Ministry Leadership (OL)

This course examines the importance of culture and worldview in an increasingly multicultural world, and will give special attention to “reading” a city in preparation for service. It explores cultural diversity and the necessary skills for identifying the traits of different cultures (including the student’s own), in order to equip them to effectively interact with people of other cultures as they seek to fulfill the Great Commission and do their part to extend the kingdom of God among all nations.

This course equips students with the fundamental skills necessary to prepare and present biblical lessons and sermons. It gives special attention to studying a biblical text for teaching and preaching purposes; developing thesis statements, outlines, and support materials; and communicating effectively with contemporary students and listeners.

This course focuses on many of the day-to-day responsibilities of the pastoral ministry, such as applying for positions, ministry beginnings and endings, relationships with elders and staff, weddings, funerals, baptisms, visitations, office management, and discipleship ministries. Students also examine the underlying theology of the ministry of all believers.

This course explores two areas: The first is how God works in believers through his Holy Spirit to conform them to the image of Christ and empower them for ministry. The second is how to help others grow spiritually. Students survey the history and theology of spiritual formation, examine biblical and historical spiritual disciplines, experience spiritual practices firsthand, develop a “rule of life,” and consider the most effective ways of fostering spiritual maturity in individuals, groups, and congregations.

This course furthers the principles learned in Biblical Teaching and Preaching, leading students to a deeper understanding of teaching and preaching God’s Word with integrity and relevance. The course gives particular attention to biblical and theological backgrounds, various lesson and sermon forms, the development of a lesson or sermon series, and the application of Scripture to listeners’ lives. The course includes extensive collaboration, practice teaching and preaching, and evaluation.

This course explores both the destructive and transformative dynamics of conflict in faith communities and equips students with the self-understanding and skills needed for effective communication for conflict management. The course emphasizes individual and group settings, but also introduces the larger dimensions of corporate conflict. This is an interactive, skills-based course.

This course provides an overview of specific counseling situations faced in ministry, including integration of psychology and theology. Theory and practical application will be integrated in such a way as to assist the student in developing a “style of counseling.” Some role-play situations are included.

In this advanced course, students consider how to develop congregations that are both biblically faithful and culturally relevant, and how to equip individuals and groups toward the fulfillment of congregational mission, vision, and values. The course adopts a systems model for managing the complex interrelationship between a congregation, its immediate surroundings, the community, and the culture at large. Particular attention is given to the unique dynamics of small to medium-size congregations.

Learning to read, interpret, and apply the biblical text is a skill set built upon specific presuppositions and principles. Biblical Interpretation teaches learners how to recognize these presuppositions and use these principles to study Scripture with care and understanding.

This course leads students to apply lessons learned in the classroom to actual ministry contexts under the guidance of an experienced field mentor. Students accomplish various ministry tasks, observe ministry situations, and reflect on their experience to further develop the skills they need for ministry.