Eden Theological Seminary offers courses at CGCC-UCCÂ to meet the growing need for degree and non-degree seminary education in the state, filling a void among the progressive Protestant churches. Eden, with its main campus in the St. Louis area, is one of the seven affiliated seminaries of the United Church of Christ, and has been educating women and men for church leadership for over 160 years.
Graduate-level classes continue on the CGCC-UCC campus through Eden Theological Seminary, February 17-18; March 16-17; April 27-28; May 11-12. The course offered is M131F Pastoral Theology and Care, led by Dr. Kristen Leslie.
In this course we will explore introductory pastoral care and counseling issues related to moral and crisis life events. We will survey a range of theoretical and practical issues related to the care of individuals and communities as they move through these life changes. Because listening and responding are key elements in the art of pastoral care, emphasis will be placed on developing skills in these areas. We will give particular attention to the integration of theological reflection, family systems theories, and practical skills throughout the course. As well, we will focus attention on cultural and communal contexts and the consequent strategies of care. This course will be a hybrid course, involving on-line instruction and in-class work.
Kristen Leslie joined the Eden faculty for the fall 2010 semester as Professor of Pastoral Care and Theology. Dr. Leslie comes to Eden from Yale Divinity School, where she taught in Pastoral Care and Counseling. She has a Bachelor’s degree from the College of Wooster, a Master of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School, and a Doctorate from Claremont School of Theology.
Dr. Leslie’s research has focused on intercultural pastoral theology; womanist and feminist pastoral counseling; pastoral theological implications of sexualized violence, particularly on pastoral counseling issues for survivors of acquaintance rape, and ministry in higher education with young adults. She has taught many specialized courses on pastoral care, and has led international travel seminars to Bosnia, Croatia and Australia.
She has worked with chaplains at the United States Air Force Academy on issues of sexualized violence and religious intolerance. In 2005, Professor Leslie co-authored the report that brought to light the problem of Christian proselytizing at the Air Force Academy.
Dr. Leslie is the author of Three Decades of Women Writing for Their Lives in Feminist and Womanist Pastoral Theology, and the book, When Violence Is No Stranger: Pastoral Care and Counseling with Survivors of Acquaintance Rape.
- Cost – Semester $1,365.00 (3 credit-hour course)
- Students must apply as Credit Non-degree students at Eden Theological Seminary.
To register, contact the Rev. Carol Shanks, Director of Admissions, cshanks@eden.edu or 877-627-5652.
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Are you interested in learning more about CGCC-UCC? Would you like to become a church member and share in the responsibilities and privileges of this dynamic congregation? If so, you are invited to a “Get Acquainted” dinner in the church library on Sunday, February 26, following the 11 o’clock service. This gathering will offer information about CGCC, the United Church of Christ and what it means to be a church member, as well as providing an opportunity to meet the staff and church leaders.
Church Night In is one of our most popular programs, and there are lots of reasons why…good food, warm fellowship, great programs, and no cooking!  Dinner is served from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. each Wednesday $5 for adults / $3 for kids 12 and under, with take-out available.  Still not convinced?  Read this testimony from Ross Walpole about his favorite night of the week. 
