essentials of biblical counseling certificate

Applied Theology of the Person

with Ed Welch

sample lecture

Who am I? Who are we?

This is a practical theology course examining Scripture’s unfolding answer to personal identity and corporate humanity. This course will give you a theological framework for understanding yourself and those around you so that you may know people better and help more effectively.

What to Expect

Course Work

Each week you'll listen to pre-recorded lectures, read articles and books, and engage with other students through online forums.
You'll complete various projects and papers, demonstrating your understanding and personal growth in the topics covered during the lectures and reading.
Your online instructor will give you feedback and interact with you throughout the course.
Throughout the term, you'll have the opportunity to participate in optional online engagements with your instructor.
Please note: you must have access to a computer to complete this course.

Course Objectives

Demonstrate understanding of important concepts in the theology of the person (e.g. image of God, embodied soul, etc.)–both what they are (definitionally) and where you find them as patterns in Scripture.
Demonstrate ability to apply those theological concepts in both personal and ministry contexts.
Demonstrate how the concepts make a concrete difference in counseling–both in how you understand the person and their struggles and how you would help (methodology).
Be able to identify 3-5 concrete applications from each biblical theological category (i.e. creation, fall, rescue/resurrection) in life issues and struggles.

At a Glance

terms offered

Every September & March

course cost

$700–$750

course length

10 weeks

workload

6–9 hours/week

Essentials of Biblical Counseling Certificate

Applied Theology of the Person is one of four courses in the Essentials of Biblical Counseling Certificate. Learn more about our current courses and certificates of completion below.

Certificate options

current students

Meet the Lecturing Faculty

Ed is a faculty member and counselor at CCEF, where he has served since 1981. He holds a doctor of philosophy in counseling (neuropsychology) from the University of Utah and a master of divinity from Biblical Theological Seminary. Ed is a licensed psychologist and has been active in local church ministry for decades. He has written numerous books, including When People Are Big and God Is Small (P&R Publishing, 1997), Shame Interrupted (New Growth Press, 2012), Side by Side (Crossway, 2015), and Created to Draw Near (Crossway, 2020).

Ed's resources