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2007-2009 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. Also in 2005, the Graduate School of Christian Ministries began its first on-line program, the master of arts in youth ministry leadership.

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 of Christian Ministries 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 and a distinctive affiliation with the University that helps the Graduate School of Christian Ministries to serve all who value faith-integrated critical thinking.

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, 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 counseling ministries and the diploma in pastoral ministries. The Graduate School of Christian Ministries also offers an on-line master of arts in youth ministry leadership degree.

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 deter-mined 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.

A separate on-line program in the area of Youth Ministry Leadership with its guidelines and required classes is discussed at the end of the traditional master of arts programs.

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 a grade point average of 2.5 or higher; a minimum of 32 hours must be completed at the Graduate School of Christian Ministries.  (Note: 42 graduate hours are required for the master of arts in youth ministries; 28 hours must be taken at the GSCM.)

  • 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, take corresponding courses or with the approval of your advisor, waive the exam if student has taken the course at the undergraduate level with a passing grade of B- or higher.

  • Attend commencement exercises for the conferring of the degree. (The candidate may petition the GSCM 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 of Christian Ministries offers courses in a three term format. Courses are taught during fall (September to November), spring (January to March) and early summer (April to June) terms. Some courses are offered in more intensive modules and others include a distance-learning component.

The Graduate School of Christian Ministries 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 inter-action, 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 under-stand 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 leader-ship; (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 GSCM 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 leader-ship 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 inter-action 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 ministry 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 35 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 coursework. A total of 52 hours of study is required, 25 semester hours of undergraduate and graduate level prerequisite courses, 27 hours in graduate studies with 17 of those 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.

Students may take classes for continuing education without pursuing a degree. Contact the Graduate School of Christian Ministries for more information.

Admissions Policies

Regular Admission

Persons seeking admission to the Graduate School of Christian Ministries must give evidence of a substantial Christian character and have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited undergraduate institution with a minimum gpa of 2.8.

All applicants must submit an application for admission with accompanying essay responses, reference letter and application fee. 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 courses in the Graduate School of Christian Ministries with the approval of the dean of the Graduate School of Christian Ministries. Courses taken in the GSCM 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 16 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 14 semester hours of previously earned graduate credits that satisfy specific course requirements in the master of arts in youth ministries may be transferred into the Graduate School of Christian Ministries.)

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 17 hours of the Core toward the second degree. A second culmination project is not required.

Spouses

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

Classification of Students

In the Graduate School of Christian Ministries, graduate students are those enrolled in the program 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 six hours of courses in any academic semester are considered full-time students.

Half-time  Students who are enrolled in at least four hours of courses in any academic semester are considered half-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 of Christian Ministries

Grading System

The Graduate School of Christian Ministries 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 of Christian Ministries 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 of Christian Ministries, 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 on-line at http://myinfo.huntington.edu, 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 18, 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 2.5 will be placed on academic probation. To be removed from probation, students must complete an additional six hours with a cumulative gpa of 2.5 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 circum-stances up to one-third of the class. More than 14 hours missed by a student will result in the student 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, by e-mail or by phone.

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 register for each succeeding semester.

Dropping and Adding

Students may drop a course or add a course through the first day of the two-by-three, 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 of Christian Ministries Office and by obtaining the signature of the advisor or the graduate dean. Students who officially with-draw 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.

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 Two-by-Three 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 of Christian Ministries since most financial assistance is based on the number of hours enrolled and may be reduced in accordance with the number of hours maintained.

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 of Christian Ministries 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 33 percent of graduate tuition.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition per Hour                                                     $300

Application Fee                                                       $20

Audit Charge per Hour                                            $300

Tutoring per Credit Hour                                         $285

Ministry Mentor Fee per Semester                          $100

Senior Adult (over 55)Tuition or Audit per         
Credit Hour (Maximum 6 Credit Hours per Term)        $60

Payment of Student Accounts

Prior to the beginning of classes, an official billing is sent to each student for the subsequent term. Billed expenses are due by August 10 for the fall term, January 10 for the spring term and “due upon receipt” of the billing statement for the early summer term. It is expected that the bill will be paid in full by the beginning of the term. 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.

Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover charges may be made to complete payment on students’ accounts up to the limit of the charge card amount. Students may contact the Business Office to arrange a payment plan.

Student Loan Programs

Students without immediate resources to complete payment for their educational expenses may choose to borrow against future earnings through the Federal Stafford Loan program. Borrowing for such an investment may well yield monetary returns, but the greater return on an investment for one’s education comes in the enhanced quality of life and sense of self-worth.

Federal Stafford Loans are obtained through a bank or other lending agency in amounts up to $8,500 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, and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are government loans whereby the interest begins immediately. Repayment of Stafford Loans begins six months after the students cease to be half-time students.

To be considered for need-based financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be filed by going on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA should be received at the Federal Processor by March 10.

Students may also receive financial assistance by applying for scholarships through the GSCM. Funds for the GSCM Scholarships have been provided through endowment by the following sources:  Ralph G. Bealer Awards and Grant Fund,
M.I. Burkholder Awards and Grant Fund, Omar A. Dellinger Memorial Scholarship, Paul R. Fetters Pastral Ministries Scholarship, Clyde W. Meadows Awards and Grant Fund, J. Ralph Pfister Awards and Grant Fund
. Contact the Graduate School of Christian Ministries for more information.

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.

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 and Values

The Core Curriculum of the Graduate School of Christian Ministries helps students in our programs attain the under-standing 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, Theo-logical 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.

Master of Arts in Counseling Ministries

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

Ministry Core                                            12 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

MC 652 Ministry Culmination Project III

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 competency test given by the GSCM;

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                                                    6 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 degree in discipling ministries requires the completion of 48 semester hours, including 10 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 11 hours in one of the following areas of specialization.

Ministry Core                                              10 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

MC 652 Ministry Culmination Project III

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 competency test given by the GSCM;

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

Eleven 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

Any of the courses in the Youth Ministry Program may be taken to fulfill the 11 hour requirement for this specialization.

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 degree in pastoral ministries requires the completion of 48 semester hours, including 12 hours in Ministry Core; 12 hours in Bible, History and Theology Core; 15 hours of required Pastoral Core and nine hours in electives.

Ministry Core                                            12 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

MC 652 Ministry Culmination Project III

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 competency test given by the GSCM;

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                                                   9 hours

Electives may be chosen from any other ministry program.

Master of Arts in Youth Ministries

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

Ministry Core                                            12 hours

MC 505 Philosophical Foundations of Ministry

MC 507 Ministry Mentor

MC 527 Ministry Assessment<