Lincoln Christian University

"Sensing God's call to go back to school for a counseling degree after working for thirteen years as an IT professional was a big change.  I knew I wanted an institution that would prepare me well for the counseling profession, that would use the revealed truth of Scripture as the final authority, and that would be respectful of my faith background.  I also was hoping for a smaller school with a personal touch, as well as flexible class schedules that meshed with my work situation.  I found all this and more at Lincoln Christian Seminary.  I had the privilege to learn from and with some talented, devoted followers of Christ from various cultures who stretched and grew my faith as we developed counseling skills and studied Scripture together.  After nearly one year of working as a full-time counselor through my church's counseling center, I feel that LCU prepared me well for counseling ministry.  I feel blessed to say I received my diploma and my serving towel from Lincoln Christian University."

	Greg Delort, Ph.D., CFLE

"The counseling program at Lincoln Christian University (LCU) has been foundational both in my discipleship and my ministry.  The professors in the program wove theology, theory, and practice together in ways that helped develop a Christ-centered, people-sensitive, relevant, and applicable approach to counseling ministry.  Through this approach the Masters in Counseling left me well-equipped to engage further graduate work in Family Studies.  I consider much of the ministry I do now to be rooted in the sound biblical preparation provided to me at LCU.  Simply put the counseling program and the people at LCU modeled and nurtured Matthew 22:34-40, love God and love people."

	R. Karla Grigsby Part-time Therapist in Springfield, IL

"The counseling program at LCU was truly a blessing to me!  After having worked 20 plus years in State government, I knew that God had a different vision for my life.  When I learned that LCU offered a Christian counseling program, I had a sense that pursuing a degree from this institution was just what I had been looking for.  Indeed, I was right!  Not only was attending LCU the culmination of what seemed to be an agonizing search, but it was also the beginning of a life-changing journey for me.  I experienced a deepening of my relationship with Christ, developed a greater appreciation for Christian fellowship, and learned what it means to come alongside someone who is hurting (which is what counselors have been called to do).  Whether you are interested in pastoral counseling or plan to become a professional counselor, the program at LCU has much to offer.  The faculty members in the counseling department are passionate about what they do; they are highly knowledgeable in their field; they make themselves available to their students; and they foster a sense of community in their classes that I had never experienced in any other educational setting.    The instructors provide a solid, Biblical foundation while teaching the counseling skills, theories, etc. that are applicable to both a church and professional setting.  I highly recommend the counseling program at LCU and know that you will be equipped to minister to hurting souls in either capacity you choose."

	Michael MacKenzie

"When I first arrived at Lincoln Christian University I knew I wanted to learn how to better care for those who are hurting in life. The Masters in Counseling program provided what I needed. Not only did the program provide the theological and psychological knowledge necessary to understand and facilitate healing, the practical experience and the investment of the professors nurtured growth in myself which was needed in order to be used by God as a counselor. This degree and experience helped open a door to a position as a Hospice chaplain, then being on-staff at an intensive counseling center, and now my wife (who also has her Masters in Counseling from Lincoln) and I own and operate a Christian counseling private practice. The Masters in Counseling program was a great experience and stepping stone for me."

	Cindy Martin Counselor and Director of Children's ministry for Kerala Christian Mission, Kerala. India

"It was such a privilege for me to be able to complete my Master in Pastoral Care and Counseling degree from Lincoln Christian University 2004-2006.

Being an International student, (India) I had my limitations to even consider continuing my Masters after completing my Bachelors at Atlanta Christian College. I never imagined that I would be able to continue my higher education.

I was an undergrad counseling major student at when the opportunity came. Dr. Robert Rea once came to ACC Chapel and arranged a meeting that evening for students to ask questions regarding Lincoln Christian University. I openly shared my interest and my concerns in continuing my education.And that made all the difference. That was just the beginning of my journey to Lincoln Christian University.

Pastoral Care and Counseling program has equipped me to serve God and his people in my own country. This program has given me the required confidence to face the real people and real problems, give them the counsel, support and help them in the time of their need.

Professors were considerate of my limitations in language and provided the necessary help that was required. Dr Boatman, Mr. Ewald and the rest of the Counseling Professors were always ready to give their time.

The program was sketched in such a manner that the education I received at Lincoln can be used any where, in any culture with the exception of language barriers. This has helped me to understand that there are common realities that human race face around the world.

Compared to other Master's programs, counseling programs are more designed in group activities which would really help in exploration that will expand the students thinking and exposure to new experiences. During the class, the professors willingly share their experience they received on the field and also share cases that would help us understand the different theories to be applied when counseling a client. "Crisis Intervention Techniques" class influenced me to a great extent. It was in this class that my potential was tested and I gained the confidence to face my clients today. Role plays were part of the class assignment. It was my turn to be the counselor and the client was one of my friends. He made the case as hard as he could. Though I was sweating while doing the case, it has in fact, given me the confidence to face the reality that people may not always come for counseling with simple problems, but sometimes with the worst and hard experiences they face in life..

More over, this program has been such a blessing in my personal life, my relationship with God, my spouse and my son, family, church and society. It has taught me to face the reality of life without fear! And that is a great lesson!"