors. Keep a journal of the blog articles your peruse and write a one page summary of your impression.
• Association of Biblical Counselors (http://christiancounseling.com). This association has a similar intent to the BCC with many of its members also being BCC members. The uniqueness of the BCC is its annual retreat for iron sharpening iron face-to-face (sometimes rather intense interaction). . Keep a journal of the blog articles your peruse and write a one page summary of your impression
• Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (http://www.biblicalcounseling.com). Previously named NANC (The National Association of Nouthetic Counselors) grew directly out of the work of Jay Adams and his writings. Their name change signaled a broadening emphasis without losing the polemical tradition along with gentler attitude. Survey the cite and review their certification process. Write a one page summary outlining the process you will have to complete to become certified and a paragraph statement of why you will or will not peruse certification.
• Read six articles from The Journal of Biblical Counseling. Skip the editorials for our purposes. Journals may be found at the BTS Library Annex in the downstairs of the Altadena House. PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE from the Altadena House. Plan to come and read! You may read any articles you like, but two should be from the last two years. Write 2 pages noting the why these articles caught your attention.
Course Requirements
· This class is heavy on reading time. We will meet three or four times during the semester (depending on the size of the class). Readings and assignments must be completed before each class. The dates of meetings will be determined at the first class.
· Class attendance: if you miss a day you miss 25% of the class, so don’t miss a class. If you have to miss a class, please arrange to be absent BEFORE class time. With an excused absence you will have the opportunity to present you paper and respond to questions with the professor at his convenience.
· Class participation is essential! Come prepared to participate!
· Reading assignments from textbooks distrusted at first class
· Completion of none-textbook assignments
· Final submission includes: (1) your narrative-summary of your experience in this class (1 pg), (2) your version of the distinctive of BTS biblical counseling position, culled from the class discussion and readings (1 pg), (3) the most important three concepts you culled from the readings (1 pg), and (4) the specifics of a conversation you have had with a non-class participant about biblical counseling as a result of your readings (1 pg). Due last day of the semester.
Exams
Not anticipated, though I reserve the right to give a final if I think it would be in the best interest of the class in light of class interactions.
Grading
Reading completion and question development 25%
Participation in and engagement with the material in class 25%
Blog response papers 25%
Final paper: 25% of grade. Due last day of the semester
If I opt for a final, I will adjust the percentages
BTS FORMAT AND STYLE STANDARDS
BTS uses the Turabian style of formatting as a standard for papers. However, students should regard individual professor preferences if they communicate any variance in outlining their requirements for papers. Professors retain discretion in determining how “formal” a paper must be. In this technological age, information is readily available; make sure that you understand about giving reference sources the proper recognition. Please refer to the BTS Student Handbook section on plagiarism for guidance.
Schedule
Determined at the first night of class
Bibliography
To be distributed at first class meeting.