GOODNEWS
 SPECIALIZED MINISTRIES, INC.

Educational Division of Good News Specialized Ministries

I. GOOD NEWS GRADUATE CENTER

OUR FOCUS

GOOD NEWS GRADUATE CENTER, the Educational Division of Good News, is a non-profit organization designed to offer mental health education to the public and for the training and certification of professional Christian counselors and the qualification and preparation of highly specialized Counseling Ministers. In our professional training programs, all aspects of counseling theory and practice have been examined comprehensively while Clinical, Theological, Ministerial, and Biblical Studies are thoroughly covered and integrated into the total discipline of Clinical Christian Counseling. A supportive staff and highly qualified faculty have made the Good News experience meaningful and invaluable to many students. Intensive practical and academic training has been combined with an active chapel program where all participated. Good News is non-denominational  and  theologically conservative, while being committed to the best of New Testament spirit-filled Christianity, including human equality before God. Our graduates are now ministering in many areas and stand ready to "heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening at the prison to those who are bound." (Is. 61:1)

OUR FLEXIBILITY

GOOD NEWS GRADUATE CENTER realizes the diversity of training and preparation, as well as the varied backgrounds of those who may be called to a Specialized Ministry in Christian Counseling. Good News has offered unique programs designed to best accommodate  individual background and future aspirations and calling. While we are not currently accepting new students for training programs in professional counseling, we hope to act as an educational resources for those wishing to prepare for specialized ministries in Christian Counseling. If you are interested in this area please see the section below on "Becoming A Professional Christian Counselor".

1. CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM
    A series of  seminars covering vital topics are offered intermittently for any interested person including: ministers, professional counselors, clergy, those in the helping and healing professions,  interns, and persons from any orientation. Costs are very reasonable. Accommodations are ample and inexpensive in the Keene area. Offerings vary year-by-year but have included: Overcoming Depression, Conflict Resolution, Alcoholism Counseling and Intervention, Counseling Adult Children of Alcoholics, Suicidology, Grief Counseling, Psychopathology, Diagnostic Procedures, Biblical Foundations of Counseling, Incest and Sexual Abuse, Christian Counseling, etc.

3. INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
    This has included a highly structured program in Clinical Christian Counseling with between five and twenty cases in a variety of areas, including depression, psychiatric disorders, alcoholism, abuse, marital and family conflicts, personality disorders, handicapped, stress, incest, etc. Intensive supervision and clinical case methodology are combined with Christian Counseling and intensive prayer. The intern has been taught to address the emotional, physical, and spiritual concerns of the entire person and to apply Biblical insight in a healing manner. Internships are from one to two years and are coordinated with cooperating universities. Twelve to twenty-four hours of graduate credit are usually available towards a Master's Degree. Currently new interns are not being accepted at Good News.

OUR FUNCTION

Our graduates stand well-equipped for the front lines of service in Counseling Ministries in these troubled times. Close cooperation is maintained with all cooperating denominations. All students have been accepted on the basis of promise, commitment, calling, and qualification; not because of particular denominational affiliations, race, or sex.

OUR FACULTY

All professors, teachers, instructors, and speakers have a Master's and/or Doctorate Degree or are experts in their field. Clinical and Field Supervision at Good News has been  provided by Doctoral or Master's level Licensed or Certified Counselors who are qualified in a variety of disciplines at the State or National level in Clinical Mental Health, Pastoral Counseling, etc. Supervisors are experienced. Field Education Supervisors have served in most cases on the Adjunct Faculty of various universities. Most Instructors or supervisors are also Licensed or Ordained Ministers, with extensive parish and specialized ministry experience.

AFFILIATIONS

Good News has functioned as an approved extension site of Global University. In addition to the Global University courses that have been taught at the Main Campus of Good News, a wide range of courses are offered at any time online. These programs can lead to accredited Bachelor's or Master's Degrees. In addition, Global University offers preparation for Ministerial Professions in Pastoral and specialized areas. Non-degree and certificate programs are also offered. If you wish to contact Global University please use the maroon colored hyperlink above.

CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSE OFFERINGS

Seminars in a large variety of mental health related fields are open to the public and have been offered at Good News in a broad range of areas for the past 22 years. If you would like to see a particular course offered or wish a seminar taught in your church or organization, please contact Good News at the address below. Past Seminar offerings have included: Overcoming Depression, Divorce Recovery, The Dynamics of Domestic & Sexual Violence, Conflict Resolutions, Biblical Studies, Holistic Approaches To Health, Overcoming Sexual Abuse, etc. Please check the Events Page for the current Schedule.

BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR

Preparation to become a professional Christian Counselor is lengthy and demanding. This is a high calling which requires perseverance and dedication and many years of intense training. Before you make any choices as to the university or college you select for your professional education, please check carefully the requirements of the state in which you wish to practice as to whether or not the program you wish to enter meets the requirements for state counselor licensure or certification. States vary as to whether or not they require licensure or certification and can differ in significant aspects as to their specific educational and supervisory requirements to grant professional counseling credentials. In the vast majority of cases a minimum of a Masters degree from an accredited university program in professional counseling or psychology is required. Please check out various university options and whenever possible try to find a program that also offers biblical and theological studies in an integrative manner. Academic and personal  integration of theological, biblical, and psychological studies is critical to becoming an effective Christian Counselor- rather than a Christian who is also doing counseling.

In addition, if you wish licensure extensive post-degree clinical supervision of  a specific number of your direct counseling hours will need to first be provided and documented  by a state licensed mental health professional who is willing to provide you with individual clinical supervision. Concurrently a passing score on whatever professional counseling exam your state requires is also needed to obtain licensure. Many, but certainly not all, states use the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor's Exam. Also valuable professionally, are exams offered by the National Board For Certified Counselor. Again it is critical to check as early in you training as possible with the state in which you wish to practice for their specific requirements in education, exams, experience, supervision, and any additional requirements.

Prayer, perseverance, community support, and a caring mentor can be of crucial importance for you to complete your lengthy training.  Do not become discouraged at the hurdles that can appear.  God will give you the strength you need to complete this arduous journey.  Your dedication, skills, and caring are greatly needed in the field of Clinical Christian Counseling.

Good News Specialized Ministries operates on donated funds only. If you wish to become part of the supporters of Good News and this web site, please send your tax-exempt donations to Good News, PO Box 10212, Swanzey, NH 03446.

GOOD NEWS; PO Box 10212;  Swanzey, NH 03446