Christian Ministries

A study of the nature and mission of the church and its place in God's plan of redemption. Students refine their personal values, priorities, and practices and evaluate contemporary ministry models, challenges and controversies in light of their developing theology of the church and its mission.

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

A study of the principles, significant contexts and effective methods of evangelism and discipleship in light of the Bible and contemporary ministry literature. Students learn to facilitate the processes by which people move from being non-Christians to becoming mature followers of Jesus.

This course considers the ministry leader's relationship with others, with a focus on biblical insights and models for healthy communication and interpersonal dynamics. Issues and topics will include staff relations, volunteer management, conflict resolution, group dynamics and navigating the expectations of numerous constituencies.

This course focuses on best leadership practices in Christian ministry, including both the local church and non-profit ministries. Emphasis is placed on practices that have a transformative Christian impact in the lives of those who are served, and structuring a ministry for maximum effectiveness. Included in the course is a study of biblical leaders, leadership and management principles and styles, and administrative responsibilities of the leader, such as vision-casting and financial oversight.

This course considers the ministry leader's relationship with Christ with a focus on holistic spiritual vitality. Issues and topics will include ministry calling, mentoring, self-management, personal integrity, and the role of spiritual disciplines in the life of the ministry leader.

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

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

This course includes the development of skills expected of those in Christian ministry. Topics include pastoral care and counseling, leading public prayer, platform presence, conducting the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper, and officiating weddings and funerals.
Prerequisite: Seniors with no more than one additional semester left in their degree plans

A course designed to deal with the many functions of ministry and missions. The internship is designed as a practice-oriented, culminating experience in the student's career preparation. May be elected by all majors and minors in the department.
Prerequisite: Consent

Systematic theology is the craft of studying Christian beliefs (doctrines), their interrelationship to one another and their application to the Christian life. This course concentrates on the beliefs arising from the first portion of the Apostles Creed: God the Creator and His triune life, Creation, the human person and sin. It also considers the nature and tasks of theology more generally, its sources and norms.
Prerequisites: MI 285 and BT or MI major

This course focuses on the final two areas of confession in the Apostles Creed: Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Doing so involves consideration of matters related to Christ's person and work (Christology), the Spirit's activity in the church (Pneumatology, Ecclesiology, Scripture and the Christian Life), and the consummation of history (Eschatology).
Prerequisite: BT 414

A survey of the Bible with emphases on its nature and authority; its historical, cultural and religious backgrounds; its historical development; its types of literature; and its content and major themes.
Does not count in the Bible and theology major.

A literary introduction to the Pentateuch and books of poetry and a study of their content. An emphasis on dealing with problems of interpretation and using an analytical, expository approach for the study of selected passages.

A literary introduction to the books of history and the prophets, a study of the content of these books and a discovery of the prophetic view of history. An emphasis on dealing with problems of interpretation and using an analytical, expository approach for the study of selected passages.

A general introduction to the study of the New Testament, featuring the historical, literary and cultural backgrounds of first century Judaism, the formation of the Gospels, modern criticism of the Gospels, an introduction to each of the Gospels and a survey of the life of Jesus.

A general introduction to the study of the New Testament, featuring the historical, literary and cultural backgrounds of the Greco-Roman world, the history of the early church throughout the first century, Gnosticism, the life of Paul and an introduction to Acts, the New Testament epistles and Revelation.

Students will examine sport within society to evaluate how it can be used as a ministry tool. Principles of sociology of sport, historic developments within sports ministry, and biblical mandates will help students to construct a theology which integrates faith and sport. Church and parachurch sport/recreation ministry models will be reviewed. Attention will be given to methods of programming and curriculum development related to evangelism and discipleship associated with the culture of sport. Communicating the gospel within a sport setting will include student preparation and delivery of sports-specific messages and object lessons.
Identical with SM 224.

This course has two main objectives: first, to provide basic, hands-on training in several areas - principally sound reinforcement, lighting and visual presentation - where technology can be used to enhance the dynamics of corporate worship; and second, to ground such use within a framework of critical and theological reflection on the complex roles technology plays in contemporary society. Students will be expected to produce several projects for this course, and in so doing, to develop a responsible approach to the use of media and technology in worship.

This course aims to immerse students in the practical leadership issues of worship ministry. In terms of music, students will learn how to run effective rehearsals, equip volunteer musicians, and continue to develop their musical gifts and abilities. Other issues addressed in this course are more pastoral in nature: how to direct the flow of a service, lead in public prayer and work collaboratively with colleagues in ministry. Students will gain confidence in these areas through repeated practice and careful, critical reflection upon the calling and the task of worship leadership.

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

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

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

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