Ministry Leadership

This course provides students with biblical and practical resources for exploring ministry callings, establishing healthy personal and interpersonal skills for ministry effectiveness, and embracing the role of higher education in equipping for ministry leadership.

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

This course equips students with the skills necessary to prepare and present biblical lessons. It gives special attention to studying a biblical text for teaching purposes, developing thesis statements and objectives, interactive and creative strategies, and using group dynamics to help individuals grow spiritually.

This course provides students with biblical, historical, and practical perspectives on how God works in believers through his Holy Spirit to conform them to the image of Christ and empower them for ministry. It gives special attention to using personal and interpersonal discipleship strategies to help individuals grow spiritually.

This course equips students through an elective, guided, high-impact experience. Options include seminars and conferences, guest lectureships, and field trips. Special attention is given to providing students engagement with diverse ministers, ministry roles, and ministry models.

This course equips students with the self-understanding and skills necessary for effective and transformative communication in individual, group, and congregational/organizational settings.

This course equips students to guide churches toward the fulfillment of congregational values, mission, and vision. It gives special attention to biblical, cultural, and organizational insights for helping large groups grow spiritually.

This course equips students with the skills necessary to carry out common pastoral tasks in ministry leadership. It gives special attention to using basic counseling skills in ministry settings.

This course equips students to integrate previous insights and experiences into a refined philosophy of ministry and sense of leadership ministry calling. Special attention is given to portfolio development and ministry hiring policies and practices.

Spiritual Formation and Creativity
Students are equipped with a biblical perspective on creativity, communication, and arts, and engage in the process of creativity from a Great Commission
perspective. Students learn how to integrate and articulate the biblical foundations underlying creative endeavors, demonstrate the process of creativity, and develop the means to sustain creativity.

Rhetoric of Prophetic Black Preachers
African American preaching was born out of protest, and by virtue of such a birth, its essential character is prophetic. Preaching, in general, is a kind of truth-telling and communication on behalf of God by man to humankind in a contextualized situation or event. However, telling the truth has not always been advantageous for black preachers; nonetheless, preach they did and truth they told without fear. This course will explore this disadvantage historically; also, it will pursue discussions of black preachers as spiritual rhetoricians who spoke truth to powers by proclaiming a certain kind of speech concerning God’s justice and mercy. Thus, the course will think of “prophetic” as a style and critical language practice more than through a theological lens, even though theology will, no doubt, emerge from the sermons. Students will read multiple texts from a myriad of black preachers (male and female) of the 19th to 21st century, like Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Maria W. Stewart, Malcolm X, M.L. King, Jr., and Vashti McKenzie.

Church Planting and Discipleship
This course gives students an overview of the theology, theory, and practice of planting churches locally and cross-culturally. Special attention is given to the mission of the church, contemporary models of church planting, indigenous church planting movements, making the gospel relevant to
culture, and accountability-oriented discipleship which leads to the multiplication of churches. Church-planting specialists assist, and field trips to new church plants are included in the course schedule.

strong>Interviewing and Counseling Skills
This course presents the interviewing and counseling process and trains students in the use of foundational micro-skills (attending, observation, checking out, questions, encouraging, paraphrase, summarization, reflection, focusing, influencing, and confrontation). Students are taught basic concepts, observe experienced practitioners, and practice skills in role play and peer counseling. Upon completion, students should be able to listen, conduct a well-formed interview, and focus their interventions in a Human Services environment.

Sports Ministry Models
This course begins with a historical overview of the use of sports in Christian evangelism and discipleship (e.g. athletic metaphors of the Apostle Paul, the “Muscular Christianity” of the Victorian era, and the contemporary Sports Ministry movement), along with biblical, theological, and philosophical foundations for sports ministry (a theology of competition, victory, unity, character formation, and sportsmanship). Students then explore a variety of proven methods and models for using sports to share Christ with youth and adults (church leagues, sports mission trips, training camps, and clinics). Successful sports ministry programs serve as case studies providing ideas, lessons, and inspiration for their own outreach efforts. Participants learn about resources and organizations that promote sports ministry (such as the Association of Church Sports and Recreation Ministers and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes), as well as professional opportunities in the field.

Managing Challenging Behaviors & Special Education Law
Students will explore special education legislation regarding the rights of persons with disabilities and the effect on our educational system and society. Consideration will be given to major current problems and issues concerning persons with disabilities and those with learning problems. Specific attention will be given to those with severe challenging behaviors. The class will guide students into developing a model for appropriate interaction with persons with disabilities informed by Christian principles, values and dispositions.

Worship Design and Leadership
This course introduces basic worship leadership skills as well as core biblical, theological, historical, philosophical, and pastoral considerations for gathered worship. Attention is given to (1) form and patterns of worship; (2) crafting the actions and elements of worship; (3) designing and planning worship; (4) executing the actions of worship; (5) leadership skills; and (6) time and the narrative of Christian worship. Students actively demonstrate learning of course principles through several service learning experiences in class, on campus, or in a local ministry setting.

Strategies of Children’s Ministry
This course prepares the student to develop and maintain an effective ministry to children, ages 0-11. This course introduces strategies, programs, ministries, and leadership skills necessary for the effective spiritual nurture of children. A practicum is part of the course.

Foundations of Student and Children’s Ministry
This course focuses on the foundations of next-generation ministry including a theology of children’s and student ministry, child & student development, understanding culture and its implications for ministry with young people, and the foundations for developing lesson plans to teach both children and students.

Theories of Family Ministry
This course will focus on developing a multi-generational approach to ministry. Theology and theories of family ministry will be explored including family systems theory, family ministry models, and best practices for ministry to the whole family.

Ministry Leadership Internship
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 experiences to further develop the skills they need for ministry.

Introduction to Counseling Ministry
This course introduces students to the ministry of counseling and provides an orientation to the counseling field. This orientation includes the historical roots of the field, the person of the counselor, ethics, multicultural considerations, and professional development through the lens of a biblical worldview. Philosophical foundations for the integration between theology and psychology are also
introduced and explored to aid the student in developing a sound worldview for counseling ministry.

Ministry Leadership Internship
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 experiences to further develop skills they need for ministry.

Pastoral Counseling
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.

Family Life Education Methodology
This course provides an understanding of the general philosophy and broad principles of family life education in conjunction with the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate such educational programs in a variety of setting (government, non-profit, faith based, etc.). An understanding and application of employing various strategies, educational principles, techniques and technologies, to meet the needs
of diverse audiences are addressed. Special emphasis is given to the implementation of evidence-based programs.

Ministry Leadership Internship
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 experiences to further develop the skills they need for ministry.

Theories of Biblical Preaching
This course builds upon the principles learned in Foundations of Biblical Preaching, leading students to a deeper understanding of the history and theology of preaching, various sermon forms, the significance of and methods for developing sermon series, and the application of Scripture to listeners’ lives.

Practices of Biblical Preaching
This course builds upon prior preaching courses and leads students to integrate preaching with worship, leadership, and biblical interpretation. Special attention is given to preaching from various biblical genres.

Dynamics of Senior Leadership
This course equips students for the relational, administrative, and leadership dynamics that are unique to senior leadership roles in churches. Learning activities include guest speakers and interactive projects designed to prepare students for positions such as Lead Minister, Senior Minister, or Executive Minister.

Foundations of Student and Children’s Ministry
This course focuses on the foundations of next-generation ministry including a theology of children’s and student ministry, child & student development, understanding culture and its implications for ministry with young people, and the foundations for developing lesson plans to teach both children and students.

Ministry Leadership Internship
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 experiences to further develop the skills they need for ministry.

Theories of Biblical Preaching
This course builds upon the principles learned in Foundations of Biblical Preaching, leading students to a deeper understanding of the history and theology of preaching, various sermon forms, the significance of and methods for developing a sermon series, and the application of Scripture to listeners’ lives.

Strategies of Student Ministry
This course focuses on strategies to minister effectively to adolescents. This course introduces strategies, programs, ministries, and leadership skills necessary for effective spiritual development of students. A practicum is a part of this course.

Foundations of Student and Children’s Ministry
This course focuses on the foundations of next-generation ministry including a theology of children’s and student ministry, child & student development, understanding culture and its implications for ministry with young people, and the foundations for developing lesson plans to teach both children and students.

Theories of Family Ministry
This course will focus on developing a multi-generational approach to ministry. Theology and theories of family ministry will be explored including family systems theory, family
ministry models, and best practices for ministry to the whole family.

Ministry Leadership Internship
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 experiences to further develop skills they need for ministry.

Characteristics & Needs of the Mildly & Moderately Disabled
Emotional, behavioral characteristics, assessment and intervention strategies and theories will be examined with particular reference to the needs of the mildly and moderately disabled student.

Ministry Leadership Internship
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 experiences to further develop the skills they need for ministry.

Sports Ministry Models
This course begins with a historical overview of the use of sports in Christian evangelism and discipleship (e.g. athletic metaphors of the Apostle Paul, the “Muscular Christianity” of the Victorian era, and the contemporary Sports Ministry movement), along with biblical, theological, and philosophical foundations for sports ministry (a theology of competition, victory, unity, character formation, and sportsmanship). Students then explore a variety of proven methods and models for using sports to share Christ with youth and adults (church leagues, sports mission trips, training camps, and clinics). Successful sports ministry programs serve as case studies providing ideas, lessons, and inspiration for their own outreach efforts. Participants learn about resources and organizations that promote sports ministry (such as the Association of Church Sports and Recreation Ministers and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes), as well as professional opportunities in the field.

Legal, Ethical, & Professional Standards for Sports Professionals
This culminating course for the Sport & Fitness Leadership Major focuses on legal, ethical, and professional standards for sports professionals. It gives attention to issues related to church, school, and community settings.

Choose one of the following:
Essentials of Strength Training & Conditioning
Health & Fitness Testing, Evaluation, & Prescription
Introduction to Coaching
Organization & Administration of Athletic Programs
Principles of Sports Marketing

Foundations of Student and Children’s Ministry
This course focuses on the foundations of next-generation ministry including a theology of children’s and student ministry, child & student development, understanding culture and its implications for ministry with young people, and the foundations for developing lesson plans to teach both children and students.

Theories of Family Ministry
This course will focus on developing a multi-generational approach to ministry. Theology and theories of family ministry will be explored including family systems theory, family ministry models, and best practices for ministry to the whole family.

Ministry Leadership Internship
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 experiences to further develop the skills they need for ministry.

Strategies of Student Ministry
This course focuses on strategies to minister effectively to adolescents. This course introduces strategies, programs, ministries, and leadership skills necessary for effective spiritual development of students. A practicum is a part of this course.

Ministry Leadership Internship
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 experiences to further develop skills they need for ministry.

God’s Story-Our Story

Dynamics of City Transformation
This course serves as an orientation to the sociological, physical, and political structures and systems of the city and exposes students to the work of faith-based ministries and urban churches that work in the ongoing transformation of cities. Special attention is given to issues of wealth and poverty, power and marginalization, race, ethnicity, class, community development, biblical justice, and mobilization.

Urban Anthropology
This course focuses on contemporary issues salient to selected people and groups in the city (such as, but not necessarily including, African-American, Hispanic-American, drug culture, the homeless), and, as appropriate, historical background (including migration patterns). The course also relates these issues and people groups to the Missio Dei, or Mission of God. Topics vary by term.

This course examines the importance of culture and worldview in an increasingly multicultural world and will give special attention to “reading” the 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 advance the worldwide mission of Christ.

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 experiences to further develop skills they need for ministry

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.