Hybrid Course — Self-paced plus scheduled Zoom sessions
 
This course may be taken à la carte or as part of the Wesley Pathways for Ministry Certificate Program.
 
Feb. 1-March 7, 2026
Dr. Michael S. Koppel, Howard Chandler Robbins Professor of Pastoral Theology & Congregational Care, Wesley Theological Seminary
 
This course introduces participants to basic functions of congregational care. It teaches learners how to offer caring support and to provide referrals to appropriate services. By taking the course, participants will be more able to engage appropriate congregational care issues. 
 
CEU credit
 
One CEU will be awarded for the successful completion of this course.
 
Course objectives
 
By taking this course, participants will be able to:
 
Learn foundational listening and responding skills
Reflect on their role as caregiver in community
Offer caring presence to those in need, and experiencing loss and grief
 
About the course
 
This course is comprised of five self-paced learning modules and two synchronous Zoom sessions. Each learning modules involves a combination of readings, videos, and reflection exercises designed to help participants learn pastoral care and navigate caring in community. In the Zoom sessions, participants will  engage core themes of effective care and how to embody it. 
 
The course book is The Caring Church: A Guide for Lay Pastoral Care (Fortress Press) by Howard W. Stone. ISBN #: 978-0800626181.
 
Schedule
 
Feb. 1-March 7, 2026
Zoom sessions: TBD
 
Learning Module One: Care, Centering, and Confidentiality
Learning Module Two: Non-Anxious Interaction
Learning Module Three: Caring Conversations
Learning Module Four: Visitation Essentials
Learning Module Five: Grief, Loss, and Referral
 
If you have any questions or problems, please email pathways@wesleyseminary.edu.