Course Description
This intensive course examines biblical, theological, and psychological perspectives on pastoral well-being, with particular attention to flourishing, resilience, post-traumatic growth, and emotional intelligence. Designed for pastors and ministry leaders, the course integrates scriptural foundations with insights from positive psychology, trauma studies, and the science of emotions. Through a sequence of nine ninety-minute sessions, students will engage in lecture, case study, and guided reflection, as well as peer discussion and practical exercises. The course emphasizes both personal formation and ministerial application, equipping participants to sustain their own resilience and to foster flourishing within congregational contexts.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Articulate biblical and psychological foundations of flourishing in ministry and character formation.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of psychological constructs related to resilience, post-traumatic growth, and emotional intelligence.
3. Identify the dynamics of stress, burnout, and trauma in pastoral life and congregational settings.
4. Develop strategies for integrating self-compassion, boundary-setting, and sustainable practices into personal ministry.
5. Identify key factors that promote resilience and post-traumatic growth after adversity.
6. Apply emotional intelligence skills to pastoral relationships.
7. Develop a personal Flourishing in Ministry plan incorporating the key resources provided in the curriculum