Pastor Ponder earned an Applied Science degree from CCAC and studied at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, completing continuing education credits as of October 4, 2019. His academic background supports his counseling skills:

• Logos Christian College Pastoral Ministry & Christian Education February 21, 2007

• Pittsburgh Theological Seminary continuing Education units Alcoholism and Drug Abuse November 3, 1983

• Education unit credits from accredited resources Counseling Expertise and Training.

He possesses a wide range of counseling skills and training areas including:

• Effective Counseling Skills

• Marriage and Family Counseling

• Grief Counseling

• Addictions Counseling

• Counseling for Domestic Violence

• Cognitive Therapy

• Integration of Psychology and Theology

• Interdenominational Pastoral Counseling

• Understanding Mental Health Trauma

• Grief and Stress Recovery competencies reflect a comprehensive approach to pastoral counseling, addressing various personal and mental health challenges