Course Descriptions
(To go to the courses we offer using Moodle, click on the following: Available Courses in Moodle. If you wish to go to Moodle for a specific course, click below on that course.)
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#1.0 Interfaith Minister Program and Modules
The Interfaith Minister Program typically would take a student two years of full time study but the program can be taken on a part-time basis. The first year is devoted primarily to comparative religion modules and the second year is devoted primarily to practical ministry.
1.1 First Year Modules
1.1.1 First Religions.>>>Teacher Dr. Alex Krem.
This module explores the beginnings of religions and in particular the beginnings of religion in the Middle East and Europe.
1.1.2 Christianity: The First 300 Years.>>>Teacher Rev. Dr. Thomas D. Lynch and Mrs. Leticia Gonzalez.
This module covers Christianity from the Jesus Movement through the Council of Nicea. Essentially, it answers the question of how Christianity came to its current belief system.
1.1.3 Spirituality and the Christian Enigma. >>> Teacher Rev. Dr. Thomas D. Lynch and Mrs. Leticia Gonzalez.
This module presents an interpretation of Christianity that focuses on spirituality rather than interpretation of Christianity that evolved from the decisions made at the Council of Nicea.
1.1.4 Introduction to Christianity. >>> Teacher Rev. Tim Miner.
This module presents an overview of the various versions of Christianity that exist today and their distinctive beliefs.
1.1.5 Introduction to Judaism. >>> Teacher Mr. Larry Stone.
This module presents an overview of the Jewish religion and culture, which includes its origins, history, its current versions,religious practices, and fundamental beliefs.
1.1.6 Introduction to Islam. >>> Teacher Dr. Aziza Zemrani.
This module presents an overview of Islam, which includes its origins, history, its current versions, religious practices, and fundamental beliefs.
1.1.7 Introduction to Hinduism. >>> Teacher Rev. Dr. Cynthia E. Lynch.
This module presents an overview of Hinduism, which includes its origins, history, its current versions, religious practices,and fundamental beliefs.
1.1.8 Introduction to Buddhism. >>> Teacher Rev. Dr. Cynthia E. Lynch.
This module presents an overview of Buddhism, which includes its origins, history, its current versions, religious practices,and fundamental beliefs.
1.1.9 Introduction to Ingenous Religions. >>> Teacher Rev. Dr. Cynthia E. Lynch.
This module presents an overview of Native Religions, which includes its origins, history, its current versions, religious practices,and fundamental beliefs.
1.1.10 Introduction to Confucianism. >>> Teacher Rev. Dr. Cynthia E. Lynch.
This module presents an overview of Confucianism, which includes its origins, history, its current versions, religious practices,and fundamental beliefs.
1.1.11 Introduction to Daoism. >>> Teacher Rev. Dr. Cynthia E. Lynch.
This module presents an overview of Daoism, which includes its origins, history, its current versions, religious practices,and fundamental beliefs.
1.1.12 Philosophy and Religion Part I. >>> Teacher Mrs. Sylvia Elguea.
This module reviews the primary philosophers and their views on religion.
1.1.13 First Year Review and Ceremony >>> Teacher Staff
1.2 Second Year Modules
1.2.1 Philosophy and Religion Part I. >>> Teacher Mrs. Sylvia Elguea.
This module continues the review of the primary philosophers and their views on religion.
1.2.2 Introduction to Atheism. >>>Teacher Mr. Herb Wilson.
This module reviews and presents the arguments in favor of atheism.
1.2.3 Psychology and Religion >>> Teacher Dr. Alex Krem
This module explores the psychological basis of religion, the religious basis of psychology and the interaction between the two. Does our psychological makeup determine our religious beliefs or do our religious beliefs determine our psychology? Do both change with fashion or are they part of our very makeup? Reading will include many of the great books. Class work will focus on both academic understanding and personal experiences.
1.2.4 Spiritual Counseling. >>> Teacher Dr. Linda Sonna.
This module introduces the student to counseling and its importance to being a minister.
1.2.5 Ethics and the Minister. >>> Teacher Rev. Dr. Cynthia E. Lynch.
The subject of ethics is particularly important to a minister both terms of the ethical challenges of ministry but also in terms of living and communicating the subject to others. This module address this important topic.
1.2.6 Grants and Fund Raising. >>> Teacher Rev. Dr. Cynthia E. Lynch.
This module explains how to apply for grants and how to fund raise as a minister.
1.2.7 Introduction to Non-Profit Management. >>> Teacher Rev. Dr. Cynthia E. Lynch.
Ministers must manage one or more non-profit organizations. This module is an overview of non-profit management.
1.2.8 The Sermon / Talk. >>> Teacher Rev. Dr. Thomas D. Lynch.
Ministers commonly must present sermons and this modules explains how this can and should be done.
1.2.9 The Service. >>> Teacher Rev. Dr. Cynthia E. Lynch
Typically, ministers must conduct religious services. This module explains how this is done.
1.2.10 Other Ceremonies and Services. >>> Teacher Rev. Dr. Cynthia E. Lynch
There are standard religious rituals and ceremonies such as officiating at weddings, baby namings, house blessings, and so on. This module prepares a person to perform those practical duties.
1.2.11 Selfless Service Project. >>> Teacher Staff
A minister needs to be involved in selfless service on a recurring basis. This module is to give the student practical experience in selfless service.
1.2.12 Torah Study. >>> Teacher Larry and Carol Stone
An important intellectual exercise for a Jew is the weekly communal Torah Reading and one cannot really understand the Jewish faith without experiencing it.
1.2.13 Second Year Review and Ordination Ceremony. >>> Teacher Staff
At the end of the second year modules, a student must review what was learned and after a successful conclusion of the review the student will be ordained as an Interfaith Minister.
# 2.0 Short Focused Studies — 10 hour courses
These are usually short ten hour courses designed for people interested in focusing their learning on particular topics. They are as follows:
2.1 Atheism >>> Teacher Mr. Herb Wilson.
This course introduces the intellectual treatment of atheism and its importance to religion.
2.2 History Surrounding the Beginning of the Common Era >>> Teacher Mr. Larry Stone.
This course examines the historical developments in the Middle East just prior and after the beginning of the Common Era.
This course explains Gnostic beliefs, especially during the early Christian period.
2.4 Scholarly Treatment of Christianity >>> Teacher Rev. Dr. Thomas Lynch.
In the past 60 years, there has been a growing critical scholarly treatment of Christianity that calls into question traditional Christian dogma. This course addresses this area of scholarship.
2.5 Introduction to Spiritual Wisdom >>> Teacher Rev. Dr. Thomas Lynch.
This course introduced students to what religious scholars call the spiritual wisdom literature
2.6 Jewish History, Faith and Traditions >>> Teacher Mrs. Judith Jenya.
This course looks at the interplay of the history of the Jewish people, faith and traditions.
2.7 Music in Interfaith Life (Breath and Spirit)
This course points out the relationship of music to the spiritual life.
2.8 Meditation to Heal the Emotions >>> Teacher Dr. Vincent Androsiglio.
This course explores a means to address Emotional Stress and How to focus a distracted mind. The emphasis will be hands-on-training-not discussion. We will practice relaxation, focusing attention and accepting life as it comes to you..
This course introduces the subject of mystical Judaism.
This course explains the legal aspects of religion.
2.11 Spirituality, Humanism and Religion >>> Teacher Mr. Alex Krem.
What are the similarities and differences among the these three fundamental concepts? Do they overlap? Are they independent of one another? In conflict with one another? Did the Great Teachers intend to establish religions or merely to teach spirituality and humanism? Did their followers eventually corrupt and convert their teachings?.
2.12 Myths and the Image of God >>> Teacher Mr. Alex Krem.
Belief in a higher being is common to all human society. Yet most societies have their own image of God, expressed in their unique religious traditions and myths. What are the similarities and differences in these myths and the many and various images of God? The work of Joseph Campbell will be used extensively in this course.
2.13 Reconciling Religion and Science >>> Teacher Mr. Alex Krem.
Are religions and science compatible? Complementary? Co-dependent? Independent? Mutually exclusive? This course will explore the writings of leading scientists, some deeply religious and others not.
2.14 The Roles of Religion in Modern Society >>> Teacher Rev Dr. Thomas Lynch.
Some argue that religion is important and others think it is dangerous. This course explores the debate on what some call the “Crisis in Religion.”
2.15 Introduction to Islam >>> Teacher Aziza Zemrani
An important religion in the world is Islam. This course introduces someone not familiar with Islam with its major tenants and beliefs.
3.0 Interfaith Minister Development Programs — 40 hours courses
These 40 hour courses are for Interfaith Ministers who wish to improve their skills in managing nonprofit organizations such as churches and pastoral counseling.
3.1 Nonprofit Management Program Courses
3.1.1 Nonprofit Leadership, Management, and Planning >>> Teacher Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch.
This course explains how to lead and manage nonprofit organizations, such as churches, so that they better serve their community.
3.1.2 Personnel and Leadership for Nonprofit Organizations >>> Teacher Dr. Sharon Parsons.
This course explains accepted proper personnel and leadership practices that should exist in nonprofit organizations.
3.1.3 Budgeting and Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations >>> Teacher Rev. Dr. Thomas Lynch.
This course explains proper budgeting and financial management that should exist in nonprofit organizations so that budgets balance corruption is prevented, and the board policy does guide the activities of the organization.
3.1.4 Foundations of Organization Theory for Nonprofits >>> Teacher Dr. Sharon Parsons.
This course explains the various ways that a nonprofit can be effectively organized to accomplish its missions.
3.1.5 Grant Writing, Fund Development, and Becoming a Nonprofit >>> Teacher Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch
This course explains how to effectively write grants, how to otherwise raise money, and how to become an IRS recognized nonprofit organization.
3.1.6 Ethics for Nonprofit Organizations >>> Teacher Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch.
This course explains the importance of and how to achieve proper ethics in nonprofit organizations.
3.1.7 Probability and Statistics for Nonprofit Organizations >>> Teacher Mr. Michael Smith
This course explains what statistic methods are useful in nonprofit organizations.
3.1.8 Research Methods and Program Evaluation for Nonprofit Organizations
This course explains the concepts of research methods and evaluation that are important to nonprofit organizations.
3.1.9 Constitutional and Basic Laws Relevant to Nonprofit Organizations
This course explains constitutional and basic laws (except administrative law) that is important to how an nonprofit is managed.
3.1.10 Administrative Law and Nonprofit Organizations
This course explains what way administrative law is significant to nonprofit organizations.
3.1.11 Public Policy and Nonprofit Organizations
This course explains the importance of public policy to nonprofit organizations.
3.1.12 Marketing for Nonprofit Organizations >>> Teacher Mr. Michael Smith.
This course explains useful marketing methods for nonprofit organizations.
3.1.13 Accounting for Nonprofit Organizations
This course explains accounting processes and procedures important for nonprofit organizations.
3.1.14 Technology for Nonprofit Organizations
This course explains the useful technology that is available for nonprofit organizations.
3.1.15 Group Dynamics and Nonprofit Organizations >>> Teacher Mr. Alex Krem.
This course explains how groups act together and how to best deal with group dynamics.
3.1.16 Servant Leadership >>> Teacher Mr. Alex Krem.
Of the many leadership styles, servant-leadership is among the most effective. Such leaders focus on the needs of their colleagues and those they serve and, as humble stewards, achieve results that bond groups and bring the best out of members. While the concept is ancient, it remains as vital and effective even in today’s high pressure world and ideal in many situations for nonprofit organizations.
3.1.17 Practicum or Internship in Nonprofit Organizations
This course helps the student link his or her courses with the practical world of nonprofit organizations.
3.1.18 Directed Reading in Nonprofit Organizations
At the end of the program of study, this course gives students the opportunity to craft directed reading in particular areas. Permission of instructor required.
3.2 Spiritual Counseling Program Courses
The 100 level courses are the basic core courses and they will satisfy the educational requirements at the graduate level for most state licensing boards. All of the 100 level courses are required. The 200 and 300 level courses are electives with 300 being more advanced electives. Go to PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS under Courses to understand the program requirements for the Spiritual Counseling as well as the other programs in more detail.
This course introduces the basic theories of counseling including Psychoanalytic Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, Existential Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Behavioral Therapies, and Postmodern Approaches.
3.2.100.2 Counseling Techniques
The course covers listening and interviewing skills, parameters and limitations of the treatment relationship, client-counselor contracts and understandings, stages of clinical treatment, referral and termination.
3.2.100.3 Marriage and Family Counseling
This course explains the stages of family and couple relationships, overview of family systems theories, principles of working with couples and families.
This course introduces the principles of leading groups, objectives of group counseling, and group therapy theories.
3.2.100.5 Grief and Loss Counseling >>> Teacher Rev. Robbin Melchiorre.
This course explores the psychological, relational, and theological dynamics of loss and grief including attachment theory and the role of hope in the context of counseling.
3.2.100.6 Chemical and Substance Abuse Counseling >>> Teacher Rev. Robbin Melchiorre.
The course introduces the current understandings of the etiology, neuro-biology, and treatment of chemical and substance abuse including the spiritual dimension.
3.2.100.7 Professional Ethics for Spiritual Counselor >>> Teacher Rev. Robbin Melchiorre.
The course introduces ethics from both a secular and spiritual understandings. Attention will be given to the AAPC Code of Ethics with emphasis on setting appropriate therapeutic boundaries, legal issues, understanding the scope of spiritual counseling, and knowing when to make appropriate referrals.
The course explores the cultural factors present in counseling including the impact of gender, age, class, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, physical and cognitive differences, and religious beliefs.
3.2.100.9 Human Development and the Life Cycle
This course introduces the theories of human development and spiritual development over the course of the life cycle, including those of Erikson, Piaget, and Fowler.
3.2.100.10 Spiritual Development — the Person of the Counselor >>> Teacher Rev. Robbin Melchiorre.
More important than “what we do” in the counseling relationship is “who we are.” This course helps us to discover and articulate our identity as a spiritual guide in the context of our particular theological understanding and spiritual practices.
3.2.100.11 Counseling for Spiritual Growth
This course explains how to and what to cover in helping individuals to grow spiritually.
3.2.100.12 Appraisal and Assessments
This course is a survey of the formal and informal assessments such as testing, observations, and interviews. Test construction, validity, procedures, and interpretations will be covered.
This course is an introduction to the diagnosis of major categories of mental disorders based upon current DSM and ICT criteria and an understanding of abnormal behavior and its impact on society.
3.2.100.14 Lifestyle and Career Development
This course introduces occupational choices and career decision-making and the life-long processes that influence work values. We will explore patterns of work adjustment, career identification, integration of occupational roles and the factors that give meaning and satisfaction to life’s work.
3.2.100.15 Research Design and Evaluation
This course introduces research design and evaluation methods. In addition the course covers some statistical tools such as data analysis as well as reading and interpreting research.
3.2.100.16 Statistical Analysis
This course explains basic statistical analysis and how it can be helpful in counseling.
200 Level Elected Courses
3.2.200.1 Marriage Enrichment and Pre-Marital Preparation >>> Teacher Rev. Robbin Melchiorre.
Pre-Requisites: Marriage and Family Counseling; Counseling Theories
This course provides an overview of the Prepare / Enrich materials and their use in pre-marital preparation and marriage enrichment.
Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Psychopatholgy
This course is an in-depth study of both situational and interpersonal trauma and the fear response including the neuro-biology of trauma. Psychological disorders resulting from trauma such as PTSD and DPD will be explored along with the role of spiritual counseling in the treatment of these disorders.
3.2.200.3 Depression and Anxiety Disorders >>> Teacher Rev. Robbin Melchiorre.
Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Grief and Loss Counseling; and Psychopathology
This course is an in-depth study of depression and anxiety disorders, current understandings in related neuro-biology, and the role of spiritual counseling in the treatment of these disorders.
3.2.200.4 Counseling Families of Substance Abusers >>> Teacher Rev. Robbin Melchiorre.
Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Chemical and Substance Abuse Counseling; and Marriage and Family Counseling
This course explores the family dynamics leading to and / or resulting from chemical and substance abuse of any member of the family system. It will also look at genetic factors of substance abuse in families, how a family history of substance abuse can be disrupted and healed and the role of spiritual counseling in that process.
3.2.200.5 Couples in Crisis Counseling >>> Teacher Rev. Robbin Melchiorre.
Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Marriage and Family Counseling
This course is an in-depth study of the factors leading up to a crisis in couples” relationship and the role of spiritual counseling in working through that crisis in a way that leads to spiritual growth for both members of the couple.
3.2.200.6 Human Sexuality and Sexual Addictions
Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Human Development and the Life Cycle
This course is an in-depth study of human sexuality, normal sexual needs including heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, and transgendered sexuality, sexual identity, and abnormal sexual functioning, including sexual addictions. This course will explore the role of the 12-step programs as a treatment for sexual addictions and the role of the spiritual counselor in the healing process.
Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Human Development and the Life Cycle; Grief and Loss Counseling
This course is an in-depth study of the factors such as loss and grief that accompany the aging process in particular and the adjustments to those losses of health, mobility, and functioning that must occur for healthy life transitioning in later years. Planning for end of life issues such as making a living will, planning memorial services, and providing for loved ones will be explored as functions of spiritual counseling.
3.2.200.8 Divorce and Remarriage >>> Teacher Rev. Robbin Melchiorre.
Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Marriage and Family Counseling
This course is an in-depth study of the effects of divorce, how to help a couple achieve a health divorce, and the understanding of self in relationship that must be worked through to effect a healthy remarriage.
3.2.200.9 Having a Satisfying Single Living >>> Teacher Rev. Robbin Melchiorre.
Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Marriage and Family Counseling; Human Development and the Life Cycle
This course points out that while coupling is the norm in our society, many persons live a single life by choice or necessity. This course explores the role of spiritual counseling in helping the single person avoid isolation while living a single life and maintaining healthy and nurturing connections to others.
3.2.200.10 Dealing with Parent / Teen Conflicts
Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Marriage and Family Counseling; and Human Development and the Life Cycle
Adolescence and the teen years can represent the biggest life transition and challenge of life. This course is an in-depth study of these years and the role of parenting a teen through this transitional period, including how to set appropriate limits while remaining a non-anxious presence in the teen’s life.
3.2.200.11 Dealing with Chronic Disease
Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Human Development and the Life Cycle; Grief and Loss Counseling
This course is an in-depth study of the effects of chronic illness on the human psyche and the role of spiritual counseling in coping with chronic illness with hope and finding meaning in unavoidable suffering
300 Level Advanced Elected Courses
Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Psychopathology; Spiritual Development – the Person of the Counselor; 100 hours of clinical conseling
This is an advanced course in Jungian Psychology and its application in spiritual counseling.
3.2.300.2 Transpersonal Psychology and Psycholsynthesis
Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Counseling Techniques; Psychopathology; Spiritual Development – the Person of the Counselor; 100 hours of supervised clinical counseling
This is an advanced course in transpersonal psychology and the theories of Roberto Assagioli (psychosynthesis) and their application in spiritual counseling.
3.2.300.3 Family Systems Theory and Genograms >>> Teacher Rev. Robbin Melchiorre.
Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Counseling Techniques; Marriage and Family Counseling; 100 hours of supervised clinical counseling
This is an advanced course in family systems theory as described by Friedman and Bowen and the application in spiritual counseling. Students will learn how to create and use genograms to understand multi-generational family dynamics and patterns.
3.2.300.4 Counseling for AIDS and Stigmatizing Diseases
Pre-Requisites:Counseling Theories; Counseling Techniques; Cultural Diversity; Human Development and the Life Cycle; Grief and Loss Counseling; 100 hours of supervised clinical counseling
This is an advanced course for those working with AIDS patients and others with stigmatizing diseases to help normalize their experience through spiritual counseling.
3.2.300.5 Counseling Children and Adolescents
Pre-Requisites:Counseling Theories; Counseling Techniques; Human Development and the Life Cycle; Family Systems Theory and Genograms; 100 hours of supervised clinical counseling
This is an advanced course that explores the special world of children and adolescents with challenging life situations and the ways that spiritual counseling can be of benefit to their healing.
3.2.22 Practicum or Internship — 1,000 to 2,000 hours of supervised clinical work
This set of courses is meant to help the student connect practical clinical work with the student’s program of study at the Academy. The method of clinical work needs to be defined by the faculty for each particular student. The AAPC requires a minimum of 300 supervised counseling with 125 hours of supervision of which 1/3 must be with an AAPC fellow or diplomat.
4.0 Lectures, Talks and Sermons >>> Mr. Herb Wilson and Rev. Dr. Thomas Lynch.
4.1 The Academy gives weekly FREE one and one half hour TALKS and DISCUSSIONS in San Miguel de Allende. They are from 1:30 to 3:30 PM on Sunday at the Empowerment Center.
