03CO738 Dynamics of Biblical Change Spring 2017 Tuesday 8:00am - 12:00pm *Please note the course takes a 1 hour break for chapel at 10:00 Reformed Theological Seminary: Charlotte Professor Information Jim Newheiser, DMin. Associate Professor of Christian Counseling & Practical Theology Christian Counseling Program Director Grader TBD COURSE DESCRIPTION This course emphasizes the process of change for counselees in the context of advanced topics in biblical counseling. Topics addressed include addictions, abuse, eating disorders, crisis situations, decision making, finances, self-injury, and women's issues. Special attention will be given to the necessary qualities and qualifications for counselors as they seek to be God's agents for help. COURSE MATERIALS Please do not be intimidated by the number of books in this list. The majority of these books are quite slim. I ve chosen to have you read smaller books to give you exposure to more topics and voices rather than reading three or for much larger works. Books: Alberry, Sam. Is God anti-gay?. Epsom, UK: The Good Book Co., 2013. 88 pp. ISBN 1908762314 Burk, Denny and Heath Lambert. Transforming Homosexuality. Phillipsburg, NJ, 2015. 136 pp. ISBN 1908762314 Fitzpatrick, Elyse and Dennis Johnson. Counsel from the Cross. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2012. 240 pp. ISBN 1433534134 Holcomb, Justin and Lindsey Holcomb. Rid of My Disgrace. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2011. 288 pp. ISBN 1433515989
2 Lambert, Heath. Finally Free!. Grand Rapids, Mi: Zondervan, 2013. 176 pp. ISBN 0310499232 Lane, Timothy and Paul David Tripp. How People Change. Greensboro, NC: New Growth Press, 2008. 230 pp. ISBN 1934885533 Newheiser, Jim. Help! Someone I Love is Being Abused. Wapwallopen, PN: Shepherd Press, 2010. 64 pp. ISBN 9781633420069 Shaw, Mark. The Heart of Addiction. Minneapolis, MN: Focus Publications, 2008. 256 pp. ISBN 1885904681 The expectation is that students will read every word of these books to receive full reading credit. Students will be graded based on their self-reporting according to the following rubric: Percentage of the book read the book word-for-word Percentage of the book skimmed Read by due date (Yes or No) ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENTS This course is entirely electronic in its submitting of assignments. Each assignment will be uploaded to Canvas in the appropriate portal. If you are unfamiliar with this process, make sure you schedule a time in advance with Nate Brooks (program coordinator) to learn how to utilize Canvas. 1. Reading Reports Students are to turn in a report stating the percentage of each book or pamphlet read at which level by the due date. The report will be due at the end of the semester, uploaded to Canvas. No summaries are required on this page. 2. Case Studies Students will complete two case studies. These will serve as the midterm and final for the course. For the midterm, the case study will be given in advance (attached to Canvas). You are highly encouraged to study this document in preparation for writing your answer in class. No notes can be brought, so prepare well. The final case study topic will not be given in advance. The purpose of this is to simulate real counseling as closely as possible you don t usually know what situation is walking into your office. Make sure you bring a blue book for both exams. 3. Major Paper There is no academic research paper or extensive exam assigned in this course. Instead, the largest assignment is the completion of a theology exam for counselors (used with permission from the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors). Your counseling will always be determined by your theology and a broad understanding of theology is consequently important for your ministry to others. A word to the wise start this assignment early. It is not a slender
3 task. Detailed instructions are given on the exam which is attached to Canvas. The first half will be due at the midpoint of the course and the second half will be due finals week. 4. Class Attendance and Participation It is very important to me that you attend each class and that you be on time. I will show you respect in class and one of the ways you can show me respect is to enthusiastically participate in the course. Late Assignments Assignments are due at the beginning of the class indicated in the Course Schedule. Assignments not submitted at this time are considered late and are penalized one letter grade per week. COURSE GRADING Reading Report 25% Case Study I (Midterm) 15% Case Study II (Final) 15% Paper Part I 20% Paper Part II 20% Attendance and Participation 5% Grading Scale: Standard RTS Grading Scale NUTS AND BOLTS Special Needs In order to ensure full class participation, any student with a disabling condition requiring special accommodations (e.g., tape recorders, special adaptive equipment, special notetaking or test-taking needs) is strongly encouraged to contact the professor at the beginning of the course. Disclaimer During the course of the semester the professor reserves the right to modify any portion of this syllabus as may appear necessary to the professor because of events and circumstances that occur during the term. Classroom Policies 1. All classroom policies at RTS Charlotte are expected to be followed. 2. Guidelines for papers (including reflections and exams) submitted in this course can be found as a separate document on Canvas. Reading this document and following its instructions is essential for you to pass this course. 3. Students are required to cite all sources consulted for a written assignment. Students who plagiarize or cheat in any other manner are guilty of academic misconduct and will be reported to the Dean of Students. This will result in disciplinary action up to and including failure of the course and academic dismissal.
4. Laptops are welcome in class for note taking only. Only word processing programs may be open during class; no browsers, email programs, social media feeds, or any other program is to be used. Please silence cell phones and do not text, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, or whatever else desperately beckons for your attention during class. 5. I am committed to giving proper care and oversight to all students regardless of gender. In addition, I want to be careful to maintain propriety in my interactions with women. I am happy to speak briefly with a female student about academic matters in the classroom or in my office with the door open. If a more extended conversation is necessary, counsel is being sought, or the door must be closed for privacy, another mutually agreed upon person will be in the room with us. I have established this policy for the sake of protecting myself and those with whom I meet. I realize that where to draw the line in such situations is a matter of conscience (Romans 14:23) and I do not mean to be critical of those who might draw the line in a different place. For further explanation please see my article, The Tenderness Trap published in the Journal of Biblical Counseling. 4
5 SCHEDULE *Please note that schedule is subject to change per the professor s prerogative. Date Topics Assignments Due 01/31 Dynamics of Biblical Change Essential Qualities of a BCer 02/07 Theology & Counseling How People Change Counseling & the Church 02/14 Practical Counseling: - In Class Case Study - Observation Video 02/21 Counseling Abusers & Victims Help! Someone I Love is Being Abused, Rid of My Disgrace 02/28 Counseling Women & Case Study I Due Children 03/07 Addictions & Pornography The Heart of Addiction In Class Midterm (Case Study) 03/14 Spring Break 03/21 Homosexuality Is God anti-gay?, Transforming Homosexuality 03/28 Gluttony & Eating Disorders Finally Free! OCD 04/04 Knowing God s Will Decision Making 04/11 Financial Freedom Paper Part I Due (Counseling Theology Exam) 04/18 Crisis Counseling - Suicide Counsel from the Cross 04/25 Counseling & Pregnancy: Abortion and Miscarriage 05/02 Counseling Women: -Self-Injury -Bulimia & Anorexia -Depression 05/09 Final Exams Paper Part II Due (Counseling Theology Exam) Reading Report Due Final Exam (Case Study)
6 Course: Professor: Campus: Course Objectives Related to MACC Student Learning Outcomes Dynamics of Biblical Change Dr. Jim Newheiser Charlotte Date: Spring 2017 MACC Student Learning Outcomes In order to measure the success of the MACC curriculum, RTS has defined the following as the intended outcomes of the student learning process. Each course contributes to these overall outcomes. This rubric shows the contribution of this course to the MAC outcomes. Rubric Moderate Minimal None Mini Justification COUNSELING KNOWLEDGE Demonstrate knowledge of counseling theories and modern anthropology. Course heavily interacts with the medical and biological components of effective counseling. Theories and anthropology are thoroughly discussed. COUNSELING SKILL Ability to apply biblical truths and common grace insights in a variety of counseling settings. SCRIPTURE Significant knowledge of the original meaning of Scripture and ability to apply to modern counseling circumstances. Students are instructed in the counseling of a wide variety of topics that commonly arise in pastoral counseling. Special attention is given to particularly high risk situations. Scripture is consistently presented as the tool of the Holy Spirit by which change is effected in the human heart. REFORMED THEOLOGY Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and practice and ability to apply to modern counseling circumstances. SANCTIFICATION Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student s Moderate Material is not exclusively reformed; however, the sovereignty of God, a high view of the Scriptures, and the importance of the local church are woven through course topics. This course identifies sanctification
7 sanctification. WINSOMELY REFORMED Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. Moderate oriented growth throughout the majority of course topics. Special attention is given to the growth of an individual s spiritual understanding of Christ. Course addresses reformed concepts of covenant and relationship in a winsome manner.