9 Best Pastoral Care Courses To Take In 2024
Pastoral care can be one of the most fulfilling parts of ministry, but it’s also one of the heaviest. Without investing in our own pastoral care capabilities (like pastoral care courses), so many of us struggle with challenges like:
- Feeling unequipped to address the deeper, complex needs of those who come to us for counsel.
- Becoming emotionally and spiritually drained from carrying others' burdens without practical tools to replenish our own spirits.
- Experiencing isolation or burnout because we’re doing it all without a community of guidance and support.
These frustrations usually pop up because we’re handling each situation alone, without fresh insights, or we’re leaning only on what we’ve learned by experience. But there are excellent courses out there specifically designed to help us thrive in pastoral care—giving us frameworks, encouragement, and expert wisdom to strengthen both our ministries and ourselves.
This article highlights some of the best pastoral care courses available, so you can gain practical tools, find inspiration, and feel better supported as you care for others.
Best Pastoral Care Courses Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best pastoral care courses I think are worth your time in 2024:
- Pastoral Care Foundations Course (Living Leadership)
- Foundation Course in Pastoral Care (Biblical Counselling UK)
- Graduate Diploma in Pastoral and Spiritual Care (University of Divinity)
- Certificate in Pastoral Care (Asbury Theological Seminary)
- Pastoral Care Specialist Training Program (ACPE)
- Pastoral Care Certificate (BSK)
- Certificate in Pastoral Care (NTC)
- Pastoral Care Training (ACC UK)
- Certificate of Christian Counselling and Pastoral Care (Canada Christian College)
Find more details about each course below.
Overview Of The Best Pastoral Care Courses
1. Pastoral Care Foundations Course (Living Leadership)
The Pastoral Care Foundations course by Living Leadership provides comprehensive coursework for effective pastoral care within a church setting. It is part of a broader degree program and focuses on foundational principles and practical applications. Enrollment equips participants with the skills to support and guide their congregation with compassion and wisdom.
- Who It’s For: Church leaders and members wanting to enhance pastoral care skills
- Topics Covered:
- Pastoral care principles
- Practical applications
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: £120
- Take The Course: Living Leadership
2. Foundation Course in Pastoral Care (Biblical Counselling UK)
The Foundation Course in Pastoral Care by Biblical Counselling UK is an online program consisting of nine sessions, each around two hours long. It covers the fundamentals of pastoral care within a church setting, including topics such as domestic violence. While primarily online, some on-campus sessions may be available. There are no formal prerequisites, making the course accessible to a wide range of participants.
- Who It’s For: Church leaders and members looking to provide biblical support
- Topics Covered:
- Church's role in care
- Understanding individuals in need
- Change processes
- Effective communication
- Practical pastoral care
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 18 hours (9 sessions)
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 2 hours per session
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: £24
- Take The Course: Biblical Counselling UK
3. Graduate Diploma in Pastoral and Spiritual Care (University of Divinity)
The Graduate Diploma in Pastoral and Spiritual Care at the University of Divinity prepares students for effective pastoral care ministry by integrating human experiences, contemporary culture, and Christian scriptures. The program emphasizes practical skills and encourages theological reflection throughout the learning process. It can be completed in one year full-time or up to three years part-time.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking advanced pastoral skills and theological engagement
- Topics Covered:
- Biblical Studies
- Systematic Theology
- Clinical Pastoral Education
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration:
- 1 year (full-time)
- 3 years (part-time)
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Price: AU$19,608
- Take The Course: University of Divinity
4. Certificate in Pastoral Care (Asbury Theological Seminary)
The Certificate in Pastoral Care at Asbury Theological Seminary is a 15-credit certificate program designed to equip individuals with practical counseling skills to address emotional and spiritual needs. The program also emphasizes spiritual formation, fostering personal growth alongside professional development. Courses from this certificate can be applied toward a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling.
- Who It’s For: Individuals exploring ministry or fulfilling continuing education
- Topics Covered:
- Counseling theories
- Techniques
- Ethical practices
- Online, In-Person, or Both? In -Person
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 15 hours
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Accredited baccalaureate degree
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary schools with 12+ completed credit hours
- Price: $50
- Take The Course: Asbury Theological Seminary
5. Pastoral Care Specialist Training Program (ACPE)
The Pastoral Care Specialist Training Program, also known as the Spiritual Care Specialist Training Program, is a 48-hour course designed to provide pastoral caregivers with essential knowledge and skills for effective and ethical support.
- Who It’s For: Pastoral caregivers in churches and faith communities
- Topics Covered:
- Ethics of spiritual care
- Grief and loss
- Mental health
- Trauma-informed care
- Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 48 hours
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $600
- Take The Course: ACPE
6. Pastoral Care Certificate (BSK)
The Pastoral Care Certificate at BSK equips students with skills to provide care for individuals in crisis and suffering. It requires 9 hours of graduate credit, which can be applied toward a graduate degree. This program is ideal for those seeking to enhance their pastoral care expertise.
- Who It’s For: Congregational pastors, leaders, and those interested in chaplaincy
- Topics Covered:
- Introductory course
- Two electives on pastoral care and counseling
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 9 hours
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Must take the Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling course
- Price: $675
- Take The Course: BSK
7. Certificate in Pastoral Care (NTC)
The Certificate in Pastoral Care at Newman Theological College is designed to provide foundational training in pastoral care within a Christian context. It includes four courses focusing on various aspects of pastoral care. This program is ideal for those looking to serve in ministry or community support roles.
- Who It’s For: Current and aspiring pastoral caregivers
- Topics Covered:
- Pastoral theology
- Care techniques
- Ethical issues
- Practical pastoral skills
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? Yes
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: NTC
8. Pastoral Care Training (ACC UK)
Pastoral care training at ACC UK focuses on fostering quality relationships and helping individuals recognize and follow Jesus. It includes various workshops and courses on pastoral care practices and mental health issues. The program is ideal for those seeking to support others with compassion and understanding in a faith-based context.
- Who It’s For: All church members, especially those in pastoral roles
- Topics Covered:
- Relationship building
- Exploring pastoral care
- Foundational practices
- Guidelines for good practice
- Setting up pastoral teams
- End-of-life support
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? No
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: ACC UK
9. Certificate of Christian Counselling and Pastoral Care (Canada Christian College)
The Online 1-Year Certificate in Christian Counselling and Pastoral Care at Canada Christian College offers training in counseling from a Christian perspective. It is designed for individuals seeking to enhance their skills in pastoral care within a faith-based context.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking to enhance pastoral care skills in a faith-based context
- Topics Covered:
- Christian counseling principles
- Pastoral care techniques
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 1 year
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 30 hours
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price:
- Domestic students: $8,400
- International students: $9,700
- Take The Course: Canada Christian College
What’s Next?
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