Pastoral Care Services

Pastoral Care Specialist Training Program

The Pastoral Care Specialist Training Program is affiliated with the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) and is available for clergy and laypersons.

Contact Us

To apply or for more information, call:

704-384-4175

Participants in the Presbyterian Pastoral Care Specialist Training Program (PCS) engage in real-life case studies dealing with marriage and family, loss and grief, ethical problems, spiritual issues and other challenges faced in a care-giving role. PCS is offered once a year, February through May, on Tuesday mornings at Presbyterian Hospital.

Who can participate?

Participants are mostly parish ministers of various denominations in the Carolinas. To be recognized by AAPC and to gain membership status, ordination, consecration or equivalent means is required. However, non-ordained persons such as parish nurses and laypeople (such as Stephen Ministers) may also take the course.

Through successful completion of the program you will:

  • Learn to balance care of self with care of others
  • Learn principles of pastoral care, diagnosis and referral
  • Participate in real-life case studies dealing with marriage and family, loss and grief, ethical problems, spiritual issues and other challenges faced in a care-giving role
  • Be recognized as a Pastoral Care Specialist (PCS) by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC)
  • Be eligible as a full voting member of the AAPC
  • Be invited to join an ongoing consultative relationship with a small group of PCS graduates, plus an AAPC Diplomate, meeting quarterly after the initial training program

Class Schedule

  • Offered once a year (February-May)
  • 13 sessions with a two-week spring break
  • Tuesdays, 9:30 am-1 pm, Presbyterian Hospital

To apply

Call 704-384-4175