Dr. Ernie Baker and Dr. Keith Palmer take time to discuss the Master of Biblical Counseling (MABC) program at The Master’s University, what it offers, and what sets it apart.
As the chair of the MABC program, Dr. Baker is especially excited to carry on the university’s longstanding heritage in biblical counseling. The Master’s University was the first university to offer a master’s degree in biblical counseling, and knowing that it is just as committed to the program now as it was when it first started fuels Dr. Baker as he leads the program today. He also emphasizes his love and excitement for the students in the program each year, and his enthusiasm to invest into them.
The MABC faculty have laid out four main goals that they hope all students will have achieved by the time they graduate.
Content
The MABC equips students with a strong understanding of Scripture and how to use it. Through an emphasis on exegesis, students learn how to interpret and apply the Bible faithfully, in every aspect of their lives. They are also kept up-to-date with the current literature in biblical counseling to help them engage with the field.
Christ-like Character
It is just as important that students grow in their own personal faith and character during their time in the program. Faculty serve not only as teachers, but as mentors to the students. Many courses include personal growth projects, which keeps heart transformation central to the learning process.
Competency
In addition to knowing the content, students are trained in the skills necessary for effective biblical counseling. The program prepares them to complete the fifty counseling sessions required for ACBC certification, giving them hands-on experience before graduation.
Church Involvement
At the heart of the program is a commitment to the local church. Students are encouraged to actively serve and engage in their church communities throughout their time in the program.
Studying in the MABC program at The Master’s University is a unique experience. It is the only program that offers all three levels of ACBC certification, and it does so in great depth. Therefore, students graduate having completed their certification for ACBC. And most importantly, students are saturated with God’s Word in every class that they take, keeping Christ and Scripture at the forefront of what the MABC has to offer.
