Living in a frenzied, chaotic world, our souls are under constant siege. Worse still, most people don’t know what their soul is or how to keep it healthy. The Soul Care Institute addresses this reality head-on by equipping individuals to understand the delicate nature of the human soul and how to nurture and sustain it.
— Fil Anderson, Executive Director: Journey Resources, author, speaker, spiritual director

I walk on a treadmill every morning for the care of my body. The care of my soul demands even more attention. Soul Care Institute restores and re-creates health so I move from just living to being alive.
— Bill Slater, Senior Pastor, NC

The Soul Care Institute has not only awakened me to the desperate need of my own soul to find rest in rhythm in the way of Jesus, but also to transformational power this reality can have in each domain of my life.
— Rachel Reed, FORGE Director of Equipping, CO

The Soul Care Institute provides physical space, relational space and time-space for me to pay attention to God. Like the old hymn says, Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side. I can’t recommend this sacred space highly enough.
— Joe Chambers, Senior Pastor, CO

Coursework originating from Soul Care Institute:

Required Retreats:

1. Architecture of the Soul
2. Soul Care as a Catalyst for Transformation
3. Exploring Soul Identity through the Enneagram
4. Becoming Who You Are
5. Integrating the Care of Your Soul into Daily Life
6. Critical Issues in the Care of the Soul

6 retreats transcribe to 9 credits at WTS:

1. MN661-SC Architecture of the Soul  (1.5 cr)
2. MN662-SC Soul Care as Transformation Catalyst  (1.5 cr)
3. MN663-SC Enneagram Transformation Journey  (1.5 cr)
4. MN664-SC Becoming Who You Are  (1.5 cr)
5. MN665-SC Issues in Offering Soul Care  (1.5 cr)
6. MN666-SC Integrating Soul and World Care  (1.5 cr)

Required reading for Soul Care:  Reading list

Coursework originating from Western Theological Seminary:

Courses:

• BL300 New Testament Foundations
• BL301 Old Testament Foundations
• TH301 Church History II
• TH110 Theology for Ministry
• MN415 Practice of Counsel and Care*

* This class requires a one-week on-campus intensive in Holland, Michigan

5 courses- 15 credits total

Course Descriptions

Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Ministry – Soul Care curriculum: 24 credits

1. Apply to Soul Care Institute
2. Complete the full two-year SCI experience (all six retreats, required reading, and assigned papers)
3. Apply to enter the GCPM – Soul Care program
4. Request your transcript from the Soul Care Institute and have them send it to the WTS Admissions office
5. When accepted, you will earn 9 credits for your SCI courses. However, SCI courses are not formally accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), so you will be charged a fee to transcribe those courses into WTS-accredited courses.
6. Complete the five required classes for the certificate
7. Graduate!

Soul Care Institute:

• Application fee: $150 (non-refundable)
• Tuition: Visit our tuition information to see current rates for the 2-year Soul Care Institute. 10% discount for WTS students.

Transcribing SCI coursework to 9 WTS credits:

• $675 total

Western Theological Seminary:

Visit the cost page to see current tuition rates for Western Theological Seminary.

Western Theological Seminary’s highly effective and relationship-rich distance learning environment makes coursework available wherever you are and whenever you want.  Four required courses for the GCPM – Soul Care are delivered completely online. One required course blends online learning with 5 days per semester of face-to-face instruction on the WTS campus. There is no residency requirement.

Two distance learning semesters and two short online terms annually:

Fall Semester: 14 weeks, early September-December. Hybrid courses that blend online and classroom learning include a required 5-day on-campus intensive in Holland, MI in mid-October.

Spring Semester: 14 weeks, January-May.   Hybrid courses that blend online and classroom learning include a required 5-day on-campus intensive in Holland, MI in mid-February.

Summer Term: 7 weeks, early May-late June, fully online courses

How do you learn best?  What environment do you prefer? Before signing up for any online course or stepping into a classroom, it is important to discern your own learning style.

In-Residence Learner

• Prefers the physical environment of the classroom
• Enjoys regular face-to-face interaction with professors and peers
• Needs a consistent class schedule and structured learning formats

Distance Learning Learner

• Self-motivated, independent learner
• Wants flexibility of organizing his or her own learning schedule
• Disciplined, can set aside 15-20 hours per week to study and participate in an online setting
• Prefers to continue in current ministry or home situation