This semester, Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School will welcome licensed counselor Dr. Christine Baker for two workshops aimed at helping pastors and their families. Dr. Baker, who is married to Dr. Austin Baker, DMin ’23, will provide ministry leaders with practical skills for enhancing and maintaining their emotional well-being while attending to their pastoral duties at the first event, set for Sept. 23. At the second event, set for Oct. 28, she will address practical steps for strengthening marriage and family relationships for those bearing pastoral responsibilities. Both events will be held from 1-4 p.m. in Divinity Hall N-101. Dr. Baker recently spoke with Beeson about her background and these upcoming events.
Tell us about your background/education and how you got into counseling?
I come from a broken family, and when I was 18, I started my own counseling journey. My therapist provided a safe, nurturing space for me, and it became this directive experience which influenced my next steps. I was grateful for that experience, and I knew I wanted to offer the same kind of support to others. That sparked my passion for counseling. My education has also been quite a journey! I started out at Samford, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology. After this, I went on to Liberty University for my master’s in professional counseling. While in that program, I did my practicum/internship at Pathways Professional Counseling here in Birmingham, where the staff encouraged me to continue my educational pursuits. This led me to Regent University, where I completed my PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. During my time at Pathways, I participated in training around attachment wounding and developmental trauma. I also attended a conference where I learned about sex addiction and its impact on the church. My heart was broken for this population, which led me on to a two-year certification process called CSAT (Certified Sexual Addictions Therapist). From the very start of working with this population, I realized I was going to need more training in working with trauma, which is often at the root of most addictive behavior. After this, I received my Traumatic Stress Studies certificate from The Trauma Center at the Justice Resource Institute under Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, became an EMDR therapist, and, most recently, completed a three-year training program to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP).
Why is learning to be emotionally healthy and to have a healthy family as important as learning theology, church history, etc.?
Emotional health and family well-being are as crucial for pastors as theological education because they form the foundation for sustainable, effective ministry. In today's challenging church climate marked by burnout and moral failings, pastors need more than simply doctrinal knowledge to thrive. By prioritizing their own emotional wellness and family life, pastors can model Christ-like leadership, enhance their pastoral care abilities, and increase their longevity in ministry. Moreover, this holistic approach recognizes that applying biblical truths effectively requires personal resilience and relational skills. While theology and church history provide the intellectual and spiritual framework, emotional health enables pastors to navigate real-world ministry challenges. By integrating biblical principles with evidence-based strategies for personal and family well-being, pastors can develop a more robust, well-rounded approach to ministry that benefits both themselves and their congregations.
How have you seen this play out in your own home with your husband’s ministry?
In our home, we approach parenting with a biblical approach, all held within the foundation of healthy, emotional connection. We have seen time and time again that our children better hear the truths of Christ when trust and relationship are thriving between us and them.
"I believe Christine’s work has aided me in two main ways, Austin said. “One, I have become a more well-rounded pastor. I am able to communicate the truths of God’s Word with those in the church from a place of empathy and patience that I don’t think I possessed before. And second, many in our church view Christine as a safe person. Although they are (obviously) not her clients, she is able to better understand their pain and struggles because of her training and experience, which helps me so much in how I shepherd them.”
What can attendees expect to hear at these events and how will they benefit?
"The Shepherd's Health: Practical Skills to Support Longevity in Ministry" will focus on equipping pastors and church leaders with practical skills to manage the burdens of ministry while maintaining their personal wellness. Attendees can expect to learn coping strategies that will help them navigate the challenges of pastoral work without neglecting their own well-being. This training aims to provide tools that support longevity in ministry, addressing the issue of burnout and helping church leaders maintain their effectiveness over the long term. "The Shepherd's Home: Everyday Rhythms of Prioritizing Your Family" will delve into the importance of maintaining a healthy family life while serving in ministry. Participants will learn about the rationale behind prioritizing family and receive practical guidance on establishing daily rhythms that foster connection within their families. This session will cover strategies for balancing the demands of pastoral work with family responsibilities, helping attendees develop sustainable practices that strengthen their home life alongside their ministry commitments.