Lloyd Center Doctor of Ministry Program

Through its Lloyd Center, San Francisco Theological Seminary offers a Doctor of Ministry with special emphasis in pastoral care and counseling.  The Lloyd Center is a fully accredited training program of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.  Graduates of this program are eligible for certified membership in AAPC, as well as earning an academic degree from one of the leading theological institutions in the western United States.

Overview

The Doctor of Ministry with an emphasis in Pastoral Care and Counseling is a 3 year program that prepares religious professionals to practice care and counseling at a high degree of competency and professionalism,

• by integrating spirituality and counseling
• by mastering the skills of effective counseling
• by sharpening research and reflective skills
• by facilitating personal growth
• by learning from seasoned professionals in an atmosphere that thrives in the dialogue between theory and practice.

Normally, the first two years of academic and clinical work are followed by a third year wherein students are engaged in research and writing their dissertation/project in areas related to pastoral care and counseling.

Primarily, this program is designed for those who serve or wish to serve as chaplains, pastoral care specialists, pastoral counselors, and pastors with a special focus on care and counseling.  This program is designed for those who see or continue to see themselves as  serving in the context of ministry.

Our Learning Style

This program is unique in its dual emphasis upon both academic learning and clinical learning.  This program is a constant interplay between theory and practice, both modes of learning reinforcing and enriching the other.  You might say that pastoral care and counseling is both an art and a science. We aim to teach students both!

Throughout this program, students counsel parishioners from their churches, other places of ministry, and the community.  Each week, students present their clinical material in group and individual supervision, according the standards and guidelines of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. After completing 375 supervised hours of pastoral counseling during the program, students are eligible to apply for Certified Pastoral Counselor membership in AAPC.

Extended Option: (For Bay Area students)

Students will meet one day a week during the SFTS academic year at the Lloyd Center for instruction and supervision. The student’s clinical work will occur in the student’s local ministry setting. We are accepting applications for enrollment for the Fall 2008 class. The class will meet on Mondays.

Intensive Option: (For students beyond commuting distance)

This option requires two successive six-week summer intensive periods of study at the SFTS campus. While some supervision is available each summer, the majority of the student’s supervision requirement is fulfilled by contracting with a qualified supervisor in the student’s home community/ministry setting. Applications for this intensive option should include a plan for how the student will fulfill this requirement. Applications for this summer’s 2008 class are now closed. We welcome inquires about summer 2009 entry.

For personalized questions, contact:

Scott Sullender Ph.D.
Director Lloyd Center Pastoral Counseling Service
800-447-8820 ext. 652
ssullender@sfts.edu

Warren Lee D. Min.
Director Advanced Pastoral Studies
800-447-8820 ext. 865
wlee@sfts.edu