13 Best Pastoral Counseling Trainings To Take In 2025
When I completed my year-long pastoral counseling training, I felt equipped and confident to navigate the tough conversations and situations that come with pastoral counseling. But I know what it’s like without that preparation:
- Feeling inadequate when someone comes to you with deep emotional wounds.
- Struggling to discern the best approach for walking alongside someone through grief, addiction, or relational struggles.
- Wrestling with your own limits, unsure how to set boundaries without compromising your pastoral care.
These challenges arise when we try to counsel others without the tools and training we need. That’s why I’ve created this roundup of top pastoral counseling courses—to help you gain the skills, confidence, and resources you need to offer meaningful, biblically grounded support in every counseling situation.
13 Best Pastoral Counseling Training Shortlist
Here's my shortlist of the best pastoral counseling training I think is helpful:
- Pastoral Care & Counseling Certificate Program (Christian Bible Institute & Seminary)
- Board Certified Pastoral Counseling Program (NACC)
- Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Counseling (Liberty University)
- Pastoral Counseling Certificate (Loyola University Chicago)
- Certificate in Christian Counseling (Moody Bible Institute)
- Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Counseling & Chaplaincy (ORU Online)
- Pastoral Care and Counseling Certificate (Denver Seminary)
- Undergraduate Certificate in Pastoral Counseling (Global University)
- Pastoral Counseling (PCGR) (Fordham University)
- Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (Asbury Theological Seminary)
- ACPE Spiritual Care Specialist Program (Prism Counseling & Coaching)
- Certificate in Pastoral Counseling (Daniel Institute)
- M.A. in Pastoral Counseling (Crown College)
Find more details about each training below.
Overview of the Best Pastoral Counseling Training
1. Pastoral Care & Counseling Certificate Program (Christian Bible Institute & Seminary)
The Pastoral Care & Counseling Certificate Program is designed to equip individuals with foundational skills in providing spiritual and emotional support within their communities. Rooted in Christ-centered teachings, the program integrates biblical principles with counseling techniques, focusing on pastoral care, crisis intervention, and biblical counseling. It also provides a pathway to explore further degree programs for those seeking advanced knowledge in this field or professional counseling expertise.
- Who It’s For: Individuals involved in pastoral care or small group ministry settings
- Topics Covered:
- Pastoral care
- Crisis intervention
- Counseling techniques
- Referral practices
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 12 credit hours
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: High School diploma or equivalent
- Price:
- Registration Fee: $50
- Tuition Cost: $300
- Take The Course: Christian Bible Institute & Seminary
2. Board Certified Pastoral Counseling Program (National Association of Counseling Course)
The Board-Certified Pastoral Counseling Program course integrates counseling with Christian principles, emphasizing God's guidance in the church's role in providing therapeutic support. The program includes a structured curriculum designed to enhance pastoral and counseling skills, incorporates elements of Clinical Pastoral Education, and serves as a foundation for those pursuing a counseling degree in Christian settings.
- Who It’s For: Individuals with an undergraduate degree or significant pastoral experience
- Topics Covered:
- Integration of counseling and Christian principles
- Role of the church and community in counseling
- Use of the Bible in counseling
- Strategies for fostering change in clients
- Building strong marriages and families
- Pastoral counseling
- Psychology and the Christian
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 18 credit hours
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 18 credit hours
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Completed undergraduate or equivalent degree
- Alternatively, 10 to 15 years of pastoral ministry experience
- Some college credit or counseling-related training/experience
- Price:
- Registration Fee: $50
- Tuition Cost: $650
- Annual Renewal Fee: $50
- Take The Course: Christian Bible Institute & Seminary
3. Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Counseling (Liberty University)
The Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Counseling course focuses on equipping students with the skills necessary for pastoral care by integrating biblical principles with counseling techniques and theological training. The program is designed to address both mental and spiritual health needs, preparing students to collaborate effectively with mental health counselors or provide counseling services within their communities. This flexible program can be completed in as little as one semester.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking to enhance their counseling skills within a faith-based context
- Topics Covered:
- Integration of psychology and theology
- Emotional and spiritual needs
- Pastoral care techniques
- Use of counseling methods
- Examine counseling theories
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 8 weeks
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Apply online or via phone
- $50 non-refundable application fee (waived for qualifying military members with documentation)
- Submit official college transcripts (sealed copies by mail or via an electronic transcript system)
- Hold a regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.0 GPA for admission in good standing
- Applicants with a master’s degree or 12+ graduate credits will be assessed based on graduate-level coursework
- Non-native English speakers must submit official TOEFL scores or an approved alternative assessment (contact admissions or refer to the international admissions policy for information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers)
- Price:
- Graduate Full Time: $565 per credit
- Graduate Part Time: $615 per credit
- Military Graduate: $275 per credit
- Take The Course: Liberty University
4. Pastoral Counseling Certificate (Loyola University Chicago)
The Pastoral Counseling Certificate program course teaches faith-based counseling using spiritual resources, theology, and psychology, while incorporating elements of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). The program focuses on listening, ethics, cultural sensitivity, and preparing graduates to collaborate with family therapists or support a counseling ministry within their communities. The catalog also lists learning outcomes and skills graduates will gain. The program offers courses that may change each semester, with details available in Loyola's Academic Catalog.
- Who It’s For: Mental health professionals and religious leaders
- Topics Covered:
- Faith-based counseling
- Empathetic listening
- Ethical counseling practices
- Understanding psychological issues
- Multicultural sensitivity and competence in counseling
- Group counseling techniques
- Pastoral crisis intervention
- Self-care strategies for pastoral counselors
- Online, In-Person, or Both?: Both
- Exam Required?: No
- Duration: 15 credit hours (full-time or part-time)
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Weekday evenings (self-paced)
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Master's degree in counseling or divinity and
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose (1,500-word essay)
- International Applicant Requirements:
- Official English language proficiency exam (if the native language is not English)
- Provide an official transcript evaluation for non-U.S. educational credentials (cannot be waived)
- Price:
- Tuition and Fees: $12,750 or
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $850
- Take The Course: Loyola University Chicago
5. Certificate in Christian Counseling (Moody Bible Institute)
The Certificate in Christian Counseling course is for those with a university or Bible college degree who want to learn about pastoral counseling from a biblical perspective. It helps prepare students to support others' mental, emotional, and spiritual needs in ministry. However, this certificate does not lead to clinical counseling licensure.
- Who It’s For: Individuals with a university or Bible college degree-seeking pastoral counseling education
- Topics Covered:
- Contemporary issues in marriage and family
- Trauma-informed counseling
- Pastoral counseling
- Professional ethics
- Biblical Spiritual Formation lab
- Spirituality and the family
- Online, In-Person, or Both?: Both
- Exam Required?: No
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Admission Requirements:
- Complete and submit the online application
- Affirm agreement with the doctrinal qualifications for students
- Submit autobiographical essays
- Provide two references (not required for Clinical Mental Health Counseling applicants)
- Pay the nonrefundable application fee
- Future Students:
- Submit official transcripts
- International Students:
- Provide proof of English proficiency through a recognized exam
- Submit official evaluated transcripts
- Provide financial documentation (for on-campus applicants only)
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Applicants:
- Participate in a faculty group interview (only required for this program)
- References are not required
- Doctor of Ministry Applicants:
- Demonstrate ministry experience
- Submit a 3,000-word essay as a writing sample
- Admission Requirements:
- Price: $539 per credit hour
- Take The Course: Moody Bible Institute
6. Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Counseling & Chaplaincy (Oral Roberts University)
This course provides practical skills for pastoral counseling, taught by experienced faculty with pastoral and clinical backgrounds. It focuses on holistic development, preparing individuals to serve effectively in ministry settings. The program emphasizes a well-rounded approach to equipping students for impactful service.
- Who It’s For: Individuals with at least two years of college experience, aspiring pastoral counselors, and aspiring ministry leaders
- Topics Covered:
- Theology of pastoral counseling
- Pastoral counseling methods
- Scripture and pastoral counseling
- Pastoral counseling and crises
- Online, In-Person, or Both?: Online
- Exam Required?: No
- Duration: 2 semesters (if enrolled full-time)
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 12 credit hours (four live-stream webinars per course, with each course lasting 7 weeks)
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price:
- Tuition Rate: $535 per credit hour
- US Military Tuition Rate: $275 per credit hour
- Online Student Service Fee: $215 per term
- Take The Course: Oral Roberts University
7. Pastoral Care and Counseling Certificate (Denver Seminary)
The Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Care and Counseling helps students develop the skills to provide compassionate care in churches, communities, and other settings. It prepares individuals to support others effectively but is not intended for licensure as therapists or for specialized chaplaincy roles. The program combines knowledge and practical training for real-world application.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking foundational skills in pastoral care and counseling, and anyone looking to increase their core understanding of Scripture and theological studies
- Topics Covered:
- Pastoral care principles
- Counseling techniques
- Theological foundations
- Community-based internship
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 1 year (full-time study)
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: Contact the admission office for requirements
- Take The Course: Denver Seminary
8. Undergraduate Certificate in Pastoral Counseling (Global University)
The Undergraduate Certificate in Pastoral Counseling at Global University equips students with essential knowledge and skills for counseling in Christian settings. The program covers human behavior, social influences, and cultural dynamics, preparing students for effective pastoral counseling with individuals and groups.
- Who It’s For: Individuals interested in pastoral counseling within Christian communities
- Topics Covered:
- Introduction to pastoral counseling
- Marriage Counseling: A cross-cultural approach
- Ministerial ethics
- Christian counseling
- Introduction to psychology
- Human relations
- Managing conflict
- Introduction to sociology
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: Global University
9. Pastoral Counseling (PCGR) (Fordham University)
The Pastoral Counseling (PCGR) course offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the skills necessary for effective counseling within a spiritual context. It integrates psychological principles with theological insights to prepare students for pastoral counseling roles, covering diverse topics from human development to trauma-informed care.
- Who It’s For: Students interested in integrating counseling with spiritual care
- Topics Covered:
- Human growth and development
- Theology of pastoral counseling
- Social and cultural foundations
- Professional Ethics
- Pastoral counseling theory
- Psychopathology and diagnosis
- Interviewing and assessment skills
- Marriage/family therapy
- Online, In-Person, or Both?: In-Person
- Exam Required?: No
- Eligibility Requirements: Complete the PCGR 7471
- Take The Course: Fordham University
10. Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (Asbury Theological Seminary)
The Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling course trains students in counseling skills grounded in Christian values. It prepares them for roles like pastors, chaplains, and lay counselors in diverse ministry settings. The program focuses on helping communities heal and grow through faith-based counseling practices.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking to integrate Christian values with counseling practices in ministry roles, and anyone planning to pursue vocations in congregation-based ministries or non-profits
- Topics Covered:
- Major theories of pastoral care
- Integration of theological principles with psychological knowledge
- Practical counseling techniques
- Lifecycle development
- Online, In-Person, or Both?: Both
- Exam Required?: No
- Duration: 60 hours
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Complete application form
- Hold an accredited baccalaureate degree
- Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions with 12+ credit hours
- Write a 1050-1500 word essay covering your testimony, chosen field of study, post-graduation goals, passion for an issue, and optional GPA explanation
- Provide four references, including a pastoral reference, an academic reference, and laity or personal references
- Pay a $50 nonrefundable fee
- Non-native speakers must submit a TOEFL score of 550 (79 internet-based) or an IELTS score of 6.5
- Background check completed by the Admissions Office
- The Admissions Committee may request an interview
- Complete 60 hours as per the Academic Catalog
- Maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher
- Complete 12 hours on campus, 6 on the Kentucky campus
- Finish within seven years of enrollment
- Submit the application by the add/drop deadline
- Complete Professional Development Meeting Two
- Take The Course: Asbury Theological Seminary
11. ACPE Spiritual Care Specialist Program (Prism Counseling & Coaching)
The ACPE Spiritual Care Specialist Program course provides essential training to enhance spiritual care and mental health support skills. The program focuses on equipping participants with the tools needed to address spiritual and emotional challenges effectively and ethically. It emphasizes compassionate care and the integration of spiritual principles in supportive practices.
- Who It’s For: Spiritual caregivers and healthcare workers in churches and faith communities, pastoral and faith-based counselors, spiritual directors, and chaplains
- Topics Covered:
- Ethics in pastoral care
- Trauma-informed care
- Mental health issues
- Listening in the service of healing
- Motivational interviewing
- Spiritual assessment and diagnosis
- Harmful spirituality and spiritual struggles
- Grief, loss, & resilience
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 9 weeks
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 48 hours (self-paced)
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price:
- Upfront: $600 (with a $50 discount if paid in full)
- 4 Monthly Payments: $150
- Take The Course: Prism Counseling & Coaching
12. Certificate in Pastoral Counseling (Daniel Institute)
The Certificate in Pastoral Counseling course helps develop skills for counseling in Christian settings. It includes three levels of study: Foundational, Intermediate, and Advanced, with a mix of core and elective courses. The program prepares participants to understand human behavior, social influences, and cultural dynamics for effective pastoral counseling.
- Who It’s For: Dedicated church members
- Topics Covered:
- Survey of the Bible
- Spiritual formation
- Christian ethics
- Christianity and other world religions
- Discipleship
- The authority of the believer
- Ministry gifts
- Leading through social media
- Online, In-Person, or Both?: Both
- Exam Required?: No
- Duration: 8 weeks
- How Many Hours Of Instruction:
- Fridays: 2 hours
- Saturdays: 3 hours
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be a dedicated member of a church
- Price: GH¢ 750
- Take The Course: Daniel Institute
13. M.A. in Pastoral Counseling (Crown College)
The M.A. in Pastoral Counseling course equips students with biblically rooted counseling skills for church and faith-based settings. This degree emphasizes practical knowledge for supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. It is specifically designed for those in ministry and focuses on counseling within faith communities, though it does not lead to licensure.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking scripturally-based counseling skills for church and faith settings
- Topics Covered:
- Pastoral counseling skills
- Conflict resolution and mediation
- Marriage and family therapy
- Practical ministry techniques
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 8 weeks
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: Reliable computer and internet connection
- Take The Course: Crown College
What’s Next?
Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest resources, best practices, and insights on managing churches from expert pastors and church leaders.