Department of Ministry and Missions

Karen Jones, Thomas Bergler, Luke Fetters, Gary Newton

The Ministry and Missions Department seeks to develop in students the commitments and skills necessary for leading others in growing faithfulness to God. A curriculum that values critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and change is designed to integrate biblical truth, evangelical theology, church history, educational psychology and methodology.

Students may elect to fulfill degree requirements with a professional major leading to a bachelor of science degree in missions, recreation and sports ministry, youth ministries, worship leadership, or educational ministries with a concentration in family and children’s ministries, or a liberal arts major in educational ministries leading to a bachelor of arts degree.

Students who elect the professional youth ministries major pursuing the bachelor of science degree complete MI 211, 221, 231, 242, 251, 331, 373, 376, 377, 411, 421, 471ym, 481 and 496; one course from BR 231 and 241; one course from BR 251and 261; and BR 414 and 415 for a total of sixty-two hours in the major.  BR 271 is taken as a prerequisite for MI 373.

Students who elect the professional missions major pursuing the bachelor of science degree complete MI 211, 231, 242, 251, 321, 331, 365, 373, 401, 411,421, 471mi, 481 and 496; one course from BR 231 and 241; one course from BR 251and 261; and BR 331, 414 and 415 for a total of sixty-five hours in the major.  BR 271 is taken as a prerequisite for MI 373.

Students who elect the professional educational ministries major pursuing the bachelor of science degree with a concentration in family and children’s ministries complete MI 211, 221, 231, 242, 251, 331, 373, 381, 411, 421, 471fc, 481 and 496; one course from BR 231 and 241; one course from BR 251and 261; BR 414 and 415; and one course from MI 376, RC 316, SO 292, and TH 253 for a total sixty-three hours in the major.  BR 271 is taken as a prerequisite for MI 373.

Students who elect the professional worship leadership major pursuing the bachelor of science degree will be offered a unique combination of ministry leadership preparation and specialized skill development in such fields as music, multimedia, or theatre.  Students’ abilities and gifts in worship and ministry leadership will be developed through the major, providing foundational skills and knowledge for serving God and the community of faith through the spiritual discipline of worship.  Requirements for the major are being developed at the time of this publication.  Contact the Ministry and Missions Department for additional information.  Students who pursue this degree will complete MI 211, 221, 242, 251, 373, 471wl, 481, and 496 and additional courses in music and worship leadership for a total of 66 hours.  Students majoring in worship leadership may also be interested in completing a minor in Bible and religion, communication studies, music, or theatre arts. 

Students who elect the educational ministries major pursuing the bachelor of arts degree complete MI 211, 231, 242, 251, 331, 373, 411, 421, and 482; one course from BR 231 and 241; one course from BR 251and 261; BR 414 and 415; one course from MI 221, MI 365, MI 376, or MI 381; and MI 495 for a total of forty-six hours.  BR 271 is taken as a prerequisite for MI 373.

Students who elect the recreation and sports ministry major pursuing the bachelor of science degree are prepared to plan, direct, and initiate church-based or community recreation programs and equipped to use recreation and sports as a ministry tool for outreach in the community.  See the Department of Physical Education, Exercise Science, and Recreation for requirements for the major.

The educational ministries minor requires MI 211, 242, 331, 411, 421 and seven additional hours in the department (not including MI 285).  The missions minor requires MI 231, 321, 365, 401, 495 (2 hours), and eight additional hours from the following courses:  MI 233, 242, 301, 311, 373, 411, and BR 331. The youth ministries minor requires MI 211, 242, 331, 376, 411, 421 and 495 (4 hours). Twenty-two hours are needed to fulfill the requirements for a minor in educational ministries, missions, or youth ministries.

The PRIME Experience

PRIME is an acronym for Practical Research and Immersion in Ministry Effectiveness. Students who elect one of the majors in the bachelor of science degree must plan their schedules carefully in order that the summer and fall immediately following the junior year may be devoted to this field ministry immersion. Students should make application for placement in The PRIME Experience during the first semester of the sophomore year. To be allowed to participate in the field ministry immersion, students must maintain an overall gpa of 2.0 and a gpa of 2.5 in their majors.  They must also have completed MI 211, 231, 242, 331, 373, 411; MI 365 or 376 or 381; and BR 271. Students enrolled in this internship should not take any other courses or be involved in co-curricular or other experiences that may detract from the overall ministry immersion experience. Students must make arrangements for their own transportation and living arrangements, in consultation with their supervising professor, though host ministry sites will be chosen in part for their ability to help facilitate this dimension of the experience.

Courses in Ministry and Missions

MI 211 Foundations of Christian Ministry     (3)

Fall

MI 221 Lifespan Development for Ministry          (3)

An investigation into the specific characteristics of cognitive, psychosocial, physical, and spiritual development from preschool through all stages of adulthood.  Special emphasis will be placed upon the significance of developmental characteristics for formulating effective relational ministry strategies.  Prerequisite:  MI 211

A study of the basic principles, significant contexts, and effective methods of personal and mass evangelism, including an examination of varieties of programs of evangelism for evaluative purposes. Field experiences and practical training are also featured in this course.

MI 233 Topics in Missions                                  (2)

A detailed examination of a selected missiological subject or skill. May be repeated for credit in different topics. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing

Offered on Sufficient Demand

MI 233co     Contextualization leads students through a process of theological reflection on the relationship between the transcendent truths of the Christian faith and the particularities of human cultures.  Students learn principles that will help them identify and promote biblically faithful inculturation of the Christian Gospel.

MI 233esl    Teaching English as a Second Language will introduce students to major issues related to TESL, develop instructional skills for use in the TESL classroom, and explore avenues of ministry available to the ESL instructor.

MI 233la      Language Acquisition equips students to use learner-directed techniques to acquire language with the assistance of a host culture language helper.

MI 233rs     Regional Studies in Missions will expose students to the geography, culture, traditional religions, mission history, and current missionary efforts in a particular country, region, or people group.

MI 233st     Short-Term Mission Leadership prepares students to plan and implement short-term missions experiences with special attention to team dynamics, spiritual and intercultural team preparation, and ethical issues related to funding and intercultural contact.

MI 242 Discipling Ministries                         (3)

A study of Jesus’ methods will be the basis for an exploration of the people-development practices in contemporary ministry. Students will consider biblical principles and processes, as well as the critical role of vision in disciple-making. Current discipleship approaches are analyzed, with specific attention given to the potential role of small groups in the discipling process. Practical training based upon biblical reflection is a major feature of this course.

Fall, Spring

MI 251 Relationships in Ministry                        (3)

This course considers the minister’s relationships with Christ, self, and others, with a focus on spiritual vitality and biblical faithfulness.  Issues and topics will include the personal practice of spiritual disciplines; effective time management, stress management, and coping skills; group dynamics and conflict resolution; and informal counseling skills.  Prerequisite:  MI 211

Contemporary beliefs and practices of the Christian faith will be examined in light of foundational biblical concepts and themes. Students will reflect upon the role of Scripture and biblical concepts that have historically defined the Christian faith; the differences in Christian heritage so as to value both the fundamental unity of Christianity as well as the diversity within Christianity; and their personal experiences and assumptions about the faith in order to understand better what they believe about Christianity. Does not count in BR or MI major or minor.

Fall, Spring

MI 285csl The Life and Thought of C.S. Lewis       (3)

A systematically developed understanding of the Christian faith through the study and analysis of and interaction with the life and work of C.S. Lewis (1898-1963).  The emphasis will be on Lewis’ apologetics, his efforts to identify and explain the essence of "mere Christianity" and the relevance of this enterprise for Christians at the end of the 20^th century.  May be taken as alternative to Understanding the Christian Faith in the Core, or as elective after MI 285.  Does not count in the MI major or minor.

Spring

MI 301 Urban Ministry                                  (2)

Fall Odd Years

MI 311 Church-Planting                                (2)

This course considers church planting theories and models.  Focus will be given to principles for establishing a reproducing church.  Students will explore competencies for church planting in various settings.  Prerequisite: Sophomore standing

Fall Even Years

MI 321 Intercultural Communication                       (3)

This course explores issues related to the intercultural communication process and considers the important role of context (social, cultural and historical) in intercultural interactions. This course examines the complex relationship between cultures and communication from various perspectives.  Special emphasis will be given to managing cross-cultural conflict, cross-cultural teaching, and cross-cultural ministry applications.  Identical with CO 322.  Prerequisite: CO 215 or consent

Spring Even Years

MI 331 Leadership and Structures for Educational Ministries      (3)

An examination of the impact of organizational culture upon the educational mission of the church or Christian organization. The student will consider views of leadership and the church based on the servant and body models of the New Testament, as well as engage in analysis of various contemporary leadership theories. Also featured will be the development of diagnosis and strategy skills critical to effective leadership. Prerequisite: MI 211 or consent

Fall

MI 365 History and Theology of Missions               (3)

This course considers theological, historical and strategic factors that impact missionary thought and practice.  Students will explore the missionary nature of God, historical missionary efforts, key missiological movements and strategies, and current progress in world evangelization.  Prerequisite: MI 211

Fall

MI 373 Theological and Ethical Issues in Christian Ministry                    (2)

This course features a case-study approach in order to examine practical ministry issues that have theological and ethical implications. Decision-making in the church, social responses in the name of the gospel, ministry among the poor, choices regarding fellowship, mission, and dialogue will be among the topics. Prerequisites: BR 271 and BR 414 or 415

Spring

MI 376 Youth Ministry                                  (3)

With particular consideration given to the developmental needs of youth, this course is a comprehensive study of purposes, principles, and programs effective in the ministry to young people. Students will articulate a biblical philosophy of ministry with adolescents.

Spring

MI 377 Contemporary American Youth Culture   (2)

A study of the social and cultural forces shaping the experience of adolescence in contemporary America.  Students will learn to evaluate individual elements of youth culture, analyze the cultural systems that shape young people, and develop effective strategies for cultural engagement.  Prerequisite: MI 221 or consent

MI 381 Family and Children’s Ministry                   (3)

This course is a study of the purposes, principles and programs essential for effective and comprehensive family ministry. Emphasis will be given to children’s evangelism, marriage and family needs, intergenerational ministry models, and lifelong Christian education. Prerequisite: MI 221

Spring Even Years

MI 401 Intercultural Learning and Adjustment        (3)

Students in this course consider learning competencies related to cross-cultural ministry.  Specific attention will be given to pre- field orientation, language acquisition, ethnographic research and community needs assessment, transition theory, multi-cultural leadership team cooperation, and preparation for re-entry to the home culture.  Students will develop a comprehensive learning plan for effective ministry within a specific cultural context.

Spring Odd Years

MI 411 Curriculum Development                  (3)

A course in which the student will be guided in curriculum design. Philosophies, values, goals and objectives of curriculum will be studied to enable the student to structure curricula for persons in various age groups involved in the process of Christian education. Emphasis will be placed on understanding curriculum as the planning which is done to help persons progress in their spiritual walk. Prerequisite: MI 401 or 421

Spring

MI 421 Teaching for Character Transformation       (3)

Exploration will be made of the kind of teaching theory and methods necessary to facilitate learning which is viewed as cognitive, affective, and behavioral change unto Christlikeness. A practice-oriented course, students will hone speaking and teaching skills. Prerequisite: MI 211 or consent

Fall

MI 471 Issues in Ministry                              (2)

MI 471fc Issues in Family and Children’s Ministries

MI 471mi Issues in Missions

MI 471rs Issues in Recreation and Sports Ministry

MI 471wl Issues in Worship Leadership

MI 471ym Issues in Youth Ministry

Selected topics and issues related to the contemporary practice of ministry in specific contexts will be studied through directed readings and pointed field investigations while the student is involved in the PRIME Experience. Prerequisite: Senior standing

Summer and Fall

MI 481 Senior Seminar                                 (3)

A culminating experience for students in the bachelor of science degree in educational ministries which seeks practical and thorough integration of material covered in previous courses with current literature and career goals. This course will feature a considerable amount of writing, focused especially on the implementation of specific ministry projects and on the role of change in ministry. It will also include a comprehensive exam for the major.  Prerequisite:  Senior standing

Spring

MI 482 Senior Project                                   (3)

A culminating experience for students in the bachelor of arts degree in educational ministries.  Students will focus on assessing contemporary ministry needs in a selected cultural context and designing an appropriate ministry strategy for that culture which reflects integration of ministry theory and current research.  Each student will select a project topic in consultation with faculty.  The project will result in an oral presentation to the department and a formal written paper.  A comprehensive exam for the major is included in this course.  Prerequisite:  Senior standing

Fall

MI 490 Independent Study                          (1-4)

The study of a problem, a research paper or a project related to the major. Prerequisite: Consent

Fall, Spring

MI 495 Internship in Ministry and Missions            (2-4)

A course designed to deal with the many functions of ministry and missions. The internship is designed as a practice-oriented, culminating experience in the student’s career preparation. May be elected by students not taking PRIME, including minors in youth ministries, educational ministries or missions. Prerequisite: Consent

Fall, Spring

MI 496 Field Ministry Immersion                 (12)

An intensive ministry experience spanning a seven month period at a preapproved location under the supervision of an approved ministry mentor in cooperation with educational ministries faculty. This immersion, The PRIME Experience, must be completed in the concentration of choice. Prerequisites: Senior standing and approved PRIME application