Christian Counselling and Human Development

This course equips you to develop a comprehensive framework for understanding human development across the lifespan, firmly rooted in a biblical worldview. Through the lens of Christian counselling praxis, this course prepares you to engage meaningfully with individuals and communities in diverse African contexts, ranging from traditional rural settings to multicultural urban environments, while also navigating the profound influence of social media on identity and growth. 

You will learn to integrate the realities of these contexts with insights from scholarly research and biblical-theological principles. Grounded in evangelical theology, the course emphasises the imago Dei—the belief that every person is created in the image of God—and recognises God’s active presence in shaping human development. By weaving together scriptural truths with cultural and contextual awareness, you will gain the ability to describe and analyse the biological, environmental, cultural, and societal factors that influence growth throughout life. 

A unique feature of this course is the opportunity to apply theoretical and theological perspectives to the life of a selected individual who has made a significant contribution to human development. This case study approach encourages critical reflection on how contextual realities and divine purpose intersect in shaping lives. Ultimately, this course empowers students to practice Spirit-led Christian counselling that nurtures holistic growth, fosters community flourishing, and honours God’s redemptive work in human development. 

By the end of this course you should be able to:

• Describe the role of family, growth, and nurture in early childhood development and integrate biblical and cultural perspectives to explain key developmental milestones and influences from conception to early childhood.
• Explain the challenges and opportunities of senior secondary education in Africa, drawing on historical, cultural and biblical insights to outline its impact on human development and design ways to improve educational quality and accessibility. 
• Describe the role of work and adulthood, integrating biblical and psychological perspectives, and explain how these concepts relate to the personal work experiences of an individual who was interviewed.
• Describe the process of ageing and the concept of "release" from both Christian and cultural perspectives and explain how Christian counselling can support the elderly during this phase of life.

You will be required to purchase the following textbook in order to complete all counselling courses:

• Collins, G. 2007. Christian Counseling - a Comprehensive Guide (Third Edition). Thomas Nelson.