Christian Ministry

A biblical introduction to the journey of Christian discipleship. Students consider the marks of a healthy disciple, the process of discipleship, and resources for promoting deeper spiritual lives. Spiritual disciplines (such as prayer, Bible study, meditation, Scripture memorization, and fasting) are evaluated as students prepare for lifelong spiritual formation.

Students explore the spectrum of disciple-making from conversation to Christian maturity, highlighting the practices of evangelism and approaches to facilitating faith formation in the believer as a disciple of Jesus.

Covers the daily routine and work of the minister. This course will focus on the distinctives of ministerial leadership. It features an exploration of the concept of ministry and ministerial responsibilities. (The previous course number was SALT201).

Students learn biblical concepts, practical methods, and congregational applications to evangelism for Christ. Special attention is given to developing a heart for the lost and an ethical approach to responsible evangelism.

Focuses on the history and development of Christian counseling. The course covers a broad range of issues critical to a counseling ministry and the scriptures that address those issues, including crisis intervention. The student will also observe and participate in role-plays that initiate them into the counseling process.

Provides an overview of the role and work of the youth and family minister with regard to developing a total youth program and training youth workers. Attention is paid to philosophy of youth and family ministry as well as to strategic planning and implementation. Issues of personal character and integrity are addressed.

This course introduces students to a research informed biblical paradigm for healthy sexuality. It will increase their awareness, knowledge, and skills regarding the broad range of issues in the field of counseling when addressing healthy sexuality.

This course provides students an understanding of career development and related life factors. Students study career development theory and decision-making models, procedures for planning and conducting effective job searches, assessment instruments and techniques relevant to career planning and decision-making, and the use of career information. Emphasis is placed on understanding the interrelationships between career development and career decision-making and such factors as faith, values, personality, family, socio-economic status, leisure, individual interests and abilities, and other life roles.

Presents a therapeutic model of counseling. Students practice skills necessary to nurture those who are in need of help.

A course designed to introduce the student to current counseling and treatment techniques for substance abuse. Emphasis is placed on theological issues, etiological factors, physiological and psychological effects, and related behavior.

An examination of efficient administrative and organizational procedures in the local church. Consideration is given to programming, committees, delegation of responsibilities, relationships between the leaders within the congregation, and coordination of the entire program.

Studies the principles of growth using a wide variety of examples, statistics, and research on the subject of church growth. This course has as its goal the practical application of the laws of growth and health in the local congregation. Attention is also given to fundraising needs of a growing church.

This course is designed for those who are entering located ministry to show the numerous responsibilities required. Both the minister’s professional and personal life will be examined. Special emphasis is given to the functions the minister serves, the services the minister officiates, and the daily tasks the minister must oversee in serving and leading a local congregation.

A study of the basic methods of the major schools of counseling. Emphasis is given to those principles and methods which most schools share in common.

This course introduces students to the theories and skills required to provide pastoral crisis intervention and counseling that will cultivate resiliency and promote spiritual growth.

This course will give attention to the Biblical foundation for marriage and to practical elements necessary for successful family living. Topics such as communication, money management, marriage roles, sex, children, in laws, etc. will be covered.

Assists the student in ministering to young people and their parents. Principles of counseling are discussed and applied to young people. Stages of development and common problems are also examined.

A study attempting to integrate theology and psychology, pointing out the areas of agreement and disagreement between contemporary psychology and biblical theology.

An introduction to the administration and interpretation of various measurement tools, profiles, and inventories that can aid counselors in their efforts to assist people.

Various models of youth ministry are addressed and measured against basic components that are needed for a healthy youth ministry. Guest speakers are utilized extensively in dealing with a wide range of practical areas such as recruiting sponsors, VBS, Christian service camps, special programs, and trips.

The student will develop a philosophy of family ministry in light of Biblical principles and changing trends. The foundation of this philosophy will lie within the biblical church and the family. Through the course work, conference (the Orange Conference in Atlanta, GA), and personal interaction with various professionals, each student will understand how the Church and the family are met to work together in harmony, how to disciple parents and how to develop and disciple volunteers all within the church structure. There is a lab fee for this class.

Addresses advanced needs of counseling clients. Students learn to choose appropriate intervention strategies. Regular counseling treatments for a variety of needs are surveyed by the instructor and explored in depth by the students.

Develops the student’s ability to create and preach biblical sermons. Helps the student create both quality and appropriate content for sermons. Students explore a variety of sermon options, develop a preaching plan, and explore how the different genres of the Bible should impact the sermon. Each student preaches three times.

Rotating advanced preaching and teaching seminars. Course content will vary each semester, including: Narrative Preaching; the History of Christian Preaching; Contemporary Issues in Preaching; and Preaching & Teaching Abilities.

Each course in this series will consist of an exegetical, theological, rhetorical, didactical, and homiletical study of selected pericopae of the New Testament, with an emphasis on practical application for contemporary expository preaching or teaching. Students will preach, teach, or present a project in the course. On a rotating basis, course content will vary in subject from semester to semester to include: The Resurrection narratives(resurrection stories related to Jesus' resurrection); the Parables of Jesus; the Miracles of Jesus; Birth Narratives, Speeches in Luke-Acts; and the Compassion Texts of Jesus.

Each course in this series will consist of an exegetical, theological, rhetorical, didactical, and homiletical study of selected pericopae of the New Testament, with an emphasis on practical application for contemporary expository preaching or teaching. Students will preach, teach, or present a project in the course. On a rotating basis, course content will vary in subject from semester to semester to include: The Resurrection narratives(resurrection stories related to Jesus' resurrection); the Parables of Jesus; the Miracles of Jesus; Speeches in Luke-Acts; the Compassion Texts of Jesus; and TBD.

Each course in this series will consist of an exegetical, theological, rhetorical, didactical, and homiletical study of selected pericopae of the New Testament, with an emphasis on practical application for contemporary expository preaching or teaching. Students will preach, teach, or present a project in the course. On a rotating basis, course content will vary in subject from semester to semester to include: The Resurrection narratives(resurrection stories related to Jesus' resurrection); the Parables of Jesus; the Miracles of Jesus; Speeches in Luke-Acts; the Compassion Texts of Jesus; and TBD.

Each course in this series will consist of an exegetical, theological, rhetorical, didactical, and homiletical study of selected pericopae of the New Testament, with an emphasis on practical application for contemporary expository preaching or teaching. Students will preach, teach, or present a project in the course. On a rotating basis, course content will vary in subject from semester to semester to include: The Resurrection narratives(resurrection stories related to Jesus' resurrection); the Parables of Jesus; the Miracles of Jesus; Speeches in Luke-Acts; the Compassion Texts of Jesus; and TBD.

Each course in this series will consist of an exegetical, theological, rhetorical, didactical, and homiletical study of selected pericopae of the New Testament, with an emphasis on practical application for contemporary expository preaching or teaching. Students will preach, teach, or present a project in the course. On a rotating basis, course content will vary in subject from semester to semester to include: The Resurrection narratives(resurrection stories related to Jesus' resurrection); the Parables of Jesus; the Miracles of Jesus; Speeches in Luke-Acts; the Compassion Texts of Jesus; and TBD.

Each course in this series will consist of an exegetical, theological, rhetorical, didactical, and homiletical study of selected pericopae of the New Testament, with an emphasis on practical application for contemporary expository preaching or teaching. Students will preach, teach, or present a project in the course. On a rotating basis, course content will vary in subject from semester to semester to include: The Resurrection narratives(resurrection stories related to Jesus' resurrection); the Parables of Jesus; the Miracles of Jesus; Speeches in Luke-Acts; the Compassion Texts of Jesus; and TBD.

An introductory study of the key principles of spiritual leadership and their application in the setting of the local congregation. These principles may be applied in any ministry setting.

An opportunity for students to conduct independent research under the supervision of a faculty member. A minimum of 45 hours of research for each credit and a final paper or project are required for the course.

An opportunity for students to conduct independent research under the supervision of a faculty member. A minimum of 45 hours of research for each credit and a final paper or project are required for the course.

1 hour independent study; for course completion

Students will explore the Christian counseling process and apply it to specific issues such as depression, stress and anxiety, personality disorders, addictions, and others. The class features a trip to the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) convention. There is a lab fee for this class.