Empowering Church Leaders: A New Era of Counseling Education at Freed-Hardeman University
June 11, 2025, 11:03 pm
Location: United States, Tennessee, Henderson
Employees: 201-500
Founded date: 1869
In a world where mental health struggles are as common as the air we breathe, Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) is stepping up to the plate. The university has launched a new Certificate in Counseling for Church Leaders, designed to equip spiritual leaders with the tools they need to support their congregations. This initiative is not just a program; it’s a lifeline for many.
FHU’s new certificate program is a blend of biblical teachings and counseling techniques. It aims to empower church leaders—elders, ministers, and dedicated Christians—by providing them with skills to address mental health issues within their communities. This is a response to a growing need. Mental health is often a silent struggle, hidden behind the walls of churches. With this program, FHU is opening the door to conversations that have long been left unspoken.
The program consists of six courses, all conducted online. This flexibility is crucial. It allows participants to learn at their own pace while balancing their ministry responsibilities. The curriculum combines synchronous and asynchronous learning, ensuring that everyone can find a way to fit this education into their busy lives. The goal is to create a practical focus, equipping leaders with real-world tools for care and referral.
Participants will learn from licensed counselors and experienced ministry professionals. This blend of expertise ensures that the education is both relevant and applicable. Church leaders will gain critical skills to address not just spiritual needs, but emotional and mental health challenges as well. This holistic approach is essential. It recognizes that individuals are not just souls to be saved; they are complex beings with diverse needs.
The need for such training is evident. Many church leaders feel ill-equipped to handle the mental health crises that arise within their congregations. They often find themselves in situations where they want to help but lack the necessary skills. This program aims to bridge that gap. By providing a solid foundation in counseling techniques rooted in Scripture, FHU is preparing leaders to care for the whole person—spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.
The initiative aligns with FHU’s mission to develop students’ God-given talents for His glory. The university is committed to integrating Christian faith with scholarship and service. This new certificate program is a testament to that commitment. It reflects a growing awareness of the importance of mental health in ministry and the need for leaders to be equipped to address these issues.
Moreover, the launch of this program comes at a time when the demand for mental health services is skyrocketing. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and other challenges. Churches are often the first line of support for individuals facing these struggles. By training leaders in counseling, FHU is ensuring that churches can provide effective support.
The program is also designed to foster community. FHU encourages cohorts from the same congregation to participate together. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the bonds within the church but also enhances the learning experience. Participants can share insights, discuss challenges, and support one another as they navigate the complexities of counseling.
In addition to the new certificate program, FHU is experiencing growth in its overall enrollment. The university has reached an eight-year high in new graduate enrollment and has seen nearly a decade of growth in its dual enrollment program. This upward trend reflects FHU’s commitment to accessible, high-quality education. It demonstrates that students are seeking programs that not only advance their careers but also align with their values.
The dual enrollment program, launched in 2014, allows high school students to earn college credits while still in school. This initiative has seen a staggering 545% increase in enrollment over the past nine years. It’s a clear indication that students are eager to get a head start on their education. FHU’s commitment to providing flexible learning opportunities is resonating with students and their families.
At the graduate level, FHU offers a variety of programs designed for working professionals. With classes available both online and in person, the university is meeting the needs of a diverse student body. The average age of graduate students is 35, highlighting the university’s appeal to those looking to advance their careers later in life.
Programs like the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the Doctor of Behavioral Health are experiencing significant growth. This is a reflection of the increasing demand for qualified professionals in the mental health field. FHU is positioning itself as a leader in this area, providing students with the skills they need to make a meaningful impact.
In conclusion, Freed-Hardeman University is not just launching a new certificate program; it is igniting a movement. By equipping church leaders with counseling skills, FHU is addressing a critical need in today’s society. This initiative is a beacon of hope for many, ensuring that spiritual leaders are prepared to support their communities in times of crisis. As the university continues to grow and adapt, it remains committed to its mission of integrating faith, scholarship, and service. The future looks bright for FHU and the leaders it empowers.
FHU’s new certificate program is a blend of biblical teachings and counseling techniques. It aims to empower church leaders—elders, ministers, and dedicated Christians—by providing them with skills to address mental health issues within their communities. This is a response to a growing need. Mental health is often a silent struggle, hidden behind the walls of churches. With this program, FHU is opening the door to conversations that have long been left unspoken.
The program consists of six courses, all conducted online. This flexibility is crucial. It allows participants to learn at their own pace while balancing their ministry responsibilities. The curriculum combines synchronous and asynchronous learning, ensuring that everyone can find a way to fit this education into their busy lives. The goal is to create a practical focus, equipping leaders with real-world tools for care and referral.
Participants will learn from licensed counselors and experienced ministry professionals. This blend of expertise ensures that the education is both relevant and applicable. Church leaders will gain critical skills to address not just spiritual needs, but emotional and mental health challenges as well. This holistic approach is essential. It recognizes that individuals are not just souls to be saved; they are complex beings with diverse needs.
The need for such training is evident. Many church leaders feel ill-equipped to handle the mental health crises that arise within their congregations. They often find themselves in situations where they want to help but lack the necessary skills. This program aims to bridge that gap. By providing a solid foundation in counseling techniques rooted in Scripture, FHU is preparing leaders to care for the whole person—spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.
The initiative aligns with FHU’s mission to develop students’ God-given talents for His glory. The university is committed to integrating Christian faith with scholarship and service. This new certificate program is a testament to that commitment. It reflects a growing awareness of the importance of mental health in ministry and the need for leaders to be equipped to address these issues.
Moreover, the launch of this program comes at a time when the demand for mental health services is skyrocketing. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and other challenges. Churches are often the first line of support for individuals facing these struggles. By training leaders in counseling, FHU is ensuring that churches can provide effective support.
The program is also designed to foster community. FHU encourages cohorts from the same congregation to participate together. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the bonds within the church but also enhances the learning experience. Participants can share insights, discuss challenges, and support one another as they navigate the complexities of counseling.
In addition to the new certificate program, FHU is experiencing growth in its overall enrollment. The university has reached an eight-year high in new graduate enrollment and has seen nearly a decade of growth in its dual enrollment program. This upward trend reflects FHU’s commitment to accessible, high-quality education. It demonstrates that students are seeking programs that not only advance their careers but also align with their values.
The dual enrollment program, launched in 2014, allows high school students to earn college credits while still in school. This initiative has seen a staggering 545% increase in enrollment over the past nine years. It’s a clear indication that students are eager to get a head start on their education. FHU’s commitment to providing flexible learning opportunities is resonating with students and their families.
At the graduate level, FHU offers a variety of programs designed for working professionals. With classes available both online and in person, the university is meeting the needs of a diverse student body. The average age of graduate students is 35, highlighting the university’s appeal to those looking to advance their careers later in life.
Programs like the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the Doctor of Behavioral Health are experiencing significant growth. This is a reflection of the increasing demand for qualified professionals in the mental health field. FHU is positioning itself as a leader in this area, providing students with the skills they need to make a meaningful impact.
In conclusion, Freed-Hardeman University is not just launching a new certificate program; it is igniting a movement. By equipping church leaders with counseling skills, FHU is addressing a critical need in today’s society. This initiative is a beacon of hope for many, ensuring that spiritual leaders are prepared to support their communities in times of crisis. As the university continues to grow and adapt, it remains committed to its mission of integrating faith, scholarship, and service. The future looks bright for FHU and the leaders it empowers.