Orlando Master of Arts Counseling
Alumni Testimonies
Jonathan St. Clair, MDiv, MA
Pastor of Spiritual Formation
Christ Church of Berkeley
Berkeley, California
"It is not a stretch to say that the counseling program changed the trajectory of my life and ministry. Indeed, it is difficult for me to imagine both my theological training and my present calling as a pastor and church-planter without my counseling experience at RTS Orlando. Life as a student of theology can become quite cerebral and disconnected from the complexities and challenges of life in the “real world.” However, the counseling program at RTS Orlando provided the context for me to “live theology” in relationships with peers, supervisors, and clients. This active engagement in relationships resulted not merely in the development of diagnostic and clinical skills, but more significantly in greater self-awareness, profound character formation, and a bigger vision for God’s calling in my life. As for my present ministry, one of the greatest temptations is to hole up in a safe corner with my books, remain isolated from the needs of my community, and occasionally step into the chaos. But the counseling program seared in me the reality that any Christian ministry must necessarily be incarnational and any life transformation typically in dynamic spiritual relationships. That said, I would have neither the skills nor the courage to minister to the needs people in my community - failing marriages, loss and grief, sexual brokenness, addiction, job dissatisfaction, family conflict, etc. - were it not for the intensive mentoring and redemptive process God led me through at RTS Orlando.
Chris Hull, PhD, LMHC, NCC
Assistant Professor of Counseling
Chair, Department of Online Graduate Counseling
Grace College and Seminary
Winona Lake, IN
"My experience in the counseling program at RTS Orlando gavve me the tools to achieve licensure as a mental health counselor and establish myself as a successful clinician in both private and public settings. The counseling program continually pressed me to think critically about God’s world and how to care for His people. This training prepared me to pursue a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and to serve in my current role as an Assistant Professor of Counseling for an evangelical college and seminary."
Dan Sartor, PhD, NCC
Clinical Psychologist
Ebenezer Counseling Services
Knoxville, TN
"The MAC program at RTS uniquely fueled my passion for scholarly inquiry, authentic Christian spirituality, and professional development as a Christian counselor and as an aspiring clinical psychologist. My growth in personal, spiritual, and professional integrity was fostered in a unique experiential program that created a transformational community of grace, consisting of peers, faculty, and supervisors. Since graduating from RTS, I have had the privilege of serving in full-time clinical, academic, and ministerial positions. In each appointment, I have been grateful for the foundational and deeply impacting personal, spiritual, academic, and professional growth facilitated by my RTS experience!"
