Spiritual Growth and Counseling at Life Theological Seminary

Life Theological Seminary is committed to the holistic development of its students, recognizing that spiritual maturity and personal well-being are essential for effective ministry. The seminary integrates various programs and practices to foster spiritual growth and provide guidance, including:

1. Spiritual Growth Initiatives

Life Theological Seminary emphasizes a communal and personal approach to spiritual formation, integrating several key practices:

• Peer Accountability: Students are organized into small accountability groups that meet weekly. These groups provide a supportive environment for:
  • Sharing personal struggles
  • Celebrating victories
  • Discussing spiritual goals
  • Offering mutual encouragement and prayer.
  • Note: Weekly small groups for sharing, encouragement, and prayer.
• Mentorship: Each student is paired with a faculty mentor who provides regular guidance and support. These mentorship sessions focus on:
  • Personal spiritual growth
  • Moral integrity
  • Discernment of vocational calling
  • Building relationships with experienced Christian leaders.
  • Note: Faculty guidance for personal growth, integrity, and calling.
• Daily Devotional Practices: The seminary encourages students to cultivate a daily rhythm of seeking God:
  • Morning Guidance Prayer: Students are encouraged to begin each day by submitting their thoughts, decisions, and actions to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
  • End-of-Day Reflection: Students spend time in the evening reflecting on their day, evaluating their responsiveness to the Spirit’s leading, seeking forgiveness where they fell short, and expressing gratitude.
  • Note: Daily prayer and reflection for dependence on the Spirit.

2. Diploma in Biblical Counseling

Life Theological Seminary offers a Diploma in Biblical Counseling, designed to equip students to address a wide range of personal and relational challenges from a biblical perspective. Biblical counseling seeks to bring the Word of God to bear on the complexities of life, offering hope and healing through a reliance on Scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Diploma in Biblical Counseling is a 6-semester (3-year) program that requires students to be born again, be church leaders, and demonstrate English fluency. It equips students to understand and minister to individuals and families struggling with various issues, including:

Here are notes on the transformative impact of the Biblical Counseling seminar on students and local participants:

1. Marriage Conflict:
   • Students/Participants: Learn to replace destructive patterns with biblical principles of communication, forgiveness, and love, leading to healthier, more fulfilling marriages.
   • Impact: Equipped to guide couples toward reconciliation and a stronger foundation in Christ.
2. Post-Traumatic Stress:
   • Students/Participants: Discover how to find healing and hope in Christ, process trauma through a biblical lens, and develop coping mechanisms rooted in faith.
   • Impact: Able to help those suffering from trauma find lasting peace and restoration.
3. Marital Abuse:
   • Students/Participants: Gain understanding of the dynamics of abuse, the importance of safety, and the church’s role in providing support and protection.
   • Impact: Prepared to offer compassionate care and advocate for the abused while holding perpetrators accountable.
4. Depression:
   • Students/Participants: Explore the spiritual roots of depression, learn to apply biblical truth to combat negative thinking, and find comfort and strength in God’s presence.
   • Impact: Empowered to walk alongside those struggling with depression, offering hope and encouragement.
5. Relational Conflict:
   • Students/Participants: Develop skills in conflict resolution based on biblical principles of humility, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
   • Impact: Fostering healthier relationships within families, churches, and communities.
6. Sexual Brokenness:
   • Students/Participants: Address issues such as sexual abuse and sexual identity and develop a biblical view of sexuality, leading to healing and restoration.
   • Impact: Guiding individuals toward sexual wholeness and freedom.
7. Addiction:
   • Students/Participants: Understand the spiritual and emotional roots of addiction, break free from destructive patterns through reliance on Christ, and find support in the church community.
   • Impact: Equipped to support individuals in overcoming addiction and finding lasting freedom.
8. Anger:
   • Students/Participants: Learn to identify the sources of anger, manage it in a godly way, and replace it with biblical responses of patience, forgiveness, and self-control.
   • Impact: Promoting peace and reconciliation in relationships and communities.
9. Grief/Loss:
   • Students/Participants: Find comfort and hope in God during times of sorrow, learn to process grief in a healthy way, and offer compassionate support to others who are grieving.
   • Impact: Providing solace and guidance to those experiencing loss.
10. Pornography Addiction:
    • Students/Participants: Discover the destructive nature of pornography, break free from its grip through accountability and reliance on God’s grace, and find healing from its effects.
    • Impact: Helping people achieve freedom from pornography and experience renewed purity.
11. Spiritual Decision-Making:
    • Students/Participants: Learn to discern God’s will through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel, making choices that honor Him and align with His purposes.
    • Impact: Empowering individuals to live a life of purpose and direction.
12. Family Conflict:* Students/Participants: Gain insights into family dynamics, apply biblical principles to resolve conflicts, and promote healthy communication and strong relationships within the family unit.* Impact: Strengthening families and equipping them to thrive.