the christian ministry program prepares students for pastoral care, chaplaincy, evangelistic work, and other ministries that involve preaching and teaching the word of god.
objectives
on completion of this major, students should be able to:
- exhibit personal and spiritual attributes of a servant’s heart, holy living, and sense of calling essential to leading a church or parachurch organization and ministering to people.
- exhibit competency in knowing god’s word and demonstrate its relevance to problems, needs, and issues of today.
- develop and preach sermons that address congregational needs, integrate a christian worldview, and reflect an understanding of contemporary culture.
- lead and grow a congregation.
- connect with community leaders and organizations.
- provide pastoral care to a congregation.
major83
*these courses (9 hours) may be applied to gened requirements as noted.
bible and theology32
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bib2010 life of christ/gospels3
a study of the gospels focusing upon the life, ministry, leadership, death, and resurrection of jesus christ, with a view toward applying his life-changing principles to one’s everyday life.
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bib2015 hermeneutics of the old testament3
equips the student for accurate, relevant exegesis on the old testament using study tools that assist interpretation of the original text.prerequisites: bib1200, bib2000, rel2000 course fee*
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bib2025 hermeneutics of the new testament3
equips the student for accurate, relevant exegesis on the new testament using study tools that assist interpretation of the original text.prerequisites: bib2000 course fee*
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bib2100 pentateuch3
introduction to the first five books of the bible through a survey of their contents, with attention to social and historical contexts, distinctive literary forms and features, major themes and theological assertions, and the enduring message and relevance of the pentateuch.
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bib2900 acts of the apostles3
the history of the first-century church, including doctrinal development, growth in understanding, and geographical expansion through evangelism and the missionary activities of its members, with emphasis on the activities of major first-century leaders, including peter, james, and paul.
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bib4105 biblical hermeneutics3
principles of biblical interpretation with a historical survey of jewish and christian exegetical systems, examination of the presuppositions and practice of the grammatical-historical-theological hermeneutic, and application to selected biblical texts.prerequisites: bib1200, bib2000, rel2000 course fee*
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the2001 holiness literature3
the historical development of the doctrine of holiness (often referred to as christian perfection or sanctification) throughout the history of the christian church, with special attention to the 18th through the 20th centuries, and the influence of this doctrine on the church in modern culture.
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the4010 systematic theology i3
the contemporary theological situation and the significance and importance of wesleyan theology, with emphasis on the doctrines of theism, creation, sin, and divine revelation.prerequisites: rel2000, bib1200, bib2000, junior standing
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the4020 systematic theology ii3
the deity of christ and the personality and work of the holy spirit, and the doctrines conversion, entire sanctification, and eschatology.prerequisites: rel2000, bib1200, bib2000, jr. standing
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the4040 theology capstone2
the doctrine of entire sanctification in scripture, examined within the wesleyan tradition and other theological schools of thought.prerequisites: graduating senior standing; rel2000, the4010, or thw4020
ministry51
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chs3000 survey of church history i (humanities elective)*3
the history of christianity from its beginnings to the great schism of 1054 with attention to the origins, expansions, key figures, theological development, and growth of christianity, and the relationship of church and state.
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chs4000 survey of church history ii (humanities elective)*3
the history of christianity from the great schism of 1054 to the present, including the major personalities, events, and results of the protestant reformation, the rise of modern denominationalism, and current developments, with special attention to the development of american christianity.
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min1020 introduction to ministry2
professional ministry as a life calling and vocation, including spiritual development, acquisition of ministry skills, the mission of the church, and ministry as a profession, addressed from historical and contemporary perspectives. development of the initial skills and attitudes of a professional minister.
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min1021 intro to ministry observation1
observing practical ministry, shadowing a minister, and interviewing professional clergy in a local setting. application of ministry principles taught in the corequisite course.corequisite: min1020
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min1030 introduction to christian missions3
introduction to the biblical and theological foundations of missions, an overview of missions history, survey of the world's religions, and a foundation for response to god's leading.
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min2045 technology in the church2
use of information technology to support individuals and groups in churches, including productivity, communications, operations, and worship.
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MIN3025 Foundations of Teaching & Preaching (Oral Com. El.)*3
this course introduces the principles and skills necessary to effectively communicate scripture through teaching and preaching delivery. practical application assignments will be made, and reports/presentations will be given.
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min3250 leading and growing a church2
strategies for helping a church multiply its ministries, replicating itself, widening and deepening the impact of the church in the community. principles of servant leadership, marketing, different church models, connecting with the community, problem-solving, strategic planning, and managing change.prerequisite: min1020
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min3251 leading and growing a church practicum1
practical experiences in a local ministry setting providing a laboratory for application of principles taught in the corequisite course.corequisite: min3250
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min3260 church communications and culture2
students are equipped to evaluate and contextualize church culture speaking to the communities in which they reside. this will enable the student to communicate to the congregants while forging communications with the surrounding community. includes formal study of communications both written and oral.prerequisite: min1020
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min3261 church communications and culture practicum1
practical experiences in a local ministry setting, providing a laboratory for the application of principles taught in the corequisite course.corequisite: min3260
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min3900 field experience seminar1
preparation for the culminating field experience. to be completed the semester prior to cm495 christian ministry field experience or ce495 youth ministry field experience.prerequisite: junior standing
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min4025 advanced teaching and preaching3
this course is designed to build upon prior learning and experience with preaching and teaching. the focus of this course will be on the construction and delivery of narrative and expositional preaching and teaching of the gospel.
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min4210 ministry methods2
praxis elements of ministry: conducting effective meetings; understanding parliamentary procedures; resolving conflicts; and conducting weddings, funerals, and worship services.prerequisite: min1020
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min4211 ministry methods practicum1
practical experiences in a local ministry setting, providing a laboratory for the application of principles taught in the corequisite course.corequisite: cm421
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MIN4260 Church Finance & Administration2
an overview of the role of the pastor in organizing and managing the local church, including local church finances, human resources, and legal responsibilities. students are equipped to manage personal finances.prerequisite: cm325, math elective
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MIN4261 Church Finance & Administration Practicum1
practical experiences in a local ministry setting, providing a laboratory for the application of principles taught in the corequisite course.corequisite: min4260
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min4950 christian ministry field experience12
this culminating field experience provides pastoral ministry students at least 14 weeks of practical experience in a local church or parachurch organization with a gradual assumption of responsibility across the semester. students may take no other courses during this experience except theology capstone.prerequisites: min3900
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pcc2010 pastoral counseling3
the counseling needs of a congregation, with models of biblical intervention and pastoral counseling that lead to healthy spiritual, emotional, mental, and behavioral change.
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soc2030 marriage, family, and human sexuality3
basic family organization from courtship through the adjustments of the family in the modern home, within a christian perspective, including development of human sexuality.prerequisites: soc1020, psy1020