Janiah Clark

Smith’s life assessment is extremely relatable and understandable. However, if misunderstood, one might make the assumption that life has to be free of hardships for success and the purpose of our pain could be overlooked. 2 Corinthians 1:4 highlights the purpose of our pain, “He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

[1]

Sometimes yesterday’s junk can hinder us from moving forward and sometimes it can catapult us into newness if we allow the Lord to lead.” For example, one of my “pieces of junk” that can keep me up at night is anxiety. Worrying about the future instead of entrusting it back to God could indeed keep me from moving on. I am reminded of the reason solution-based counseling exists. Kollar says, “The outcome dictates the process rather than the process dictating the outcome.”

[2]

When I am feeling overtaken with anxiety now, I am able to encourage myself with a solution-based mentality as I minister to myself the truth of God’s Word.

What’s Best Next?

I have learned the value of maintaining a good vault of resources as I serve not just for those I am ministering to but for myself as well. I think at the start of this course, I relied too much on others but care for myself, really is up to me. In terms of self-care a good resource is the AAKOMA Project (aakomaproject.org), “healing starts in the heart.” Founded by Dr. Alfiee, this organization is a great therapy resource. For me, talking to someone is important because it allows me to be refueled as I constantly pour out. In terms of safe and secure helping relationship, Soul Shepherding is something to look into. Bill and Kristi Gaultiere created a space specifically to care for pastors and ministry leaders. There you can find leadership coaching, spiritual direction and sabbatical coaching (soulshepherding.org). For further training, CCEF offers 12 week courses in their school of biblical counseling program. At the end of the Fall, Summer or Spring term, you could earn a certificate. I look forward to continuing the journey to become a better counselor. I am leaving this course feeling much more confident and prepared to serve.

Jainah

PACO 500

Discussion: So-What?! and What’s Next?! Assignment Instructions

The student will complete the Discussion: So-What?! and What’s Next?! in this course. The student will post one thread of at least 350 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Wednesday of the assigned Module: Week. The student must then post 1 reply of at least 125 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Friday of the assigned Module: Week. For each thread, students must support their assertions with pertinent citations from the Discussion prompt. Each reply must incorporate at least 1 scholarly citation. Your initial post and reply should follow current APA or Turabian standards.

This course utilizes the Post-First feature in all Discussions. This means you will only be able to read and interact with your classmates’ threads after you have submitted your thread in response to the provided prompt. For additional information on Post-First, click

here

for a tutorial.

PACO 500

Discussion: So-What?! and What’s Next?! Grading Rubric

Criteria

Levels of Achievement

Criteria

Advanced 92-100 (A- to A):
Satisfies criteria w/ excellence

Proficient 84-91 (B- to B+) :
Satisfies Criteria

Developing (C- to C+):
Satisfies most criteria

Below Expectations (F to D+):
Does not satisfy criteria

Not Present

Points

Earned

Content 70% (53 pts)

Thread

28 to 30 points
· All key components of the discussion prompt are answered in the thread.
· The thread has a clear, logical flow. All major points are stated clearly.
· All major points are supported by the forum’s required evidence-based sources and good examples or thoughtful analysis.

26 to 27 points
· All key components of the discussion prompt are answered in the thread.
· The thread has a logical flow. Most major points are stated.
· Most major points are supported by the required forum’s evidence-based sources and examples or analysis.

23 to 25 points
· The discussion prompt is addressed.
· The thread lacks flow and content. Major points are unclear or confusing.
· Major points include minimal examples or analysis.

1 to 22 points
· The discussion prompt is marginally addressed or not at all.
· The thread lacks content. Major points are unclear, confusing or not discussed at all.
· Major points are not supported by examples or analysis.

0 points

Reply

22 to 23 points
· One Reply directly addresses a specific point of reference within a related thread.
· The reply is a significant contribution that noticeably uses a required evidence-based source, thoughtful analysis of subject matter and thread.

20 to 21 points
· One Reply directly addresses a point of reference within a related thread.
· The reply is a contribution that uses a required evidence-based source, thoughtful analysis of subject matter and thread.

18 to 19 points
· One Reply addresses a related thread.
· The reply lacks flow and content. Reply is unclear or confusing.

1 to 17 points
· One Reply marginally addresses a related thread.
· The reply lacks relevancy or clarity.

0 points

Structure 30% (22 points)

Organization/ Style/Sources

14 to 15 points
· The thread is presented with appropriate headings in bold, annotated outline with concise sentences, and organizational clarity.
· Thread’s minimum word count of 350 words is met or exceeded.
· The reply contains a salutation and meets or exceeds 125 word count.
· The forum’s required sources are significantly employed; follows current APA standards or Turabian Form without format errors.

13 points
· The thread is presented with most headings in bold, annotated outline with sentences, but slightly lacking organizational clarity.
· Thread’s minimum word count of 350 words is met or exceeded.
· The reply contains a salutation and meets or exceeds 125 word count.
· All but one of the forum’s required sources are employed; follows current APA standards or Turabian Form with minimal format errors.

12 points
· The thread is presented with partial headings, without annotated outline and/or clear sentences, and/or lacks organizational clarity.
· Thread’s minimum word count of 350 words is met or exceeded.
· The reply does not contain a salutation and/or meet 125 word count.
· Insufficient use of forum’s required sources; marginally follows current APA standards or Turabian Form.

1 to 11 points
· The thread is presented without headings and/or clear sentences, and lacks organizational clarity.
· Thread’s minimum word count of 350 words is not met or exceeded.
· The reply does not contain a salutation and meet 125 word count.
· Missing required forum sources.

0 points

Grammar/

Spelling

7 points
· Spelling, grammar are correct. Sentences are complete, clear, and concise.
· Paragraphs contain appropriately varied sentence structures.

6 points
· Sentences are reasonably complete, clear, and concise. Minor issues with proofreading/editing are noted.
· Paragraphs contain appropriately varied sentence structures.

5 points
· Sentences are less complete, clear, and concise. More pervasive / significant issues with proofreading / editing are noted.
· Paragraphs marginally contain appropriately varied sentence structures.

1 to 4 points
· Writing is not at the graduate level. It was clear that the work had not been edited or proofread. Multiple issues are noted.
· Run-on paragraphs are observed. Sentence structure is not varied.

0 points

Total

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