PC 411 Course at a Glance (2025)

Complex Problems in Pastoral Care

Lectures By: Michael Gembola

2 Credits

Course Description

Building off of PC 111 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling, this elective course takes a deep dive into complex counseling issues you may encounter in your ministry. We will spend a brief time reviewing biblical frameworks and foundations before learning about complex suffering (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety/OCD/scrupulosity, and traumatic suffering) and family struggles (e.g., divorce, domestic violence, sexuality issues).

Books to Purchase

The books listed below are required readings which students should acquire by the start of the term. Additional required readings will be listed in the course syllabus and available electronically in Canvas.

Dangerous Passions, Deadly Sins: Learning from the Psychology of Ancient Monks
by Dennis Okholm
Brazos Press, 2017
ISBN: 9781587433535
Grace for the Afflicted: A Clinical and Biblical Perspective on Mental Illness
by Matthew S. Stanford
InterVaristy, 2017
ISBN: 9780830845071

Estimated Workload

Please note, the Winter Term is an accelerated 4-week term. Please expect at least 4x the workload listed here which is calculated based on a normal, full-length term.

Lectures Readings Assignments
0.9 56.2 2.1
Hours Per Week Pages Per Week Hours Per Week

Course Assignments

The assignments listed below are provided for general guidance for students to reference as they plan and register. Please reach out to support@wts.edu if you have any questions.

  • 1 - Goldilocks (15%)
  • 1 - Sexuality Issues (20%)
  • 1 - Collaborative Care (25%)
  • 1 - Independent Research (30%)
  • 4 - Live Class Meetings (10%)

Synchronous Meeting Times

This course offers optional synchronous class meeting(s) through Zoom which will be scheduled during the term based on everyone's availability (a poll will be taken by the instructor for these meetings and they will be recorded for students who are unable to attend live). These meetings will be helpful for the formation your understanding of apologetics as well as provide an opportunity to practice the method live with your instructor.

The Following Meetings Time are for the Winter 2025 Term:

  • Live Class Meeting 1: Wednesday, Jan. 8, 8-9:30am ET
  • Live Class Meeting 2: Wednesday, Jan. 15, 8-9:30am ET
  • Live Class Meeting 3: Wednesday, Jan. 22, 8-9:30am ET
  • Live Class Meeting 4: Wednesday, Jan. 29, 8-9:30am ET