A competency-based introductory counseling course, including demonstrations of model counseling, student role-play counseling, information about prisoners, and a counseling practicum using prisoners as a client population, was developed for Roanoke Bible College. Research was then conducted to evaluate the course materials. Findings led to the conclusions that: (1) competency-based instruction was achievable at Roanoke; (2) competencies for an introductory counseling course were identifiable in measurable terms and were achieved; (3) competency-based instruction leading to mastery learning did result in a sound educational approach to teaching counseling to Bible college students; and (4) student-requested needs for more information about prisoners, for demonstrations of model counseling, and for classroom time for role play were met in the new syllabus. A complete syllabus of the course is included in the appendix, including a list of 14 course competencies, a table showing the key to be used in assigning student grades, six individualized competency-based units, and an extensive bibliography. (Author)