Members of the first cohort in Samford University Beeson Divinity School’s Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (MACC) recently reflected on their experience in the program. Student interviewees include Chris Howell, Hannah Newman and Hila Grace Allman.
What led you to Beeson and the MACC?
Howell: I graduated from Beeson with my Master of Divinity (MDiv) in 1999. During that time, I took two or three counseling classes as electives under Dr. Langston Haygood. I’ve been doing pastoral counseling now for almost 30 years. When I found out Beeson was going to offer a counseling degree, it really got my attention. My wife and I talked about it and prayed about it. She's a mental health therapist, and we just felt like this was what the Lord was leading me to do at this time. It seems a little unusual coming back to Beeson after 25, 26 years, but it feels like home as well. It was exactly what I was looking for to help me do a much better job in pastoral counseling in the ministry where I am now.
Newman: I work full time at Samford as the CARE Coordinator, so Beeson was handed to me as a gift. The counseling program rolled out at the same time I started working at Samford, so it was a very clear “yes” for me. My job is case management, and I do a lot of informal counseling. To be able to take what I’m learning—especially from a theological perspective—and apply it to the work I’m doing at Samford, was the easiest decision.
Allman: What I love about the MACC is the high regard for theology and clinical mental health. Coming to a place where I can have that conversation and enter into that dialogue with other believers is really great.
How has the MACC helped you in ministry?
Howell: The MACC has further prepared me to minister to people in a church ministry setting. The program has taken what I learned years ago in my MDiv and developed me so much more to minister to people more effectively—not just with psychological techniques or psychotherapy theory but have the Gospel as the focus in what we're doing.
Newman: I will go from class one day into meetings with students the next day, and I get to immediately apply what I’m learning. What I’m learning in the program is helpful in skills and theories, and it’s personally formative for me as a counselor and a person. I’ve been very affirmed in what I’m already doing as I join the work of the Holy Spirit, who is the ultimate counselor. Also getting to build and develop my language and education around that has been enhanced.
Allman: The MACC has helped me view people as holistic beings, as people who have spiritual, emotional, mental and physical aspects. Seeing them in that way and in that light can help me serve them better and love them as the Lord loves them.
What makes Beeson’s MACC unique?
Howell: My favorite part of the experience at Beeson has been the personal interaction with my professors and fellow students. I was a little concerned about being the oldest student in the program, but it has been a beautiful thing being in a program with students much younger than me. I've gotten to know them. I've enjoyed studying with them, talking with them, becoming friends with them. And that has been a joy. I cannot imagine being a part of a program like this in an online setting, which can be impersonal. Learning in a deeply personal, interactive setting with professors and fellow students—with the Gospel at the center—has been an enriching experience that I just don't think I would have gotten in another setting.
Newman: This is my dream program because it marries theological richness, doctrine and history with counseling education—a full educational experience. Not only that, but we’re in mentor groups, and in a cohort that is deeply relational. So, it’s rigorous education, but it is also deeply relational and personally formative.
Allman: Beeson really does life together and I think that’s very valuable, especially for people going into a field where you are called to love others who are suffering. My cohort is very involved in praying for and with each other and living life together.
What would you say to someone considering Beeson’s MACC?
Howell: If you visit Beeson and see the connectedness of the students and professors, and see how rich the Gospel-centered program is, you’ll have a much better understanding of what the MACC is all about. It’s not just about getting a degree, learning theory or techniques; it’s about being real with the person you’re counseling, while being trained and equipped to do that. I was so thankful for Beeson’s centering their education on God’s word when I graduated in 1999, and I’m experiencing it again now. The focus of the Gospel and working through different types of techniques in counseling to help someone—whatever their struggle may be—I’m being prepared to do that.
Newman: I truly believe there will be nothing to regret about an education that is so deeply entrenched and guided by God’s word. Anyone who goes through this program will be able to use it no matter what you’re doing by interacting with people on a day-to-day basis. Christ has called us to bear one another’s burdens and love one another as the Lord does. And this program helps you do that. It’s one that makes you go deeper with the Lord, learn the history of the saints and how to love hurting people. This program and community is worth being a part of.
Allman: Everyone here is encouraging and engaging, and this is something we’re all interested in. Coming here was a leap of faith for me. I was in a different field, teaching at an elementary school. The Lord has met me here and has walked with me every step of the way. One way I’ve seen Him work in my life is through the community I’ve found at Beeson.
The deadline to apply for the Beeson’s Master of Arts in Christian Counseling for the spring semester is Dec. 1. For a fall term entry, apply by June 1.