Diploma in Family & Counseling Ministry | Methodist Theological School

Bible and Theology Courses
Courses	Credit Hours
Old Testament Introduction I & II Old Testament Introduction I & II (6 cr. hrs.) Old Testament Introduction I This is an introduction to the historical background of Pentateuch and the “former prophets”. The course covers the old testament canon, the foundations of Israel in the Patriarchal, the conquest and settlement in Canaan by Israelites and reasons for the establishment of the united Monarchy under David and Solomon and the subsequent division into two Kingdoms. Old Testament Introduction II The second part of this introductory course includes a survey of the minor prophetic, wisdom and apocalyptic literatures. The course covers the studies of the divided kingdom; the impart of the dominance of the Assyrian and Babylonian empires on the life and faith of Israelites, the incidents resulting the Exile and thereafter and their restoration before Maccabean War.	6
New Testament Introduction I & II New Testament Introduction I & II (6 cr. hrs.) New Testament Introduction I This general introductory course covers the historical, political and cultural background of the Jewish people from 168BC to AD135. A comprehensive survey of the four Gospels including authorship, dating crucial issues and with special reference to the life and ministry of Jesus will be studied. New Testament Introduction II This course explores the growth of the apostolic church and the life and ministry of Paul. An introduction to Pauline Epistles and other writings of the New Testament, including the background, main themes and critical matters related to the crucial texts will be discussed.	6
Exegetical Methods Exegetical Methods (3 cr. hrs.) This introduces the principles of interpretation with special attention to both the content and context in the interpretation of words and texts in the Bible. Recent theories of interpretation are critically taken into consideration.	3
Christian Theology I & II Christian Theology I & II (6 cr. hrs.) Christian Theology I Systematic theology is the subject studying the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. It will be studied biblically, historically, and contemporarily. This course covers the following areas: Introduction to Theology, which includes the definition, nature, methodology and task of theology, its relation to other theological disciplines, revelation, and authority of the Words of God. The doctrine of God, which includes the person, his Trinitarian mode of existence and attributes, and the work of God. Christology and Soteriology, which study the person and work of the Lord, Jesus Christ, including the two natures, the names and offices of Christ, the covenant of grace and various aspects of his atonement. Christian Theology II This course is the last portion of the Christian faith, which covers the following areas: Pneumatology. This part of study emphasizes the person and work of the Holy Spirit. The contemporary charismatic movements may also be discussed. Ecclesiology. The study of the Church will consider the nature, role and government of the Church, the initiatory rite and continuing rite of the Church as well as the unity of the Church. Eschatology. The study of Last Things will cover the status and classification of eschatology. Individual eschatology, the second coming, millennial and tribulation views and the general eschatology (final states).	6
New Testament Exegesis I New Testament Exegesis I (3 cr. hrs.) This course is a study of the structure, and probable setting of Mark in relation to the other Gospels. That includes the outlining the argument of passages, doing word studies, validating exegetical decisions.	3
Old Testament Exegesis I Old Testament Exegesis I (3 cr. hrs.) This course is a study of structure, theological motifs and exegesis of the texts of the Pentateuch. Selected texts and portions from the Pentateuch will be studied.	3
Total Credit Hours	27

Family & Counseling Courses
Courses	Credit Hours
Church Development and Family Ministry Church Development and Family Ministry (3 cr. hrs.) This course examines the multifaceted relationship between church development and family ministry, emphasizing how the family ministry can influence and mobilize church development. It also explores how the church can effectively actuate family ministry.	3
Family and Life Cycle Family and Life Cycle (3 cr. hrs.) This course explains the challenges, the responses and adjustment at different stages of family cycles: newlyweds, with small children, with teenagers, menopause, empty nest, retirement, and so on.	3
Equipping for Counseling *1 Equipping for Counseling (3 cr. hrs.) This course seeks to put into practice the basic skills of counseling and the Methodist Church's social principles in order to equip students to handle various psychological and emotional challenges faced by individuals and families in need of support.	3
Theology of Marriage and Family Theology of Marriage and Family (3 cr. hrs.) This course explores and integrates Biblical Foundation and Principles for marriage and family.	3
Dynamic of Biblical Change Dynamic of Biblical Change (3 cr. hrs.) This course establishes the sanctifying process of Christian life and helps to connect the Biblical Truth with real life through exploring the heart issue versus the idols. It also helps Christians to see their real needs and hence bring about real changes in life.	3
Premarital Education and Counseling Premarital Education and Counseling (3 cr. hrs.) Based on the concept of "prevention is better than cure", this course focuses on helping and guiding men and women to understand the biblical foundation of marriage and family before entering into marriage life.	3
Marital Education and Counseling Marital Education and Counseling (3 cr. hrs.) Examine the Biblical and Christian concept of marriage. The mandate set by God on marriage: the roles of husband and wife. How to teach and safeguard the original marital system set by God in this modern era of distorted value of marriage. Introduce and practice the skill of marital counseling, such as equipping to interview the couple together or individually.	3
Counseling Practicum *2 Counseling Practicum (3 cr. hrs.) Three verbatim cases of counseling required; each case study to be followed up at least three to five sessions, one of the sessions must be under direct supervision.	3
Religious Law and Family Ethics Religious Law and Family Ethics (3 cr. hrs.) Understanding the laws and regulations related to family and marriage in Malaysia equips students to address issues like family violence, divorce and remarriage, adoptions, and its impact on individuals' psychological and emotional well-being.	3
The Changing Family Structure The Changing Family Structure (3 cr. hrs.) This course explains the biblical principles of divorce and remarriage and also the special needs of counseling such cases. It covers some case studies and emphasizes the care and rebuilding of such families. This course also explains the unique problems facing contemporary families and the counseling procedure. There will be case studies and other teachings.	3
Parenting and Children Counseling Parenting and Children Counseling (3 cr. hrs.) This course explores the importance and the methods of communicating effectively with children and parents. It also touches the topics on growth of parents and the skills of counseling parents and children.	3
Counseling for Youth Counseling for Youth (3 cr. hrs.) This course touches the topics on adolescents’ psychology and the skills of counseling adolescents.	3
Caring Ministry for Seniors Caring Ministry for Seniors (3 cr. hrs.) This course explores and explains the mid-life crises and turning points, including the different contexts of females and males, such as the physical changes, the psychological needs, and the renewal of the spirituality. How to be aware of these crises and make them into turning points in life. This course also helps to understand the needs of elderly and how to help them effectively in the Malaysian context.	3
Seminar on Special Counseling for Family Crises Seminar on Special Counseling for Family Crises (3 cr. hrs.) This course examines the special crises, such as: natural disasters, accidents, sicknesses, crises at death, mourning, and so on. The students will explore and learn the basic knowledge and skills in counseling the mourning through case-study and teaching. This course will also examine the special families’ needs and offer suitable counseling and guidance.	3
Total Credit Hours	42

Applicant can obtain an application from the School, and send it to the School with the following supporting documents:

Full academic records / Certified copies of school / College/ University certificates
One recommendation letter (Form obtainable from the school) from applicant's church pastor
A personal statement of reasons for the enrolment to this course (500 words)
A photocopy of identity card (IC)
A recent passport-size photographs
A medical report (Form available from the school)

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