Counseling Emphasis

This three-year program sharpens your insight into Christian counseling, helping you support others on their spiritual and emotional journey.

Program Overview

This program equips you to serve as a compassionate, Christ-centered lay counselor by developing skills to empathetically support the spiritual and emotional well-being of individuals and families. As part of the Advanced Certificate in Christian Ministries (ECTE-accredited), it provides biblical, theological, and practical counseling skills. You will learn to listen actively, offer thoughtful guidance, and create a safe space where people feel valued, helping them navigate challenges.

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What You’ll Learn

Biblical & Theological Foundations: Study Old/New Testament Survey, Hermeneutics, Systematic Theology I & II, and Pentecostal History to ground your counseling in Scripture.
Counseling Skills: Master techniques through courses like Intro to Counseling, Premarital Counseling, and Grief Counseling.
Practical Ministry: Gain hands-on experience through Field Ministry and the Ministry Practicums, applying classroom learning to real-world settings.
Spiritual Formation: At ETS, all programs focus on helping people grow closer to God and become more like Christ through prayer, worship, Scripture reflection, and personal discipline. These intentional practices nurture a Spirit-led approach to ministry.

Program Details

Duration: Three academic years
Format: Full-time, in-person study with engaging lectures, seminars, and practical ministry opportunities
Credits: Earn an ECTE-accredited Advanced Certificate in Christian Ministries (180 ECTS, EQF Level 6), transferable to further studies at ETS or recognized for ministry roles
Cost: Approximately €8,000 per year, including accommodation and meals. BAföG available for eligible students

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Who Should Enroll?

The counseling emphasis is ideal for:

Aspiring lay counselors seeking to serve in church or ministry settings
Ministry workers aiming to develop biblical, theological, and practical counseling skills
Individuals preparing for advanced studies at ETS, such as the MA in Marriage and Family Studies
Those called to integrate faith and psychology in compassionate ministry

Why ETS?

With a 75-year legacy of equipping leaders, we empower you to fulfill God’s vision and prepare our students for various types of ministry through deep scriptural knowledge and academic excellence. Our experienced faculty will help you grow in faith and skill, preparing you to impact God’s Kingdom worldwide with compassion and wisdom.