ACOM / Study / Units / C8102C Pastoral Counselling in Ministry

C8102C Pastoral Counselling in Ministry

This unit introduces students to various models of pastoral counselling that are integral to the process of ministry. Emphasis will be both on learning the function of basic counselling skills within the pastoral context and on theological reflection upon this form of pastoral activity.
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Unit Overview

Qualification

Graduate

Unit Availability

Trimester 3 2026

Study Mode

Online Facilitation

Placement

N/A

Tuition

Graduate Counselling Fee

Prerequisite

N/A

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

N/A

Schedule
Availability Facilitation Type Time Dates Facilitator
Trimester 3 2026 Online Facilitation 10am – 2pm
(AEST/AEDT)		 Tuesday 6 October
Tuesday 20 October		 Tracey Milson

Unit Details

This unit introduces students to various models of pastoral counselling that are integral to the process of ministry. Emphasis will be both on learning the function of basic counselling skills within the pastoral context and on theological reflection upon this form of pastoral activity.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Critically reflect upon the role of pastoral counselling skills in ministry.
  2. Distinguish between, and appraise, various pastoral counselling models
  3. Interpret how various components of the pastoral counselling relationship apply to ministry.
  4. Exhibit basic listening and reflective skills.
  5. Apply an understanding of the ethics of the practice of pastoral counselling in ministry.
  1. Counselling within the Pastoral Context
  2. Mental Illness and Wellbeing
  3. The Pastoral Counselling Relationship
  4. Hope and the Holding Environment
  5. Short-Term Counselling
  6. Person-Centred and Solution-Focused Therapy
  7. Counselling for Grief and Loss
  8. Depression and the Dark Night of the Soul
  9. Practice Integration
  10. Supervision, Referral and Ethical Practice
  1. Reflective Essay (35%)
    Word Limit: 2100
    Due: Week 5
  2. Critical Essay (35%)
    Word Limit: 2100
    Due: Week 9
  3. Video + Reflection (30%)
    Word Limit: 900 + video
    Due: Week 12

Not required

Unit Details

Key Dates

Student Stories

Studying with ACOM provided me with a unique and incredible academic experience! ACOM worked with me to deliver a course that benefited and enriched my role in ministry, and that was of great benefit as it meant that I was actively able to apply the material that I had been studying. What stood out for me though while studying with ACOM was how seamlessly spiritual formation was integrated with academic learning. Instead of studying material and writing assessments that had little to do with the complexities of life in ministry, many of the units that I studied were tailored in such a way that I was engaging with God, my heart, and others which led to a deep transformation in my own character and relationship with God. I would highly recommend ACOM to anyone who desires more in their life with God!
Alec Van Bockel – Bachelor of Ministry

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Studying with ACOM has been a transformational and empowering experience for me. The flexibility has allowed me to pursue my studies at my own pace without compromising ministry work. The trimester system makes it achievable to complete units at a pace that suits my schedule, while the practical ministry focus ensures what I learn is applicable to my day to day ministry. As a Youth Pastor, ACOM has been a supportive and accessible environment, empowering me to grow academically and spiritually while serving in my church context.
Grace Cook – Master of Leadership

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As a person who is holding down a job, and volunteering at my local church leading in our youth ministry, my studies would not be possible without the flexibility that studying with ACOM provides. Their understanding of my ‘all of life’ and working with me to participate in study in a meaningful way that flexes to my life circumstances has been amazing. I am not sure I could have pursued my studies without it.
Tessa Sedawie – Bachelor of Ministry

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ACOM's flexible delivery has been instrumental in my studies. I have benefited greatly from the ability to read through the coursework in my own time, around my busy schedule. The supportive staff and excellent online resources have also been invaluable.
Natalie Crawford – Master of Theology

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I’ve loved my ACOM journey! Every unit has brought practical skills and theoretical knowledge I use every day with my counselling clients and beyond. I’ve grown as a person, and my confidence in academic learning has been supported by highly skilled lecturers in their field. The online learning platform has enabled me to work and balance family life and other commitments. Integrating spirituality and faith throughout every unit has been so refreshing and lovely!
Alison Bury – Bachelor of Counselling

Student Stories

A lot of theology training focuses on helping you know what to do, formation helped me go deeper and learn about who I wanted to become. As someone who learns a lot by doing, the highly practical nature of the ACOM model helped me put theory into practice immediately. The online learning helped me do that in the context I’d grown up in.
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