Course Descriptions

Requirements for the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Youth and Family Ministries

Bible and Theology Core—10 hours

BBL 7723 - Spiritual Formation in the Gospels (three credit hours)
A study of how Christ's earthly ministry as reflected in the Gospels demonstrates principles of spiritual growth. Emphasis is on understanding the life and teachings of Christ as He discipled His followers for growth and ministry, and how those principles may be applied in a contemporary context.

BBL 8033 - Christian Theology & Foundations (three credit hours)
Understanding of Christian values and perspectives by examination of basic elements of the Christian faith. Through the study of the literature and theology of the Christian scriptures, candidates explore relationships among Christian faith, values, and practice. BBL 8723 - Spiritual Formation in the Old Testament (three credit hours) A study of how God effected the spiritual formation of His people in the Old Testament and of how insights gained from other theological themes in the Old Testament can serve as models for discipleship in the present-day Church

CMN7341 - Research for Youth & Family Ministries (three credit hours)
Introduction to the tools for graduate-level research, with an emphasis on remoteaccess, Web-based resources that relate to practical ministry.

Youth and Family Ministries Core—24 hours

CMN7323 - Youth Culture (three credit hours)
An examination of current factors influencing youth today. Research from and about adolescent development, media, education, and family influence are considered.

CMN7333 - Building Strong Marriages and Families (three credit hours)
An examination of God's design for healthy marriages and families, with recognition of the spiraling effects that the condition of marriages has on the larger community. Special emphases include the heart of the relationship, how to cultivate a haven of safety, the importance of taking personal responsibility, the power of forgiveness, and practical ways to deal with relational difficulties. Prerequisite: admission to the M.A.in Youth and Family Ministries program

CMN7353 - Nurturing Spiritual Development in Children (three credit hours)
A survey of current definitions of children's spirituality, examining biblical and theological foundations of children's spirituality and explaining the current theories on children's spiritual development. Students compare and contrast faith development theory to spiritual development, analyze emerging research focusing on children's spirituality, and explore the key ways to nurture spiritual development in children.

CMN7363 - Contemporary Issues in Youth and Family Ministry (three credit hours)
An exploration of issues such as depression, suicide, eating disorders, drug abuse, family communication, and others relevant to the discipling of teens and ministering to them as they deal with adolescent crises. Students are given opportunity to examine and evaluate current research and to develop strategies and skills necessary to be a Christ-like care giver who understands these issues and their remedies for today's youth and families.
Prerequisite: admission to the M.A. in Youth and Family Ministries program

CMN8243 - Building Emotionally Healthy Relationships (three credit hours)
A look at various aspects of healthy relationships as a foundation for effective ministry, with special attention given to the implications of humans being made in God's image with a mind, will, and emotions. Other emphases include cultivating healthy emotional self-awareness and self-management, dealing with difficult emotions, and effective conflict management.
Prerequisite: admission to the M.A. in Youth and Family Ministries program

CMN8253 - Christian Education with Adolescents (three credit hours)
A study of teaching and learning theories specifically for those working with adolescents in a Christian environment. Includes adolescent cultural exegesis and its application, plus observation and practice of teaching.
Prerequisite: admission to the M.A. in Youth and Family Ministries program

CMN8263 - Evangelism and Discipleship (three credit hours)
An examination of the theory and practice of Christian evangelism and discipleship. Biblical and theological foundations are explored. Strategies, both modern and historical, are studied and evaluated. Students design and implement a particular strategy for use in a specific setting.

CMN8813 - Supervised Ministry (Internship) (three credit hours)
Supervised experiences in a range of Christian ministry settings, with opportunity for reflection on integration of theory and practice, evaluation, feedback, and improvement in skills. Grading: 'S' or 'U'.