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2005-2007 ACADEMIC CATALOG

 


Graduate School of Christian Ministries

Ray Seilhamer, Gary House, Gary Newton, David Rahn

History of Christian Ministry Education at Huntington

When Huntington University was founded as Central College in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, the College offered a three-year Bible course called “Preachers Normal” for ministerial candidates. In 1909, the program was expanded to the Theological Department which included Greek, Hebrew, homiletics, general church history, and related courses. In 1940, the Theological Department was reorganized as the Huntington College Theological Seminary, which then granted the Bachelor of Divinity degree to its seminary graduates.

In 1972, the Graduate School of Christian Ministries replaced the Seminary and offered the master of Christian ministry degree for those planning to be ordained for the Christian ministry and subsequently, the master of educational ministry for those interested in educational ministry in churches and parachurch organizations. A third program in youth ministry was begun in 1995, and the degree designations were changed to master of arts in the various Christian ministries. The designation of the master of arts in Christian ministries was changed in 1998 to more accurately reflect the intended focus of the degree; it is now called the master of arts in pastoral ministries.  A fourth program, the master of arts in counseling ministries, was added to the curriculum in the fall semester, 2003.  In 2005, the master of arts in educational ministries was changed to master of arts in discipling ministries to help reflect the changing needs of those in ministry.

Statement of Purpose

The Graduate School of Christian Ministries exists to prepare men and women for leadership in the disciple-making priority of the church.

The Graduate School enjoys a distinctive affiliation with the United Brethren in Christ church that helps the School serve all whose passion is the priority of the Great Commission; a distinctive affiliation with the University that helps the Graduate School to serve all who value faith-integrated critical thinking; and a distinctive affiliation with the Link Institute that helps the Graduate School serve all who share the belief that research can be employed to assist cutting-edge ministry.

While the programs primarily target the needs of regional professionals, they are also designed with the flexibility to accommodate students seeking immersion in a community of scholars who desire to prepare men and women for ministry that honors God.

Accreditation and Affiliation

Huntington University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL  60602, Phone 800-621-7440).

The master of arts in pastoral ministries degree is recognized by the Education Commission of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ as the education standard for ordination.

The GSCM and the University’s undergraduate Department of Ministry and Missions maintains a number of strategic affiliations, including the Evangelical Teacher Training Association, National Association of Evangelicals, North American Professors of Christian Education, Wesleyan Urban Coalition, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Network of Youth Ministries, Youth for Christ, Youth Specialties, and Sonlife Ministries.

Degrees and Programs

The Graduate School of Christian Ministries offers programs leading to the master of arts in pastoral ministries, the master of arts in discipling ministries, the master of arts in youth ministries, the master of arts in youth ministries leadership, the master of arts in counseling ministries and the diploma in pastoral ministries.

Master of Arts Programs

The master's degree curricula are nontraditional, structured to meet the needs and constraints of persons active in ministry. The content and structure of each degree program is determined by the nature of the ministerial task and is structured to nurture personal integrity as well as professional competence. The curriculum is designed to integrate a biblical and theoretical classroom component with practical field experience as it nurtures knowledge of the discipline and the character and skills of the minister. Effort is made to cultivate and prepare leaders to be faithful, effective, and compassionate ministers in the service of Jesus Christ.

Requirements for Graduation

Candidates for the master of arts degrees must meet these general requirements:

  • Give evidence of spiritual maturity for full-time Christian service.

  • Participate fully in the life and ministry of a local parish.

  • Earn 48 graduate semester hours with an average grade of C or better; a minimum of 32 hours must have been completed at the Graduate School of Christian Ministries.  (Note:  42 graduate hours are required for the master of arts in youth ministries and the master of arts in youth ministries leadership)

  • Successfully complete all elements of the ministry portfolio; the ministry culmination project; and the ministry mentor program.

  • Be enrolled in the ministry mentor program for a minimum of four semesters.

  • Make satisfactory settlement of all financial obligations with the institution before graduation.

  • Submit an application for graduation form by September 30 of the academic year of graduation.

  • Pass the Old Testament, New Testament, and Theology proficiency exams or take corresponding courses.

  • Attend commencement exercises for the conferring of the degree. (The candidate may petition the Graduate Policies Committee to be excused for extenuating circumstances.)

Plan for Study

The most common delivery format for graduate courses is two-by-three.  Classes scheduled in the two-by-three format meet for two consecutive days during each of three successive months. The Graduate School offers courses in a tri-semester format. Courses are taught during fall (September to November), winter (January to March), and spring (April to June) semesters.  Some courses are offered in more intensive modules and others include a distance-learning component. 

The Graduate School reserves the right to cancel classes with an enrollment of less than five students and to close classes at a maximum announced enrollment.

Areas of Concentration

Master of Arts in Counseling Ministries

Program Objectives

To prepare graduate students for biblical and psychological counseling competency dealing with the emotional, social, and spiritual needs within the Christian community.

  • Graduates of the counseling program are expected (a) to articulate a philosophy of counseling ministries based upon the integration of biblical, empirical, historical and social science research; (b) to understand the most widely practiced counseling methods and principles; (c) to design and implement assessment strategies of ministry outcomes and processes that are consistent with the ultimate biblical ends of ministry; and (d) to know the dynamics of psychological and spiritual healing.

  • Students are expected (a) to increase their attentiveness to their personal spiritual formation; (b) to demonstrate an understanding of biblical and theological foundations for counseling; (c) to know the value and practice of prayer, scripture, confession, restitution, and absolution; and (d) to know the role of the Holy Spirit in the counseling process and in spiritual warfare.

  • Students are expected (a) to know how to be proactive in preventing problems from developing within the family structure; (b) to utilize small group peer counseling for help and healing; (c) to understand the causes for family dysfunction and understand the paths for help and healing; (d) to know how to establish objectives and goals for each counselee; and (e) to administer basic psychological tests and interpret measurement outcomes to their counselees.

  • Students are expected (a) to understand the importance of confidentiality; (b) to understand the value of record keeping; (c) to understand the legal issues involved with counseling ministries; (d) to understand when to refer a counselee for more intense therapy; and (e) to assess their own counseling performance.

Achievement in these areas is measured by classroom interaction, academic papers, case studies, supervised training, personal interviews, the students’ mentoring experiences, and the ministry culmination project. 

Master of Arts in Discipling Ministries

Program Objectives

To prepare graduate students to equip, teach, and lead others to grow and serve as disciples of Jesus Christ.

  • Graduates of the discipling ministries program are expected (a) to articulate a Christian perspective of human growth, social development, and cultural dynamics; (b) to understand the process of teaching and learning; (c) to demonstrate competence in designing, implementing, and evaluating discipling ministries that promote spiritual maturity; and (d) to show evidence of skillful use of mentoring experiences and small group strategies to bring about ministry purposes.

  • Students are expected to be able (a) to balance ministry programs around purposes of evangelism, nurture, and equipping; (b) to design and implement assessment strategies of ministry outcomes and processes that are consistent with the ultimate biblical ends of ministry; and (c) to articulate a philosophy of ministry based upon the integration of biblical, empirical, historical, and social science research.

  • Students are expected (a) to expand their vision for leadership; (b) to increase their attentiveness to their personal spiritual formation; (c) to demonstrate an understanding of biblical and theological roots for ministry practice; (d) to grow in interpersonal awareness and skills; and (e) to improve their abilities to organize and manage ministry processes.

  • Students are expected to be able (a) to identify personally relevant problems related to discipling ministry leadership and (b) to move toward solutions through the process of collecting information, devising and evaluating alternative approaches, and choosing and implementing decisions.

  • Students may elect to demonstrate proficiency in one of the following areas of specification:  family ministry, adult ministry, children’s ministry, college student development, and youth ministry.  (Students also have the option of choosing 12 hours of electives from the Graduate School curriculum.)

Achievement in these areas is measured by classroom interaction and course projects, examinations, the students’ mentoring experiences, and the culmination project.

Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministries

Program Objectives

To prepare graduate students for healthy and balanced pastoral leadership.

  • Graduates of the pastoral ministries program are expected to demonstrate competence (a) in proclamation that is reflective of an understanding of principles of sermon preparation and persuasion; (b) in pastoral counseling with individual and small group ministries; (c) in the organization and administration of persons for pastoral care; and (d) in the practices of corporate worship.

  • Students are expected to be able (a) to balance ministry programs around purposes of evangelism, nurture, and equipping; (b) to design and implement assessment strategies of ministry outcomes and processes that are consistent with the ultimate biblical ends of ministry; and (c) to articulate a philosophy of ministry based upon the integration of biblical, empirical, historical, and social science research.

  • Students are expected (a) to expand their vision for leadership through pastoral ministries; (b) to increase their attentiveness to their personal spiritual formation; (c) to demonstrate an understanding of biblical and theological roots for ministry practice; (d) to grow in interpersonal awareness and skills; and (e) to improve their abilities to organize and manage ministry processes.

  • Students are expected to be able (a) to identify personally relevant problems related to pastoral ministry leadership and (b) to move toward solutions through the process of collecting information, devising and evaluating alternative approaches, and choosing and implementing decisions.

Achievement in these areas is measured by classroom interaction and course projects, accumulated material in the ministry portfolio, the students’ mentoring, and the culmination project.

Master of Arts in Youth Ministries

Program Objectives

To prepare graduate students for faithful and effective youth ministry leadership.

  • Graduates of the youth ministries program are expected (a) to articulate a Christian perspective on the taxonomy of adolescent development and the influence of socio-cultural dynamics on the spiritual life of youth; (b) to be conversant with the philosophical and historical development of the variety of models of youth ministries currently being practiced; (c) to demonstrate competence in designing, implementing, and evaluating youth ministries that promote spiritual maturity; and (d) to show evidence of an ability to develop students who minister to their peers.

  • Students are expected to be able (a) to balance ministry programs around purposes of evangelism, nurture, and equipping; (b) to design and implement assessment strategies of ministry outcomes and processes that are consistent with the ultimate biblical ends of ministry; and (c) to articulate a philosophy of ministry based upon the integration of biblical, empirical, historical, and social science research.

  • Students are expected (a) to expand their vision for leadership through youth ministries; (b) to increase their attentiveness to their personal spiritual formation; (c) to demonstrate an understanding of biblical and           theological roots for ministry practice; (d) to grow in interpersonal awareness and skills; and (e) to improve their abilities to organize and manage ministry processes.

  • Students are expected to be able (a) to identify personally relevant problems related to youth ministry leadership and (b) to move toward solutions through the process of collecting information, devising and evaluating alternative approaches, and choosing and implementing decisions.

Achievement in these areas is measured by classroom interaction and course projects, accumulated material in the ministry portfolio, the students’ mentoring, and the culmination project.

Diploma in Pastoral Ministries

The diploma in pastoral ministries program is open to men and women who are at least thirty five years of age and active in ministry, but have not completed a degree in undergraduate studies. While the diploma program does not lead to a degree, students participate in undergraduate and graduate level course work. A total of fifty-two hours of study is required, twenty-five semester hours of undergraduate and graduate level prerequisite courses, seventeen semester hours from the required ministry classes, and ten from elective classes.

Continuing Education Program

The Graduate School of Christian Ministries provides a program of continuing education to assist the practicing pastor or church leader to become more effective in ministry by making available opportunities to focus on the special needs of the church and its ministry.

Seminars, conferences, workshops, and retreats are offered in areas such as preaching, current theological tensions, and personal spiritual renewal.

Continuing Education Units (CEU) may be given to participants based on ten contact hours of satisfactory participation in an approved course. The CEU provides a uniform measure of non-credit, post-secondary study, used by professionals in a variety of fields to verify an educational experience that has helped them maintain or improve their skills. A CEU may be sent to other agencies at the students’ request. CEU’s may not be transferred or converted to academic credit.

Admissions Policies

Regular Admission

Persons seeking admission to the Graduate School of Christian Ministries must give evidence of a substantial Christian character and of having earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited undergraduate institution.

All applicants must submit an application for admission with accompanying essay responses. Transcripts of all academic work completed must be received from the institutions where undergraduate and graduate work was taken.

Non-Regular Admission

Applicants from a non-accredited institution or graduate school may be granted provisional admission based on an assessment of the students’ abilities to succeed and on evaluations of prior course work.

Graduate students not wishing to pursue a master’s degree may register for non-credit as an auditor.

A senior in the final semester of the baccalaureate degree may register for a maximum of two graduate courses with the approval of the graduate dean. Graduate courses may not be used to meet undergraduate degree requirements.

Special Admission

Experienced men and women who do not hold a baccalaureate degree, but who demonstrate substantial Christian character, may be admitted to specific courses as special students. Not more than two special students may register for any course. Credits earned as a special student may not be applied toward a master’s degree.

Transfer Students

Up to sixteen semester hours of previously earned graduate credit that satisfies specific course requirements may be transferred into the Graduate School of Christian Ministries.  Students who have been admitted to the Graduate School of Christian Ministries who wish to take courses at other graduate institutions must receive prior approval from the Dean of the Graduate School of Christian Ministries before enrolling in a course to ensure that credits will be transferred.  (Note: Up to fourteen semester hours of previously earned graduate credit that satisfies specific course requirements, or courses in master of arts in youth ministries and the master of arts in youth ministries leadership may be transferred into the Graduate School.)

Second Master’s Degree

Students who wish to complete a second master’s degree in a different field within the Graduate School of Christian Ministries may be permitted to count up to seventeen hours of the Core toward the second degree.

Spouses

Spouses of students enrolled in the Graduate School are welcome to participate in all student activities, including classes in which their spouses are enrolled.

Classification of Students

Graduate students are those enrolled in the Graduate School of Christian Ministries who have completed a recognized baccalaureate degree. Special graduate students are those who do not meet regular admission requirements or who do not wish to take graduate courses for credit.

Full-time  Students who are enrolled in at least nine hours of courses in any academic semester are considered full-time students.

Part-time  Students who are enrolled in fewer that nine hours in any academic semester are considered part-time students.

Auditors  Non-regularly admitted students and regular students may enroll as auditors, provided they register and pay fees. No academic credit is granted. The work load for auditing a class is established by the professor.

Academic Policies in the Graduate School

Grading System

The Graduate School uses a traditional grading system based on a four point scale. The grades are interpreted as follows, with grade points as shown:

AExcellent Achievement                   4.0

BCommendable Achievement            3.0

CSatisfactory Achievement               2.0

DUnsatisfactory Achievement            1.0

FFailure to Achieve                           0.0

Course grades between A and F may be assigned with a +/- to which 0.33 points for each credit are added or subtracted in calculating a grade point average.

Grades of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory may be assigned in selected courses but do not affect the gpa. An Incomplete may be assigned which must be removed to avoid its becoming an F.

A record of Audit is posted for those satisfactorily completing an audited course. A record of Withdrawn is posted after a student withdraws from a course.

The Incomplete

An Incomplete (I) is given when some portion of a course requirement essential to receiving credit for the course has not been completed. The I must be removed by midterm of the following semester. Failure to fulfill this requirement in the time allowed will result in an F.

A grade of Incomplete in regular courses is given only under the most compelling circumstances. Lack of adequate time to complete course requirements is ordinarily not sufficient cause to grant an I unless there has been a serious illness or other extenuating circumstances which directly affect the completion of requirements.

Requests for an Incomplete are to be initiated by the students, supported by the course instructors and must be approved by the dean of the graduate school before the end of the semester.

Any Incomplete carried into a semester and completed in that semester becomes a part of the cumulative record reviewed at the end of that semester. If a grade is reported which replaces an I prior to the beginning of the semester, the registrar will compute the grade index and show the work as having been completed.

Repeating a Course

Students must repeat courses in which they have received an unsatisfactory grade of D. With the permission of the dean of the graduate school, they may also repeat courses in which they have received a grade of C or above.

When repeating a course, students will register for the course as a repeat course and will be charged tuition as with any other course. Should students be unable to schedule a required course to be repeated before graduation, it may be necessary to arrange to take the course by tutorial instruction, which will incur additional charges. Although both grade entries become part of the permanent record, only the repeat course counts as credit toward graduation and is used in computing the cumulative grade point average.

Grade Reports and Transcripts

Final semester grades are submitted by the instructor to the Office of the Registrar and are reported to the students and the advisors by that office. Final grades are released to the students only by the registrar, provided the students have met all financial obligations for the semester.

Students in good standing who have met all financial obligations may obtain student copies of their complete transcripts without charge. Requested official copies bearing the seal and signature of the registrar are sent directly to the designated employer, agency, or graduate school only at the written request of the students. Federal law requires that students submit a written request that bears the students’ signatures.

Student Records and Privacy

When students are enrolled at an institution of higher learning, a substantial amount of personal information and educational data is collected, maintained, used and disseminated. The University recognizes and desires to protect the rights of privacy of students over the age of eighteen, providing access to their educational data, and the right to challenge the contents of their records for inaccurate or misleading information.

In general only those persons directly involved in the educational process have access to the students’ records unless the students give written permission to release the information. The University maintains a complete policy statement in accord with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, obtainable from the Office of the Registrar.

Academic Honesty

The academic community places high value on intellectual honesty. Representation of work as one’s own, but taken from another source by plagiarism or cheating, is a serious offense and will result in failure for the paper or exam and, in some circumstances, failure for the course and recommendation for dismissal from the Graduate School of Christian Ministries.

Plagiarism is the use of ideas, information, or wording of another without proper acknowledgment, leaving the false impression that the material is original with the students. Students will be held responsible for knowing the difference between legitimate and illegitimate use of source material.

Probation

Any regularly enrolled students whose cumulative gpa falls below 2.0 will be placed on academic probation. To be removed from probation, students must complete an additional six hours with a cumulative gpa of 2.0 or higher. If sufficient progress has not been made to remove the probation, continuation at the Graduate School of Christian Ministries will be reviewed.

Class Attendance

Students are expected to attend all class sessions. Students should not absent themselves from class without clearance from their respective professors. Work missed by late entrance or absence must be completed to the satisfaction of the instructor. Each faculty member is responsible for granting excuses for up to nine hours of class time.  Faculty members have the ability to grant exception for extenuating circumstances up to one-third of the class.  More than 14 hours missed by the students will result in the students failing the course.

Registration and Advising

Registration for entering students is open until two weeks prior to the first meeting day for a class and can be completed in person, by mail, or by phone. For continuing students, registration for the fall semester is in July, registration for the winter semester is in November, and the registration for the spring semester is in March.

Although faculty advisors attempt to provide the best available information, the students are ultimately responsible for course selection and construction of their program. It is the students’ responsibility to see that program requirements are met and that the courses for the intended area of concentration are taken in proper sequence.

Registration is complete when all registration forms have been filled out and signed, submitted to the registrar, and financial arrangements are completed.

Continuing Registration

Continuing registration may be required by some financial aid programs.  To maintain continuing status, students must continue to register for each succeeding semester in the degree program in which the students have enrolled.

Dropping and Adding

Students may drop a course or add a course through the first day of the 2 x 3 but may petition to withdraw from a course with a grade of W through the third day.  Students who drop or withdraw from a class will be charged tuition and fees based on the amount of time spent in class.  Students who register for a class but do not attend will be charged based on the number of times the class has met on the date they officially withdraw.  The regular registration period for a class ends two weeks prior to the first meeting day for that class.

Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course may do so by securing a class withdrawal form from the Graduate School Office and by obtaining the signature of the advisor or the graduate dean.  Students who officially withdraw from class before the end of the third day of class will receive a grade of W. After the third day, or if the students do not officially withdraw, a grade of F will be assigned.

If students do not complete the arrangements for withdrawal, their record will show unofficial withdrawal with courses assigned an automatic grade of F, and they are not entitled to honorable dismissal.

Financial Costs and Assistance

Every effort is made to keep costs to a minimum. Because of the generosity of friends and alumni of the University and the supporting denomination, Graduate School tuition is substantially reduced.

All members of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ who enroll in the GSCM are eligible to receive a further grant in the amount of thirty-three percent of graduate tuition.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition per Hour                                              $280

Application Fee                                              $  20

Audit Charge per Credit Hour                           $145

Tutoring per Credit Hour                                  $260

Ministry Mentor Fee per Semester                    $  80

Time Extension Fee                                         $130

Senior Adult (over 55) per course                     $130

Refund Policies

Students who officially withdraw or who reduce their course credit load may be entitled to a refund of the tuition according to the following schedule. Prior to the beginning of classes, full tuition is refunded. For withdrawals after the official beginning of classes, the date used to compute any refund is the official date of withdrawal. Any financial assistance to the students is prorated. Students who have been dismissed may not appeal for refund of tuition.

For Regular 2 X 3 Classes

First Class Day             80%

After First Day              No Refund

Students who are considering a reduction of their status from full-time to part-time or who are planning to withdraw during the semester should discuss those plans with the dean of the graduate school since most financial assistance is based on the number of hours enrolled and may be reduced in accordance with the number of hours maintained.

Students receiving Federal Title IV Student Financial Assistance may be entitled to a refund in accordance with the Federal Refund Policy or the Federal Statutory Pro Rata Refund Policy.  All refund distributions will be made according to federal laws and regulations.  Students with questions regarding these policies should contact the Office of Business and Finance.

Payment of Student Accounts

Prior to the beginning of classes, an official billing is sent to each student for the subsequent semester. Billed expenses are due by August 10 for the fall semester, December 10 for the winter semester, and March 10 for the spring semester. It is expected that the bill will be paid in full by the beginning of the semester. Students may make advance payments to the University that will be held in trust on their accounts prior to receiving billings for the coming term.

Students unable to pay in full may choose to arrange private financing for educational expenses through one of several private lenders. The Office of Financial Aid is able to provide information about such lenders. Arrangements should be completed several weeks prior to enrollment.

Clearance To Attend Class

Until all financial obligations are met, registration is not complete.  Students will not be able to attend classes until financial arrangements have been made.

Unpaid Student Accounts

Students delinquent in the settlement of any of their accounts with the University forfeit University privileges, including class attendance. Students whose accounts are not paid in full or are not otherwise provided for are not issued grade reports or permitted to register for a new class. Graduation cannot take place and no transcripts of credit will be issued until all financial obligations have been cleared.

A service charge of 1.5 % or $30, whichever is greater, is added to any unpaid balance in the student account as of the last working day of each month.

Graduate Student Assistantship

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available as tuition grants.

Student Loan Programs

Federal Stafford Loans are made by students’ local banks and other local agencies in amounts ranging to $7500 for graduate students. Subsidized Stafford Loans are government subsidized for students whereby no interest accrues to the students while they are attending classes full-time. Repayment begins six months after the students cease to be full-time. Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are government loans whereby the interest begins immediately.

Federal Perkins Loans are made through the University from federal monies on the basis of students’ financial needs and availability of funds. Loans range from $500 to $3000 per year or $15,000 for the completion of students’ degrees. Repayment begins nine months after graduation or less than half-time enrollment with a repayment schedule over 10 years at 5% interest and minimum monthly payments of $40. Cancellation benefits are available for full-time teaching service in classes for handicapped or in schools with high concentration of pupils from low-income families.

Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Novus charges may be made to complete payment on students’ accounts up to the limit of the charge card amount.

Veterans

Veterans’ Benefits provided by government agencies may be used at Huntington. The University is approved for educational training of veterans and their families under US Code Title 38, Section 1775.  Applications and certifications for veterans programs are handled through the Office of the Registrar.

Vocational Rehabilitation Grants are under the provision of Public Law 565, in which the federal and state governments jointly provide funds for grants to students who have a physical or mental impairment which constitutes a vocational handicap. The State Vocational Rehabilitation Division determines the grants which may be applied to tuition and certain fees. The Office of Financial Aid will complete the requested Financial Aid Communications form.

Lectureships

Friends of the GSCM established the Ronald A. Hoffman Lectureship in 1981, to bring to campus men and women who have distinguished themselves in service to the church to lecture in the areas of preaching, leadership, pastoral care, evangelism, youth and educational ministries.

The Myers Funeral Home Lectureship was established in 2004.  The purpose of this lectureship is to help caregivers within the church and community deal with death, dying, and grief issues.

Curriculum

The Core Curriculum: Courses, Values and Expectations

The Core Curriculum of the Graduate School helps students in all programs attain the understanding and skills necessary for effective leadership and biblical faithfulness while integrating important ministry values.

The Ministry Core and Biblical Core courses include Philosophical Foundations of Ministry, Historical Foundations of Ministry, Equipping Strategies, Ministry Assessment, Ministry Mentor, Ministry Culmination Project, Hermeneutics, New Testament Foundations, Old Testament Foundations, Theological Foundations, Biblical and Theological Foundations of Discipleship, and Biblical Theology.

Additionally, the following five overarching values are woven throughout the program such that each course explicitly identifies objectives that are addressed in the scope of the course: (a) leadership, (b) spiritual formation, (c) biblical and theological foundations, (d) interpersonal relationships, and (e) ministry management.

Students will also be expected to pass proficiency exams in each of the following three areas during their academic program: (a) New Testament, (b) Old Testament, and (c) Theology or take the corresponding courses.  The proficiency exam requirement can also be satisfied by demonstrating that a corresponding course was taken at the undergraduate level with at least a B- grade.

Master of Arts in Counseling Ministries

The master of arts in counseling ministries degree program requires the completion of 48 semester hours, including 11 hours in Basic Ministry Core, 12 hours in Bible and Theology Core, 18 hours in Counseling Core and seven hours of counseling electives.

Ministry Core                                            11 hours

MC 505 Philosophical Foundations of Ministry

MC 507 Ministry Mentor

MC 527 Ministry Assessment

MC 607 Equipping Strategies

MC 650 Ministry Culmination Project I

MC 651 Ministry Culmination Project II

Bible and Theology Core                          12 hours

BC 502 Hermeneutics

BC 512 Biblical Theology

BC 610 Old Testament Foundations

BC 625 New Testament Foundations

Prerequisites:

BC 630 Theological Foundations*

*Students must demonstrate proficiency in this

  area by one of the following ways:

1) having a course at the undergraduate level with at least a B- grade;

2) pass the competencey test given by the graduate school;

3) take the class, which will add hours to the counseling program.

Counseling Core                                       18 hours

CM 600 Ethics, Counseling and the Law

CM 615 Counseling Practicum

CM 620 Psychological Testing for Counselors

CM 625 Theories and Principles of Counseling

CM 630 Marriage and Family Counseling

FM 561 Biblical and Theological Foundations of the Family

FM 562 Building Strong Families

Electives                                                    7 hours

Electives may be chosen from the following.

CM 640 Sexuality and Christian Counseling

CM 645 Counseling with Addicted Persons

CM 650 Counseling Through Groups

CM 655 Mental Health and Aging

CM 660 Counseling Adolescents

CM 670 Counseling Children

DM 521 Human Development and Spiritual Formation

FM 564 Family Centered Church Programming

PF 698 Clinical Pastoral Education

PM 580 Pastoral Counseling

Master of Arts in Discipling Ministries

The master of arts in discipling ministries degree program requires the completion of 48 semester hours, including nine hours in Ministry Core, 12 hours in Bible, History and Theology Core, 15 hours in the Discipling Core and the students may obtain a specialization with 12 hours in one of the following areas of specialization.

Ministry Core                                              9 hours

MC 505 Philosophical Foundations of Ministry

MC 507 Ministry Mentor

MC 527 Ministry Assessment

MC 650 Ministry Culmination Project I

MC 651 Ministry Culmination Project II

Bible, History and Theology Core             12 hours

BC 502 Hermeneutics

BC 510 Historical Foundations

BC 512 Biblical Theology

BC 515 Biblical and Theological Foundations of Discipleship

Prerequisites:

BC 610 Old Testament Foundations*

BC 625 New Testament Foundations*

BC 630 Theological Foundations*

*Students must demonstrate proficiency in this

  area by one of the following ways:

1) having a course at the undergraduate level with at least a B- grade;

2) pass the competencey test given by the graduate school;

3) take the class, which will add hours to the discipling ministries program.

Discipling Ministries Core                        15 hours

DM 521 Human Development and Spiritual Formation

DM 525 Teaching and Learning Strategies

DM 531 Curriculum Design for Disciple-Making

DM 541 Small Group Strategies for Disciple-Making

EV 531 Strategies of Evangelism

Specializations                                         12 hours

Twelve hours in one of the following specializations must be taken in the corresponding area to earn a specialization in that area.

Children’s Ministry

CM 670 Counseling Children

DM 515 Outreach to Unchurched Children

DM 520 Church Ministry to Children

FM 561 Biblical & Theological Foundations of the Family

FM 564 Family-Centered Church Programming

Youth Ministry

Courses to fulfill this specialization are being developed at the time of this publication.  Students will take four courses out of six to fulfill the youth ministry specialization.  Contact the Graduate School Office for additional information.

Family Ministry

CM 630 Marriage and Family Counseling

FM 561 Biblical and Theological Foundations of the Family

FM 562 Building Strong Families

FM 564 Family Centered Church Programming

Elective chosen from any other ministry program

Adult Leadership

LD 530 Principles of Leadership

LD 545 Conflict Management

LD 577 Leading the Change Process

MC 607 Equipping Strategies

Elective chosen from any other ministry program

College Student Development

CM 625 Theories and Principles of Counseling

DM 510 Student Development Strategies

YM 527 Sociology of Adolescence

Choose one or more of the following:

CM 620 Psychological Testing for Counselors

CM 640 Sexuality and Christian Counseling

CM 645 Counseling with Addicted Persons

Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministries

The master of arts in pastoral ministries degree program requires the completion of 48 semester hours, including 11 hours in Ministry Core,12 hours in Bible, History and Theology Core, 15 hours of required Pastoral Core and 10 hours in electives.

Ministry Core                                            11 hours

MC 505 Philosophical Foundations of Ministry

MC 507 Ministry Mentor

MC 527 Ministry Assessment

MC 607 Equipping Strategies

MC 650 Ministry Culmination Project I

MC 651 Ministry Culmination Project II

Bible, History and Theology Core              12 hours

BC 502 Hermeneutics

BC 510 Historical Foundations

BC 512 Biblical Theology

BC 515 Biblical and Theological Foundations of Discipleship

Prerequisites:

BC 610 Old Testament Foundations*

BC 625 New Testament Foundations*

BC 630 Theological Foundations*

*Students must demonstrate proficiency in this area by one of the following ways:

1) having a course at the undergraduate level with at least a B- grade;

2) pass the competencey test given by the graduate school;

3) take the class, which will add hours to the pastoral ministries program.

Pastoral Ministries Core                           15 hours

PM 510 Communicating the Word

PM 537 Congregational Care

PM 550 Celebrating the Lord

PM 580 Pastoral Counseling

EV 531 Strategies of Evangelism

Electives                                                   10 hours

Electives may be chosen from any other ministry program.

Master of Arts in Youth Ministries

The master of arts in youth ministries degree program requires the completion of 42 semester hours, including 11 hours in Ministry Core, 12 hours in Bible, History and Theology Core, 14 hours of Youth Ministries Core and five hours of electives.

Ministry Core                                            11 hours

MC 505 Philosophical Foundations of Ministry

MC 507 Ministry Mentor

MC 527 Ministry Assessment

MC 607 Equipping Strategies

MC 650 Ministry Culmination Project I

MC 651 Ministry Culmination Project II

Bible, History and Theology Core             12 hours

BC 502 Hermeneutics

BC 510 Historical Foundations

BC 512 Biblical Theology

BC 625 New Testament Foundations

Prerequisites:

BC 610 Old Testament Foundations*

BC 630 Theological Foundations*

*Students must demonstrate proficiency in this area by one of the following ways:

1) having a course at the undergraduate level with at least a B- grade;

2) pass the competencey test given by the graduate school;

3) take the class which will add hours to the youth ministries program.

Youth Ministries Core                               14 hours

YM 527 Sociology of Adolescence

YM 537 Contemporary Practice of Youth Ministry

YM 547 Advanced Issues in Youth Ministry

YM 557 Student Leadership in Youth Ministry

YM 690y Specialty Projects in Youth Ministry

Electives                                                   5 hours

Electives may be chosen from any other ministry program.

Course Descriptions

Biblical Core

Brent Birdsall, Gary House, Denny Miller, Gary Newton

 

BC 502 Hermeneutics                                         (3)

Students’ ability to use scripture in personal spiritual formation and in ministry is improved by focusing attention on the several critical tasks involved in biblical interpretation. The course will emphasize inductive interpretation of scripture in a variety of contexts. Students will increase their hermeneutical skills by doing interpretative work on passages important to their ministry.

BC 510 Historical Foundations                           (3)

Students will develop an understanding of historical developments relevant to ministry practice, and will reflect on the relationship between theology and the practice of ministry.

BC 512 Biblical Theology                                   (3)

A course designed to help students understand the process of building a theology from scripture. Students will also consider how modern evangelical theological positions may have been derived from the Bible. Students will be challenged to reexamine their own systematic theological positions based on a process of biblical theology.

BC 515 Biblical and Theological Foundations of Discipleship  (3)

A study of the various processes and strategies that God used to mold people into His likeness throughout the Old Testament, the Gospels, and Acts and the Epistles.  The focus will be on the role of the Community of God in the Old Testament, Jesus’ strategies of discipleship during his life, and the role of the church as the major agency of discipleship after Pentecost. 

BC 610 Old Testament Foundations                    (3)

This course is a survey of the Pentateuch, Wisdom Literature, and Major and Minor Prophets.  Major themes in these sections will be discussed and basic hermeneutical principles will be applied to determine biblical truths and principles.  The professor may make practical ministry applications from several themes and specific content of the Old Testament.

BC 625 New Testament Foundations                   (3)

This course is a survey of the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Pauline Epistles, and the book of Revelation.  Major themes in these books will be discussed and basic hermeneutical principles will be applied to determine biblical truths and biblical principles.  The professor may make practical ministry applications from several themes and specific content of the New Testament.

BC 630 Theological Foundations                        (3)

This course is an introduction to the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith.  The class is an overview of systematic theology that will explore the Trinity, Creation, Sin and Salvation (Soteriology); incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Christ (Christology); Holy Spirit (Pneumatology); Church (Ecclesiology); Heaven, Hell and the second return of Christ (Eschatology).

 

Counseling 

Ray Seilhamer, John Branham, Steve Lee, Scott Makin, Michele Mallett, Twyla Lee, Doris Rapp, Budd Teare

 

CM 600 Ethics, Counseling and the Law             (2)

This course addresses ethical and legal issues within the field of counseling.

CM 615 Counseling Practicum                            (2)

Supervised counseling in an approved counseling center or other approved context (church or agency).  The experience includes individual and group supervision.  This practical experience, with both professional and peer supervision, will enhance counseling effectiveness.

CM 620 Psychological Testing for Counselors    (2)

This course provides an introduction to various psychological tests and statistical measurements and their application to biblical counseling and family ministry.  Students will be exposed to the various types of psychological tests and their application to the assessment of individuals, couples and families.

CM 625 Theories and Principles of Counseling  (3)

This course provides an examination of several of the major counseling theories with an emphasis on techniques and principles common to each theory.  Theories will be evaluated against biblical and theological truth to determine which theories are compatible and which theories are at tension with a Christian view of humanity.

CM 630 Marriage and Family Counseling            (3)

Grounded in biblical principles, this course will examine how family problems and breakdown develop.  Emphasis will be on ministry interventions directed at the solving of typical marital and family problems.  These interventions will include such things as an understanding of family systems theory, assessment tools, referral issues, and family counseling perspectives.

CM 640 Sexuality and Christian Counseling       (2)

This course offers an examination of human sexuality, utilizing theological and ethical perspectives, and discussing “normal” and “dysfunctional” sexual thinking and behavior.  Biblical teachings will be brought to bear on insights from medical, psychological, and legal literature in this field.  Recognition of patterns of sexual abuse, perversions and addictions, and development of strategies for healing and/or referral will also be undertaken.

CM 645 Counseling with Addicted Persons        (3)

Biblical, theological, spiritual, and psychological aspects of addiction are the diagnostic components of this course.  Strategies for recovery that inform the counselor’s care with addicted persons, their families, and churches will be explored.  Prerequisite: CM 625

CM 650 Counseling through Groups                   (3)

A study of care through small groups within a local congregation/parachurch ministry is combined with an examination of the theory of group dynamics and the practice of group counseling.

CM 655 Mental Health and Aging                        (3)

This course is about gerontology and counseling.  The class focuses on the spiritual, psychological, and physiological issues of aging and the exploration of helping ministries that enable senior adults to face their challenges in the aging process.  The objective of the class is to help individuals achieve the highest level of mental health.

CM 660 Counseling Adolescents                        (3)

This course explores counseling teenagers who face develop-mental and dysfunctional issues in their lives.  The class integrates biblical, psychological, and sociological insights into the counseling relationship with adolescents.

CM 670 Counseling Children                              (3)

This course centers on understanding children and their problems.  The focus is on developing a relationship with children that enables the counselor to diagnose and help treat problems of children. 

 

Discipling Ministries

Gary Newton, Gary House

 

DM 510 Student Development Strategies            (3)

A study of the fundamentals and practice of student development theory within the context of both the Christian liberal arts college and the secular college campus.  Students will be challenged to design creative strategies to minister to college students integrating biblical principles and student development theory.

DM 515 Outreach to Unchurched Children          (3)

A study of the various strategies used to reach out to children who have not grown up with exposure to church ministry.  Students will design a ministry strategy to reach out to a specific group of unchurched children of their choice.

DM 520 Church Ministry to Children                   (3)

A study of the various approaches and strategies used today to minister to children within the context of the local church.  Students will be required to study and evaluate several children’s ministries in area churches and to design an effective ministry to children based upon their study and research.

DM 521 Human Development and Spiritual Formation  (3)

After surveying relevant cognitive and psychosocial theories about human development, this course will offer a critical theological investigation of the theories and practices of moral, faith, and religious development.

DM 525 Teaching and Learning Strategies          (3)

This course will feature the examination of three related components important to any form of instruction. Achievement motivation, learning theory, and research findings on effective teaching will be considered in order to form integrative strategies appropriate to ministry contexts.

DM 531 Curriculum Design for Disciple-Making  (3)

Students will gain a critical understanding both of what it means to be a disciple of Christ and how to apply curriculum theory in order to design learning experiences that will enable people to grow as disciples of Christ.  Prerequisite:  BC 515

DM 541 Small Group Strategies for Disciple-Making     (3)

Small group theory, dynamics, and social influence will be studied and practical applications investigated in order to encourage the students in the use of small groups for effective ministry.

DM 690e Special Projects in Discipling Ministry (1-3)

A directed study by arrangement with and under the supervision of the professor. The study will develop a project relative to a particular ministry concern.

 

Evangelism

Gary House

 

EV 531 Strategies of Evangelism                        (3)

This course explores the biblical, historical, theological and cultural foundations of evangelism. Students will examine current trends and critical issues. The primary emphasis of the course is to equip students with practical methods and strategies for personal and local church evangelism.

 

Family Ministry

Gary Newton, Steve Lee, Scott Makin,

 

FM 561 Biblical and Theological Foundations of the Family     (3)

A study of the theological and biblical principles that define and regulate Christian family living.  Topics will include the nature and basis of marriage and family, the relationship of church and home, and the elements of marriage and family life, including sexuality and roles.  Students will apply Bible study skills and methods of theological inquiry in examining theoretical approaches and formulating practical guidelines.

FM 562 Building Strong Families                       (3)

This course will explore the dynamics and processes of healthy family life across the life cycle.  Emphasis will be given to problem prevention and enrichment.  Students will develop a three-year ministry plan to help build strong families through a local church.

FM 564 Family Centered Church Programming  (2)

This course will investigate the creative ways that churches can build their programs around family values and principles.  Grounded in biblical principles and family systems theory, students will learn how to develop effective strategies and programs to restructure church life to draw families together.

 

Leadership

Gary Newton, Ray Seilhamer, Tom Brodbeck

 

LD 530 Principles of Leadership                         (3)

A course designed to help students understand the value of effective Christian leadership and to personally develop leadership skills. The course deals with the philosophy and principles of leadership and also the practical elements of personal leadership skills.

LD 545 Conflict Management                              (2)

This course relates theory about interpersonal conflict to the life of the church, and helps the students consider the personal, theological, and organizational dynamics involved in healthy conflict management. Opportunity is given for students to encourage one another by exploring their real-life conflicts in cooperative problem-solving teams.

LD 577 Leading the Change Process                  (3)

This course studies the nature of interpersonal and organizational change and concentrates particularly on learning how to gain entry, build ownership, and overcome obstacles in order to facilitate meaningful change.

 

Ministry Core

Gary Newton, Gary House, Dave Rahn, Ray Seilhamer

 

MC 505 Philosophical Foundations of Ministry          (3)

The goal of this course is to help students think critically about the relationship between the ultimate end of ministry, the nature of persons and ministry, the spiritual formation process, ministry purposes and models, and the practice of ministry. Additionally, students will be led in theological and personal reflection so they can begin to shape their philosophy of ministry in ways that result in increased personal effectiveness.

MC 507 Ministry Mentor                                  (0, 2)

Upon admission into the Graduate School, each new student is matched with a mentor with whom an effective mentoring relationship will be established. Students are expected to meet with their mentors bi-weekly each semester for four semesters during their academic experience. Mentors will be asked to hold students accountable for their spiritual formation, educational assignments and personal ministry while teaching principles of mentoring. Students must register for this course each semester that they are matriculated, with the first semester taken for 2 credits and subsequent semesters taken for 0 credits that also carry a course fee.

MC 527 Ministry Assessment                              (2)

Students learn how to clarify both the desired outcomes and the value-driven processes of their ministries. They also come to understand important elements of any research design, including sampling, data collection, data analysis, validity and reliability. A feature of this course requires students to design and implement ministry assessment strategies that help them lead others through ministry evaluation.

MC 607 Equipping Strategies                             (2)

This class will help leaders to develop strategies and skills in preparing lay persons and staff for ministry. Students will plan and head a training experience for the class.

MC 650 Ministry Culmination Project I                (0)

This course is a guided seminar, helping students to build or enhance a specific ministry around the intersection of biblical principles and empirical evidence of effectiveness. As the signature learning experience in each student’s program, students prepare a culmination paper and public presentation of practical worth and scholarly merit.

MC 651 Ministry Culmination Project II               (2)

This course is a continuation of MC 650 Ministry Culmination Project I.  Students will complete their culmination paper and give a public presentation of practical worth and scholarly merit.

 

Pastoral Ministries

David DeSelm, Ray Seilhamer, Rick Hawks

 

PF 698 Clinical Pastoral Education                     (6)

Clinical Pastoral Education is professional education for ministry in a hospital setting. Students in a master’s program can take Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at an approved hospital for 6 credit hours of elective credit. Registration is processed at a hospital and tuition is paid to Huntington University.

PM 510 Communicating the Word                      (3)

A course designed to help students understand the biblical command for preaching; the value of preaching; the patterns for preaching; the preparation for preaching; the various parts of a message; the presentation of the message; and the evaluation and response to the message. The design of the course is to help students become more complete communicators and to feel more confident in the presentation of the Word of God.

PM 537 Congregational Care                              (3)

A course centered on the practical aspects of fulfilling the role of a shepherd in the local church, the focus will be on the preventative, protective, priestly and pastoral roles of the pastor. Attention will be given to the personal responsibility of the pastor in shepherding and the role of equipping the laity for congregational care.

PM 550 Celebrating the Lord                              (3)

A course designed to help students explore the various worship styles, learning the value, and strengths and weaknesses of each. Various worship styles currently in use in typical churches are evaluated. Students are further challenged to adopt a worship style and develop principles for such. Students are asked to practice designing and developing worship services that are theologically and practically acceptable and implementing those services in his or her ministry setting.  Student are also introduced to music styles and the basics of music direction.

PM 580 Pastoral Counseling                               (3)

This course introduces ministerial students to the problems and possibilities of pastoral counseling within the context of the parish, helping the ministerial students gain self-understanding and obtaining an understanding of the dynamics of personality within the counseling relationship. The uniqueness of Christian counseling and areas of similarity between Christian and secular counseling will be explored.

PM 690p Special Projects in Pastoral Ministry (1-3)

A directed study by arrangement with and under the supervision of the professor.  The study will develop a project relative to a particular ministry concern.

 

Youth Ministries

David Rahn, Tom Bergler, Karen Jones

 

YM 527 Sociology of Adolescence                      (3)

A study of the development of the stage of adolescence in Western society and the current influences that shape its constitution. Includes an opportunity to use empirical research methods to explore the social patterns of adolescents in a particular community.

YM 537 Contemporary Practice of Youth Ministry (3)

An overview of the person and professional of youth ministry, including an examination of current Link Institute research in this area. Special attention will be given to identifying and comparing contemporary models of effective ministry.

YM 547 Advanced Issues in Youth Ministry        (3)

A range of youth ministry topics will be studied, determined collaboratively by the professor and students. Topics will be selected for the real-life problem-solving potential they hold for the field of youth ministry, and may include matters such as troubled youth, discipleship, or cross-cultural ministry.

YM 557 Student Leadership in Youth Ministry    (3)

Students will survey modern ministry practices to discern operational definitions of student leadership. They will subsequently explore related biblical principles, relevant historical events, issues in adolescent psycho-social development, and current Link Institute research in order to formulate a plan for the development of effective student leadership in youth ministry.

 YM 690y Special Projects in Youth Ministry      (2)

A directed study by arrangement with and under the supervision of the professor. The study will develop a project relative to a particular ministry concern.

 

Diploma in Pastoral Ministries

Gary House, Gary Newton, Ray Seilhamer, Rick Hawks, Dave Deselm

 

BC 502 Hermeneutics                                         (3)

Students’ ability to use scripture in personal spiritual formation and in ministry is improved by focusing attention on the several critical tasks involved in biblical interpretation. The course will emphasize inductive interpretation of scripture in a variety of contexts. Students will increase their hermeneutical skills by doing interpretative work on passages important to their ministry.

MC 607 Equipping Strategies                             (2)

This class will help leaders to develop strategies and skills in preparing lay persons and staff for  ministry. Students will plan and head a training experience for the class.

PM 510 Communicating the Word                      (3)

A course designed to help students understand the biblical command for preaching; the value of preaching; the patterns for preaching; the preparation for preaching; the various parts of a message; the presentation of the message; and the evaluation and response to the message. The design of the course is to help students become more complete communicators and to feel more confident in the presentation of the Word of God.

PM 537 Congregational Care                              (3)

A course centered on the practical aspects of fulfilling the role of a shepherd in the local church, the focus will be on the preventative, protective, priestly and pastoral roles of the pastor. Attention will be given to the personal responsibility of the pastor in shepherding and the role of equipping the laity for congregational care.

PM 550 Celebrating the Lord                              (3)

A course designed to help students explore the various worship styles, learning the value, and strengths and weaknesses of each. Various worship styles currently in use in typical churches are evaluated. Students are further challenged to adopt a worship style and develop principles for such. Students are asked to practice designing and developing worship services that are theologically and practically acceptable and implementing those services in his or her ministry setting.  The students are also introduced to music styles and the basics of music direction.

PM 580 Pastoral Counseling                               (3)

This course introduces ministerial students to the problems and possibilities of pastoral counseling within the context of the parish, helping the ministerial students gain self-understanding and obtaining an understanding of the dynamics of personality within the counseling relationship. The uniqueness of Christian counseling and areas of similarity between Christian and secular counseling will be explored.

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