Course Descriptions

Requirements for the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Ministry

1. Bible and Theology Core—18 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 7733 - Hermeneutics (three credit hours)
Principles of biblical interpretation addressing a variety of approaches and methods. Includes aspects of historical, cultural, grammatical, analytical, topical, and devotional study, as well as the use of important Bible reference and study tools.

BBL 7743 - Spiritual Formation in Acts and the Epistles (three credit hours)
An examination of how the first-century church grew spiritually and numerically as reflected in the New Testament. Included is an evaluation of how the experiences of the early church can be a model of discipleship and ministry for the church in contemporary culture.

BBL 8033 - Christian Theology and 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.

CMN7013 - Biblical and Theological Research Methods (three credit hours)
A focused study of the tools and methods necessary to conduct biblical and theological research appropriate for parish ministry, as well as academic writing in the field.

2. Ministry Core—19 hours

CMN7713 - Biblical Foundations of Ministry and Leadership (three credit hours)
An investigation of the principles of Christian leadership as revealed in Scripture. Emphasis is on comparing and contrasting historical and contemporary theories of leadership in both secular and Christian settings. The study culminates with the student's articulation of a personal theology of ministry.

CMN7793 - Christian Communication in a Pluralistic Society (three credit hours)
An examination of the theory and practice in various methods of communicating the Christian message. The course equips students to prepare and deliver accurate biblical messages in a variety of media while being aware of the contexts and worldviews of the audience.

CMN8113 - Theory and Practice of Small Group Ministry (three credit hours)
An examination of the Biblical basis and historical roots of small group ministry, with analysis of the theological dimensions of spiritual formation in the small group context. A variety of models and their implications for ministry are explored, with evaluation of the roles of pastors, staff, group leaders, and participants.

CMN8123 - Theology and Practice of Worship Ministry (three credit hours)
A study in which students develop a biblical, theological, historical, and practical matrix within which to evaluate practices in worship. A series of sound worship values are developed to inform sound worship planning. The role of corporate worship in Christian formation is examined.

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.

CMN8811 - Supervised Ministry (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'.

FAM7763 - Spiritual Formation and Family Ministry (three credit hours)
Analysis of biblical texts relevant to the establishment of a theology of marriage and family life. Students use the biblical foundation to critique existing models of family ministry and to create their own philosophy of ministry that will help today's families in dealing with change and growth as image-bearers of God in ways that are healthyand appropriate.