Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies - Pastoral Ministry

• Introduction to Philosophy
  
  An introduction to the discipline of philosophy through a study of representative philosophic problems.
  
  
• Introduction to Ministry
  
  The course includes an introduction to field education, choosing a ministry placement and field supervisor, vocational discernment, designing a learning covenant, and theological reflection.
  
  
• The Gospels
  
  A study of the life of Jesus, with special attention given to his person, teachings, and work.
  
  
• Introduction to Logic
  
  A study of the principles of correct reasoning with emphasis on distinguishing between good and bad arguments of various types.
  
  
• A Survey of Christian Education
  
  An introduction to the development of Christian education from the Early Church to modern-times, focusing on major movements, philosophies, and people. Special attention will be given to the objectives of educational programs in the local church.
  
  
• Christian Doctrines
  
  A systematic study of the major doctrines of the Christian religion, including revelation and the Bible, the Trinity, the doctrine of man, the atonement, salvation and Christian growth, the church and it ordinances, and eschatology.
  
  
• Biblical Interpretation
  
  This course helps equip students more interested in more serious Biblical Studies to understand and use basic principles of Biblical interpretation. An introduction to the nature of Bible interpretation is given. The majority of the course will focus on developing skills in exegesis of Scripture, using a nine-step approach.
  
  
• Cross-Cultural Communication
  
  The course will present with the philosophy, principles, and methods of cross-cultural communication and cultural transition/adjustment.
  
  
• Introductions to Ethics
  
  An introductory study of some of the central concepts, procedures, and issues in the field of ethics, focusing on the nature of ethical thinking and how it applies to particular judgments about actions, character, and values.
  
  
• The Pentateuch
  
  A study of the first five books of the Bible with special emphasis given to the scriptural record of beginnings and of early Hebrew history, religion, and law.
  
  
• Spiritual Formation
  
  An introductory study of the basic disciplines of Christian discipleship, focusing on the formation of character, values, disciplines, and habits, especially related to the inner development of spirituality.
  
  
• Christian Leadership Theory and Praxis
  
  Students assess their own skill sets, learn new ones, and develop strategies for being a more effective leader in various contexts.
  
  
• Management for Ministry
  
  A study of the basic functional areas in the practice of administration. Special attention is given to management principles and leadership development to help make these effective in the local church, para-church, and personal ministries.
  
  
• The Epistles of Paul
  
  A study of the life and times of the apostle Paul, with emphasis on an interpretation of his epistles and their historical setting.
  
  
• Lifespan Development
  
  A course in developmental psychology with an emphasis on the physical, social, cognitive, personality, and moral developments within an individual.
  
  

• Introduction to Pastoral Ministry
  
  A study of the philosophy and practice of pastoral work. Emphasis is given to the caring and nurturing practices involved in ministry. A special focus is given to assist students in their ability to synthesize pastoral work with their place of service.
  
  
• Christianity and Culture
  
  This course leads students to look critically at what they consider to be fundamentally Christian, and therefore imperative to duplicate across cultural lines, as opposed to what they consider to be Christian that is actually a cultural value and not necessarily Christian. Special emphasis will be given to comparisons between western and non-western cultures, syncretism, and current efforts being made in intercultural evangelism.
  
  
• Financial Decision Making in Ministry
  
  Examining the elements necessary for effective financial decision-making in the local church is imperative to for an effective ministry.
  
  
• Ministerial Organizational Development and Change
  
  An introductory study of the basic structures of Christian organizations, the course focuses on an overview of the typical processes and decisions that lead to healthy organizational development and change. Managing organizational development and change challenges individuals to understand and embrace audience diversity, elements of change, effective communication, and performance systems.
  
  
• Effective Ministerial Communications
  
  An application of theory through problem solving and case study of current effective ministerial speakers. The student will learn the tools and preparation needed to communicate with a variety of audiences, to employ creative pedagogy that challenges and engages the audience, and to develop a message that is culturally relevant and biblically accurate.
  
  
• Issues in Counseling
  
  This course is an introduction to counseling. Specific personal, social and psychological issues will be discussed. Appropriate use of networks and referral to trained resource professionals will be explored. Limitations and implications of counseling for untrained practitioners are stressed.
  
  
• Leadership in the Global Community
  
  The course will help students develop the framework for practicing global citizenship, as well as allow the students the opportunity for informed dialogue concerning the nature of leadership in other cultures.
  
  
• Issues in Contemporary Pastoral Ministry
  
  Examining current movements, trends, leaders, and perspectives affecting worship and worship styles in the United States and around the world is imperative to becoming an effective worship leader.