CMN (Christian Ministries)
CMN 1213 Christian Leadership and Service
Three hours
This course introduces God's Kingdom concerns and the students' role in His plan (Kingdom) by studying the biblical concepts of leadership and cultural engagement. Students will also evaluate how God might be calling them to serve and integrate their faith with their vocation.
Offered each semester
CMN 2223 Challenge Course Programs and Management
Three hours
Historical, theoretical, and experiential understanding of program and management practices associated with the use of adventure initiatives and challenge courses as an educational medium with a variety of populations. Introduction to technical skill development, facilitation strategies, processing techniques, safety procedures, equipment management, program design, evaluation methods, and applications to specific client groups. Use of challenge course programs for ministry in camp and adventure settings is emphasized.
Offered spring semester (odd-numbered years)
CMN 2263 Discipleship and Evangelism
Three hours
A consideration of the biblical and practical application of discipleship and evangelism. The social, cultural, community, and ontological ramifications of discipleship and evangelism are considered, as well as a critique of current issues, worldview, and the needs of the 21st-century world. Prerequisites: BBL 1013 and 1023.
Offered each semester
CMN 2283 Camping and Outdoor Recreation Skills
Three hours
Advanced training in skills essential for an effective camp/recreation career. Students are exposed to outdoor recreational activities, such as riflery, archery, low and high ropes course, backpacking, hiking, swimming, canoeing, and horseback riding. An additional fee associated with this course.
Offered upon sufficient request
CMN 2303 Creating Holistic Curriculum for Children in Crisis
Three hours
Students create intentional learning experiences that offer holistic support (emotional, psychological, and spiritual) to children who are facing traumatic or life-changing issues. The course addresses basic pedagogical, developmental, and biblical/theological principles for developing curriculum; students also have the opportunity to teach three lessons during the semester. Ultimately, students write a curriculum set focusing on children with a particular need, such as children going through a divorce, former child soldiers, or children recovering from abuse.
Offered fall semester (even-numbered years)
CMN 2313 Christian Formation of Adolescents
Three hours
A study of Christian spiritual development during the adolescent years. Focus is placed on the acquisition and application of biblical knowledge which leads to the formation of character. Insights from teaching and learning theories, the place of contexts and models and the role of the Spirit will all be discussed. Curriculum and activities appropriate for use in non-formal and informal settings will also be explored. An additional fee associated with this course. Prerequisites: CMN 1213 and 2463.
Offered spring semester
CMN 2373 Principles and Practices of Experiential Education
Three hours
Theories and principles of leadership and experiential education (e.g. transfer of learning, small group development, debriefing/processing, providing appropriate feedback, therapeutic approaches, framing experiences) are applied to program development and implementation for Christian outdoor ministry settings, with special consideration of both traditional and specific populations (e.g. youth-at-risk, chemical dependency, businesses, university orientation programs). Opportunities to develop, lead, and evaluate adventure education experiences are incorporated. Field trip required.
Offered fall semester (even-numbered years)
CMN 2383 Outdoor Living Skills
Three hours
Introduction to basic living skills in wilderness environments. Topics include low-impact camping, food rations planning, clothing, travel techniques, equipment, and navigation. Leave No Trace Certification may be earned. Field trips required. An additional fee associated with this course.
Offered fall semester (odd-numbered years)
CMN 2463 Youth Culture
Three hours
An examination of adolescence from a holistic developmental perspective, studying intellectual, emotional, social, vocational, psychological, and spiritual growth. Students are given opportunity to analyze and interpret American youth culture for the purpose of understanding and ministering to adolescents. Students gain insight into recognizing, evaluating, and counteracting the effects of culture upon youth's self perception, worldview, and understanding of God. An additional fee associated with this course. Prerequisites: PSY 1013 and CMN 1213, or consent of instructor.
Offered fall semester
CMN 2632 Outdoor Leadership: Winter Skills
Two hours
An opportunity for students to experience a safe and educational adventure in the world of the northern Minnesota winter wilderness-its ecology, folklore, history, and exquisite beauty. Through participation in a wilderness dogsled and ski trek, students are engaged in the whole realm of winter travel and adaptive camping skills, including backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, construction of snow shelters, winter ecology, and comfort and safety. Leadership development and ministry opportunities are explored in connection with outdoor adventure pursuits. Field trips required. Additional fee associated with this course. Open to Outdoor Leadership Ministries majors or minors or by consent of instructor. Prerequisite: CMN 2383.
Offered upon sufficient request
CMN 2642 Outdoor Leadership: Paddlesports
Two hours
Instruction to prepare students for leadership roles in conducting canoeing experiences in camps, adventure programs, and other wilderness settings. Students gain and demonstrate an understanding of necessary canoeing equipment, trip planning and organization, instruction of basic canoeing strokes, implementation of safety procedures, canoe expeditioning skills and group management on canoe expeditions, stewardship practices in wilderness settings, and ministry opportunities through outdoor adventure pursuits. Field trips required. An additional fee associated with this course. Open to Outdoor Leadership Ministries majors or minors or by consent of instructor. Prerequisite: CMN 2383.
Offered upon sufficient request
CMN 2652 Outdoor Leadership: Back Packing
Two hours
Instruction to prepare students for leadership roles in conducting backpacking experiences in camps, adventure programs, and other wilderness settings. Students gain understanding of backpacking equipment, trip planning and organization, instruction of basic camping skills, implementation of safety procedures, group management on backpacking trips, stewardship practices in wilderness settings, and ministry opportunities through outdoor adventure pursuits. Field trips required. An additional fee associated with this course. Open to Outdoor Leadership Ministries majors or minors or by consent of instructor. Prerequisite: CMN 2383.
Offered upon sufficient request
CMN 2662 Outdoor Leadership: Top Rope Rock Climbing
Two hours
Instruction to prepare students for leadership roles in conducting beginning top rope rock climbing experiences in camps, adventure programs, and other wilderness settings. Emphasis is placed upon site selection, instructor qualifications, assessment of participant skills, proper use and care of equipment, belaying technique, correct use of anchors, climbing site management, stewardship practices in wilderness settings, and ministry opportunities through outdoor adventure pursuits. Field trips required. An additional fee associated with this course. Open to Outdoor Leadership Ministries majors or minors or by consent of instructor. Prerequisite: CMN 2383.
Offered upon sufficient request
CMN 3112 Horsemanship
Two hours
Instruction in teaching horse care, handling, and riding techniques to participants of different ages. Safety, stable management, and ministry opportunities through involvement in the "Right Lead" program at New Life Ranch are addressed. Field trips required. Credit available to students other than Outdoor Leadership Ministries majors and minors only by consent of instructor. An additional fee associated with this course. Prerequisite: CMN 2383.
Offered upon sufficient request
CMN 3213 Camp Leadership and Management
Three hours
An introduction to the philosophy of Christian camping and its place in the spiritual, emotional, and educational development of the person. Attention is given to administration and organization of camp life from counselor training to food purchasing. A local camp, New Life Ranch, hosts the course and serves as a model for observation and learning.
Offered spring semester (even-numbered years)
CMN 3263 Discipleship Development and Outdoor Ministry
Three hours
Programming philosophy, theories, and principles for designing, conducting, and evaluating camp and adventure programs focused upon disciplining a variety of clientele in various types of Christian residential and wilderness programs. Field trip required.
Offered fall semester (even-numbered years)
CMN 3273 Critical Concerns with Children
Three hours
An examination of critical issues facing child advocates, social and ministry workers, educators, and counselors, both globally (children with HIV/AIDS, child laborers, child soldiers, sexually exploited children) and domestically (inner city children, children of divorce, child abuse, and children with special needs such as autism). Theologically, this course focuses especially on justice and mercy issues related to children and God's heart for the fatherless, the orphans, and the powerless.
Offered fall semester (odd-numbered years)
CMN 3373 Leadership for Outdoor Adventure Pursuits
Three hours
Examination of the implementation of Christian-focused outdoor pursuits programs, planning and leadership components, outdoor adventure-based administrative techniques, leadership competencies, therapeutic/adaptive considerations, and risk management. Field trip required. Prerequisites: CMN 2373 and 2383.
Offered upon sufficient request
CMN 3443 Leading Short-Term Missions Trips
Three hours
An opportunity for students to learn about the process of planning, preparing for leading, and debriefing the short-term mission experience.
Offered summer
CMN 3453 Nurturing Spiritual Development in Children
Three hours
An exploration of effective means of nurturing spiritual development in the young. Students are challenged to construct a working definition of children's spirituality, to examine biblical and theological foundations of children's spirituality, and to explore current theories on children's spiritual development.
Offered spring semester (even-numbered years)
CMN 3473 Ministry Resources
Three hours
Focus is on the raising of support, the development and maintenance of ministry partnerships, the presentation and communication of ministry goals and vision, and the use of personal and public resources in a non-profit ministry setting.
Offered fall semester (odd-numbered years)
CMN 3690 Practicum: Outdoor Pursuits Instruction
No credit
Experience in assisting an instructor in one of the outdoor leadership courses. Through the establishment and fulfillment of a learning contract, these student assistants progress through various levels of responsibility in accordance with the instructor's guidance and course needs. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Offered each semester
CMN 4113 Wilderness First Responder
Three hours
Standards of practice for outdoor professionals providing emergency medical care in remote areas. Consideration of prolonged transport times, severe environments, and the use of portable and improvised equipment. Topics include wilderness trauma and illness, search and rescue operations, and environmental emergencies. Upon successful completion of practical and written exams students will receive a two-year Wilderness First Responder certificate from Wilderness Medicine Institute of National Outdoor Leadership Schools (NOLS) and a two year American Heart Association Adult Heartsaver CPR Certification. An additional fee associated with this course.
Offered summer, upon sufficient request
CMN 4221 Introduction to Senior Seminar
One hour
This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of research for their Senior Seminar project. Course work includes development of a topic and research methodology.
Offered spring semester
CMN 4433 Capstone in Christian Ministry
Three hours
A capstone course in ministry in which students strive 1) to integrate their previous academic and internship experiences; 2) to complete a professional portfolio of their education, experiences, and work-samples; and 3) to demonstrate competence in their discipline-how to assess needs, find answers, and provide help, information, or advice appropriately; to continue personal and professional growth; to refine their knowledge base; and to increase capacity for personal reflection. An additional fee associated with this course. Prerequisite: completion of one semester of internship.
Offered spring semester
CMN 4443 Critical Concerns with Adolescents
Three hours
An examination of some of the critical issues facing counselors, youth leaders, social workers, and educators by means of journal reviews, interviews, and computer searches. Students research topics such as teenage suicide, substance abuse, pregnancy and abortion, gangs, sexual/physical abuse, and divorce. (Same as FAM 4443).
Offered each semester
CMN 4463 Senior Seminar
Three hours
A capstone course in Christian Ministries in which students 1) integrate their previous academic and internship experiences, 2) demonstrate competence in their discipline, and 3) create a professional vita reflecting their work, academic accomplishments, and leadership experiences. The senior project requires a major study and formal paper written for a professional program (social service organization, church, or ministry agency) that provides family life education and/or service. It is to be taken during the student's final fall semester of study. Prerequisites: senior standing and completed internship.
Offered fall semester
CMN 4481, 4482, 4483 Selected Topics
One to three hours
Topics are chosen from some areas of Christian Ministries. The student may also do an independent study and research under the supervision of the instructor. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Offered upon sufficient request
CMN 4493 Ministering to Families across the Life Span
Three hours
This course addresses psychosocial development, faith development, and other developmental issues of emerging adulthood, young adulthood, middle adulthood, and older adulthood. The course also addresses the significance of generational identities (e.g. silent generation, boomers, and millennials), the importance of cross-generational ties, and the key role of forgiveness in adult and family relationships. A special emphasis on the difficult transitions of young adulthood as well as a unit on grief, death, and dying are included.
Offered spring semester (odd-numbered years)
CMN 4511, 4512, 4513 Independent Study in Christian Ministry
One to three hours
Supervised exploration of topics of special interest. The course consists of large assignments of reading, regular consultation with the supervising professor, and written analysis of readings. Prerequisites: 15 hours of Christian Ministries and consent of the Christian Ministries Department.
Offered upon sufficient request
CMN 4544 National Outdoor Leadership School Course
Four to twelve hours
An opportunity to enhance students' professional skills within a wilderness adventure environment. Courses vary in length. Offered in cooperation with the National Outdoor Leadership School. An additional fee associated with this course. Prerequisite: CMN 2383.
Offered each semester, as arranged with OLM advisor
CMN 4554 Outward Bound School Course
Four to twelve hours
An opportunity to enhance students' personal qualities through wilderness adventure. Courses vary in length. Offered in cooperation with an Outdoor Bound School. An additional fee associated with this course. Prerequisite: CMN 2383.
Offered each semester, as arranged with OLM advisor
CMN 4611, 4612, 4613, 4614 Internship in Christian Ministry
One to four hours
Participation in an approved and supervised local or international ministry activity. Credit is available only to majors and minors within the Division of Biblical Studies. Credit for the international ministry activity must meet the Global Studies Elective requirement in the Core Curriculum, with instructor approval. May be repeated for credit as needed to fulfill necessary requirements. Grading: 'S' or 'U'
Offered each semester
CMN 4663 Internship in Cross-Cultural Ministry
Three hours
Participation in an approved and supervised cross-cultural ministry activity. Credit is available only to majors and minors within the Division of Biblical Studies. Credit will fulfill the Global Studies Elective requirement. May be repeated for credit as needed to fulfill necessary requirements. Grading: 'S' or 'U'
Offered each semester
