B.A. in Christian Ministries Courses

The Christian Ministries major consists of 42 semester credits. For course sequence, request a program calendar. Credits are listed in parentheses.

BIBL300 • Understanding the Bible (4)
Orientation to the Bible as history, literature, and theology. Attention to the nature of the Bible, including issues of inspiration, authority, and canonicity. General historical, literary, and theological overview. Search for integrating motifs and unifying themes within the broader context of the historical and literary diversity.

BIBL341E • The Gospel in Cross-Cultural Perspective (4)
How the gospel is influenced, expressed, and experienced through social and cultural systems. Emphasis is on Western and non-Western social structures in light of cultural components of the biblical witness. Skills for hearing and speaking the gospel with cultural sensitivity. Special issues: global theology, missiological concerns, incarnation theology, ethnographic analysis.

BIBL441 • Significance of the Old Testament (3)
Introduction to the Old Testament, which emphasizes foundational themes including creation, life, justice, people of God, covenant, and the Old Testament polemic against the prevailing culture of its time. Development of methodological tools for investigating these themes will enable learners to properly contextualize these themes to their culture. Prerequisite: BIBL300.

BIBL442 • Significance of the New Testament (3)
Introduction to the New Testament emphasizing major themes including the kingdom of God, eternal life, and justification in Christ. Emphasis also on the hermeneutical issues related to understanding these themes in their original literary and historical settings, and applying them in ministry situations today. Prerequisite: BIBL300.

CHMN350 • Personal Spiritual Formation (4)
Investigation of the development of a spiritual life and its disciplines, according to the New Testament and the history of the disciples of Jesus. Includes the integration of faith development, leadership formation, and personality. Special focus is on the spiritual life in the context of Christian community and ministry.

CHMN391 • Ministry Practicum 1 (2)
The integrating experience of the Christian Ministries major, including placement in a ministry setting under the direct supervision of an experienced mentor. Emphasis is on application of ongoing course work and participation in relevant aspects of ministry. Learners will gain experience in the refinement and integration of a working philosophy of ministry. Opportunity for assessment of personal ministry skills and lifelong leadership development. Graded on an S/U basis.

CHMN451 • Communication in Ministry (3)
Introduction to the essential communication skills needed in ministry, including effective listening, storytelling, and public speaking skills. Special attention to communication that meets the listener’s needs.

CHMN452 • Leadership in Ministry (3)
Introduction to some of the essential leadership skills needed in ministry, including basic skills for self leadership, and for leading people, teams, and team leaders, with special attention to leadership as influence through good relationships.

CHMN491 • Ministry Practicum 2 (3)
A continuation of CHMN391. Prerequisite: CHMN391.

GENS413P • The Modern World: Trends and Forces Impacting Organizations (3)
Survey of technological, economic, political, cultural, and religious trends as well as forces shaping our global and personal futures. Exploration of alternative Christian worldviews and modes of thinking and learning that might be useful in responding to these challenges.

THEO320 • Theology of Ministry (4)
Introduction to the theology and practice of Christian ministry. Focus is on a conceptual, theological, and biblical understanding of ministry from individual, community, lay, and ordained perspectives. Opportunity to develop a usable, working philosophy of ministry. Presents a model for critical thinking about the practice of ministry in the contemporary setting.

THEO441 • Christian Theology (3)
Examination of Christian doctrine from a systematic perspective. Subjects include, but are not limited to, the Triune God, the person and work of Jesus Christ (incarnation and atonement), and salvation. The unity and diversity of Christian belief will constitute the backdrop for subjects covered.

THEO442 • Apologetics (3)
Investigation of the rational foundation of the Christian faith. Critical examination of historical and philosophical arguments for the faith as well as analysis of its relation to modern and non-Christian philosophies, movements, and worldviews will form the substance of the course. Prerequisite: THEO441.

For enrolled students, a minor in Christian Studies consists of BIBL230, BIBL300, BIBL441, BIBL442, CHMN350, THEO441, and THEO442.

The Board of Trustees reserves the right to withdraw, modify, or add to the list of courses or the course descriptions.