The ministry major requires a core of 29 credits and the selection of an emphasis of either pastoral ministries or urban/cross cultural that is an additional nine credits. Both emphases lead to a bachelor of arts degree.
| Courses | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| PHL 310 | Philosophy of Religion | 3 (WI) |  |
|
A philosophical approach to and analysis of the basic concepts of religion, together with its implications for theism and Christianity. Meets the general education writing intensive requirement.
|
|||
| PHL 330 | Ethics | 3 (WI) | |
|
An analysis of personal and social ethics, with particular attention to the problems of Christian ethics in contemporary society. Criteria for ethical judgments will be examined and an attempt made to establish certain theological norms that ought to be met in Christian ethics. Meets the general education writing intensive requirement. |
|||
| REL 111 | Ministry Seminar | .5 | |
| REL 200 | Orientation to Ministry | 3 | |
|
The course exposes student to the biblical and theological foundations of ministry in the Wesleyan tradition. The ministry of Jesus and its classical interpretation are explored, with particular attention given to calling, character, and spiritual gifts. Students will also deal with current ministry-related issues. |
|||
| REL 235 | Ministry of Discipleship and Evangelism | 3 | |
|
The course explores the meaning of evangelism and discipleship in a post-modern culture in order to assist students in developing an overall philosophy of ministry rather than learning any specific strategy or technique. A broader understanding of the nature and mission of the church prepares student to critically assess contemporary strategies and programs both locally and from a global perspective. |
|||
| REL 265 | Homiletics | 3 | |
|
Analysis of the construction and delivery of sermons. For student and lay ministers. |
|||
| REL 266 | Introduction to Worship | 3 | |
|
This course introduces students to the language and various elements of Christian worship and provides instruction in the theology and leadership of central liturgical events within the Christian community, including weddings, funerals, and the sacraments of baptism and the eucharist. |
|||
| REL 343 | Western Christianity I | 3 | |
|
The systematic study of the development of Western Christendom from the First through the Fifteenth Centuries focusing on major themes, figures, actions, and impulses. The historical method of research will be employed as a means of helping students to gain a contextualized understanding and appreciation for the developing role of the church and its relationship to culture. A major emphasis will be placed on the reading of primary sources as a means for understanding the development of Christian theology. Cross listed with HST 343. |
|||
| REL 344 | Western Christianity II | 3 | |
|
The systematic study of the development of Western Christendom from the Sixteenth through the Twentieth centuries focusing on major themes, figures, actions, and impulses. The historical method of research will be employed as a means of helping students to gain a contextualized understanding and appreciation for the developing role of the church and its relationship to culture. A major emphasis will be placed on the reading of primary sources as a means for understanding the development of Christian theology. Cross listed with HST 344. |
|||
| REL 451 | Foundations of Christian Doctrine | 3 | |
|
A historical and philosophical study of the development of Christian theology over the centuries. |
|||
| REL 452 | Methods in Wesleyan Theology | 3 | |
|
Analysis of methodology in the development of certain historically important systems of Christian theology with a focus upon doing theology in the 21st century. A consideration of how the student may do theology today. |
|||
Pastoral Ministry students participate in an internship which provides practical knowledge and prepares them for future endeavors. Upon graduating, students may enter seminary, pursue graduate studies, or begin work in the field.
| Courses | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY 212 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | |
|
This lifespan development course examines human growth and development from prenatal life through old age. Advances in research illumine the intellectual, emotional, social, moral, and religious developmental processes in persons across cultures and socio-economic strata. Group presentations as well as written reflections and reading reports assess student mastery of this course. |
|||
| REL 405 | Internship | Variable | |
|
Taken for two to nine credits, the internship provides on the job supervised ministry experience in a contest related to the student's major. Typically internship placements include: churches, Christian camps, urban ministries, or other mission agencies, and take place during the summer between the junior and senior year. |
|||
The Urban/Cross Cultural emphasis will prepare you for ministry in churches, para-churches and community organizations in urban and cross-cultural settings. You’ll be introduced to the challenges and complexities of living and ministering in culturally diverse urban communities.
| Courses | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| REL 361 | The Church in the City | 3 | |
|
This course explores the biblical, theological, and sociological dimensions of the urban church. Themes discussed include: theology of church and kingdom, seeking the shalom of the city, ministry to the poor, and confronting the principalities and powers. This course includes field trips to the city. |
|||
| REL 405 | Internship | Variable | |
|
Taken for two to nine credits, the internship provides on the job supervised ministry experience in a contest related to the student's major. Typically internship placements include: churches, Christian camps, urban ministries, or other mission agencies, and take place during the summer between the junior and senior year. |
|||
