Section outline

  • Marriage Ministry (4 credits)

    Instructor: Kristine Koetje-Balder (E-Professor in Counseling: B.A. Religious Education, Grace Bible College; M.A. Mental Health, Western Michigan University; M.A. Psychology, LLP, LPC)

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    DISCLAIMER: This course is of an intense nature and covers many sensitive and tough topics. Keep close to the Lord as you move through this course. 

    Overview: This advanced class presents key building blocks of a thriving marriage, offers insights for strengthening one's own marriage, develops ability to offer pre-marriage preparation for couples, and cultivates skills for marriage counseling. 


    Dr. Kristine Koetje-Balder is teaching this ministry class. She has over 25 years of experience as a licensed, certified counselor. She heads up the Compassionate Christian Counseling practice (www.cccounseling.net). Ministry leaders have many opportunities to encourage and inspire thriving marriages. This class is valuable for deacon ministers, small group leaders, pastors, chaplains, women's ministers, marriage ministers, divorce care ministers and youth ministers, as well as for individuals or couples who wish to strengthen or grow in their own marriage. 


    Course Objectives:

    1. Learn the basic principles of Christian marriage and how to help a marriage thrive.
    2. Learn content that you can use for a pre-marriage ministry.
    3. Develop skills for marriage counseling. 
    4. Get skills necessary for being a chaplain or for other ministry roles.
    5. Learn Biblical skills that will help your own marriage if you are married.


    Accessibility: All of the videos (with the exception of the introduction interview) have notes to accompany them. All video transcripts are available.

    Note: This course was formerly called Thriving Marriages.

    Deadline: You have 180 days to finish the course. Complete all assignments before the final deadline, or you will be automatically withdrawn from the course and all coursework will be removed. You will have to start over and retake the class to receive credit.


    When you enroll in this course, you can start immediately and work ahead of schedule if you wish.