REL - Religion

This course trains intercultural workers in key issues and strategies for developing church leaders within American ethnic populations and the overseas church as well as how to create an environment for unleashing their God given gifts. The difference between men and women in positions of leadership and managerial styles will be explored from a cross-cultural perspective.

A survey of the challenges and opportunities available to women married to ministers. The course will emphasize personal growth, marriage fulfillment, home management, and church relations.

This course examines the various roles which women have traditionally served in ministry. It also explores the changing role of women in ministry and seeks to anticipate the shape of women's ministries in the future.

This course is an introductory study into the nature of spiritual formation and the various ways that Christians have sought to deepen their relationship with God in order to be conformed to the life of Christ. Special emphasis will be given to using the practice of spiritual disciplines and prayer in Christian life. Not open to students with credit in REL-226 or REL-227.

Religion has played a central role in the shaping of America. Students will explore issues such as the following: Religion in 21st Century America: Is America still religious?; American Churches: Where did all the churches come from?; World Religions in America: How do the religions get along in America?; Pivotal People, Ideas, and Events: What were the Great Awakenings and why do they matter?; Finding God in America: Where is God in America?

An introduction to personal spiritual formation, including spiritual health and the practice of spiritual disciplines. Includes an off site weekend retreat. Fee required.

Christian Spirituality is an introduction to personal spiritual formation, including spiritual health and the practice of spiritual disciplines. Students may not receive credit for both REL-226 and REL-227. Prerequisites: BIL-101 and BIL-102.

This course is designed to help Christians meet the Biblical imperative to "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15). Students will examine some of the latest historical, philosophical, and scientific evidence that can be used to bolster arguments in favor of the Christian faith.

This course examines the basic beliefs of historic Christianity as summarized in the Apostles' Creed and connects them to Christian practices. Specifically, the doctrines of revelation, God, creation, fall, and sin, the person and work of Christ, the person and work of the Holy Spirit, the church, salvation, and human destiny will be covered. Focus will be placed on the common understanding of Christian theology in the major Christian theological traditions, while also taking note of their distinctive beliefs.

This course examines the biblical, historical, and theological foundations of Christian worship and rituals in order for each student to derive a practice of worship which is culturally relevant yet rooted in the rich tradition of the ages. This course moves from theory to practice with actual preparation for leading worship. Co-requisite: REL-235P.

Each student will be involved in practical experiences in a local ministry setting providing the student with a "laboratory" for the application of the principles of Christian worship as taught in the co-requisite course. Co-requisite: REL-235.

This course examines the biblical, historical, and theological foundations of Christian worship. Students will study the practices and rituals of Christian worship in order to facilitate corporate worship that is both culturally relevant and rooted in the rich tradition of the ages. Students will move from theory to practice by leading various elements of worship in a local church and reflecting on those experiences as part of the course.

A survey of the major events, persons and ideas of the Christian community from the Apostolic age to the present. Special attention will be given to the Reformation era and the history of American Christianity. Christian Ministries majors should enroll in the two-semester sequence REL-331 and REL-332 rather than this course which is designed for other majors and general studies.

This course provides an introduction to professional ministry as a life's calling and vocation. It gives special attention to personal spiritual development, acquisition of personal ministry skills, an understanding of the ministry as a profession, the requirements and expectations of various denominations for ordination and lay vocations. The course also explores the meaning of calling, vocation and profession from historical and contemporary perspectives, leading toward the development of the initial skills and attitudes toward becoming a professional minister. Co-requisite: REL-264P.

Each student will be involved in practical experiences observing ministry, "shadowing" a minister and interviewing professional clergy in a local setting providing the student with a "laboratory" for the application of ministry principles taught in the co-requisite course. Co-requisite: REL-264.

This course introduces students to professional ministry as a life calling and vocation. It addresses personal spiritual development, acquisition of personal ministry skills, an understanding of the ministry as a profession, and the requirements of various denominations for ordination and lay vocations. The course explores the meaning and practice of vocation and ministry from biblical, historical, and theological perspectives. Each student will be involved in a local church observing ministry, interviewing and shadowing a pastor, and applying lessons from the course to specific ministry tasks.

This course is an Christian examination of the questions of paradox, personhood, poverty, suffering and human rights as they relate to church-based ministry in the urban context. Students will also engage in discussions and study regarding issues relating to civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, and how churches in an urban context should respond to them. Additional fees are required. Co-requisite: REL-266P.

This course is an Christian examination of the questions of paradox, personhood, poverty, suffering and human rights as they relate to church-based ministry in the urban context. Students will also engage in discussions and study regarding issues relating to civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, and how churches in an urban context should respond to them. Additional fees are required. Co-requisite: REL-266P.

Each student will be involved in a supervised church-based practicum ministry assignment in an urban setting. This placement must provide the student with a laboratory for the application of the theology and practice of urban social ministry as taught in the co-requisite course. Additional fees are required. Co-requisite: REL-266.

Each student will be involved in a supervised church-based practicum ministry assignment in an urban setting. This placement must provide the student with a laboratory for the application of the theology and practice of urban social ministry as taught in the co-requisite course. Additional fees are required. Co-requisite: REL-266.

Beginning with biblical times, this course examines the history of missions and outreach movements. Attention is given to both the historical patterns which shaped outreach endeavors as well as the several methodologies which have been and are being used by various outreach organizations. Co-requisite: REL-275P. Meets General Education intercultural requirement.

Each student will be involved in practical experiences in a local ministry setting providing the student with a "laboratory" for the application of the principles of evangelism and global outreach as taught in the co-requisite course. Co-requisite: REL-275.

This course seeks to expose students to urban ministries by allowing them to spend one week, under supervision, learning, ministering and serving in a major city in the United States. Prior to the urban ministry experience, through classroom lectures and exercises, students will learn about urban issues and challenges along with the role of the Church as agent of hope and wholeness in the urban environment. Students will also learn the techniques and strategies employed by various church-based community organizations in the urban context in preparation for their on-site observation, and supervised participation. Additional fees are required. Meets General Education intercultural requirement.

This course seeks to expose students to urban ministries by allowing them to spend one week, under supervision, learning, ministering and serving in a major city in the United States. Prior to the urban ministry experience, through classroom lectures and exercises, students will learn about urban issues and challenges along with the role of the Church as agent of hope and wholeness in the urban environment. Students will also learn the techniques and strategies employed by various church-based community organizations in the urban context in preparation for their on-site observation, and supervised participation. Additional fees are required. Meets General Education intercultural requirement.

This course examines the biblical, historical, and theological foundations of the church's mission of evangelism and global outreach. Beginning with the biblical evidence, students will study the history of evangelism and missions by exploring the historical contexts that shaped mission and the various outreach methods used by churches and para-church organizations. The course will discuss specific contemporary challenges facing the church's evangelistic mission in America and the special challenges of cross-cultural ministry. Each student will participate in practical experiences with a local ministry, providing opportunities to apply key principles of evangelism and global outreach.

A study of the principles of constructing and delivering expository sermons, discipleship group presentations, and devotionals. Original sermons, lessons, and devotionals are prepared and presented with critiques and suggestions for improvements. Primary focus is on theory of homiletics and Christian education with practical implementation in church settings. This course is designed to integrate all previous theological education into meaningful practice. Prerequisite: BIL-201 or BIL-202.

This course will introduce the history, religions, and modern politics of Jerusalem by taking an in-depth look at the city from its initial settlement through the modern era. Particular attention will be given to Jerusalem's historic and theological role in the development and practice of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

This course will introduce the history, religions, and modern politics of Jerusalem by taking an in-depth look at the city from its initial settlement through the modern era. Particular attention will be given to Jerusalem's historic and theological role

This course provides an overview of the history of the early church from the first century to Augustine in the fifth century. It emphasizes the relationship between church and state, and between Christianity and pagan culture. The course also discloses the martyrs, the heroes of faith, theologians, and apologists and explains the development of doctrine and church organization in the middle of the complex and conflicted world of those centuries.

Realizing that the medium of film has become the principal mass vehicle for the transmission of philosophical and theological ideas, this course will study a variety of films with the intent to identify ontological, epistemological, and ethical presentations of both Christian and non-Christian world views. Prerequisite: PHL-180.

A study of the major events, personalities, and issues of church history from the Apostolic Age to Luther. Special attention is given to the teachings of the church fathers and the Protestant reformers. Open to juniors and seniors.

A study of the major events, personalities, and issues of church history from the Protestant Reformation to present times. Special attention is given to American church history and contemporary trends. Open to juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: REL-331.

This course will expose the student to a myriad of potential sports ministry models. It will also explore the nature and dynamics of quality sports ministry in various settings with a view to equip students to create, expand, and sustain effective sport ministries.

This course will explore the theoretical foundations and practical methods of evangelism and discipleship in a sports ministry context. It will equip students to practical personal evangelism/discipleship as well as plan and execute evangelistic and spiritually formative sports ministries.

This course explores tenets of the Christian faith as it relates to health, healing, and care ministry. It is designed to assist students in developing a theological framework for integrating their understanding of the nature of God; the nature of spiritual forces; the problem of suffering; and the hope and meaning of health, wholeness, and maturity. Selected experiential or virtual learning will be included in this course. Prerequisite: REL-232 or REL-233

Each student will be involved in practical experience in a local church, providing that student with a "laboratory" for the application of principles taught in other classes. Some will serve student pastorates with congregational observers assisting the instructor, and others will serve under the supervision of an experienced pastor. Open to juniors and seniors.

Each student will be involved in practical experience in a local church, providing that student with a "laboratory" for the application of principles taught in other classes. Some will serve student pastorates with congregational observers assisting the instructor, and others will serve under the supervision of an experienced pastor. Open to juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: REL-361.

Each student will be involved in practical experience in a local church, providing that student with a "laboratory" for the application of principles taught in other classes. Some will serve student pastorates with congregational observers assisting the instructor, and others will serve under the supervision of an experienced pastor. Open to juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: REL-362.

This course provides an overview of the global expansion of Christianity from apostolic times to the present day. This is accomplished by focusing on core elements and prominent characteristics of Christian faith and practices, featuring key persons that have contributed to spreading Christianity around the world, and promoting reflection regarding how it is contextualized in each place and time.

This course provides an overview of the global expansion of Christianity from apostolic times to the present day. This is accomplished by focusing on core elements and prominent characteristics of Christian faith and practices, featuring key persons that

Students will work under a faculty mentor in their major and in cooperation with an Honors College advisor, producing a research thesis or creative project.

A study of the major faith systems of the world and their impact, with an emphasis on their influence on North American culture. Prerequisite: BIL-102 or permission of the Department.

An intensive study of soteriology, including the doctrines of sin, prevenient grace, justification, sanctification and glorification from a Biblical, historical and practical perspective. The Wesleyan Arminian tradition will provide the theological framework for this course, we will examine other theological views from this perspective. Special attention will be given to John Wesley's doctrine of holiness. Prerequisite: REL-233 or REL-232.

A study of the history of The Wesleyan Church from its roots in the ministry of John Wesley through the development of early American Methodism and the American holiness movement to the emergence of the Wesleyan Methodist Church and the Pilgrim Holiness Church, their merger in 1968, and the subsequent progress of The Wesleyan Church. Further, a study of the form of church government which has evolved during the history of The Wesleyan Church as it is defined in the current book of Discipline. Open to juniors and seniors.

This course is a study of the history of The Wesleyan Church and its polity with the past providing a basis of discussion for the future of the church. Students will explore the work of the Wesleys and the Methodist movement, along with the abolitionist and revivalist streams that flowed into the denomination. Students will also explore The Discipline with particular attention on the constitution of The Wesleyan Church and its impact on local churches today. Finally, students will reflect on their own calling as world changers and ordained leaders within The Wesleyan Church. Not open to students with credit in REL-431 or REL-432.

A comprehensive study of the fundamental doctrines of the Judeo-Christian Scriptures from an evangelical Arminian viewpoint with other interpretations considered. The first semester will entail a study of theism, theology, cosmology, anthropology, hamartiology, and Christology. This course will embrace a study of soteriology, pneumatology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. In the College of Arts and Sciences, open to juniors and seniors.

This course explores the spiritual care of humans across the span of life. The aim will be to understand and practice God's care applied across the family life cycle as partners together in his work. Selected experiential or virtual learning will be included in this course. Prerequisite: REL-232 or REL-233

A comprehensive study of the types of sermons and the principles of construction and delivery. The minister's call and preparation of his life's work will be considered. Original sermons are prepared, and some of them are delivered before the class under the supervision of the instructor with critiques and suggestions for improvements. During the second semester, the class will basically be conducted as one class period and two laboratory periods. Open to juniors and seniors. Limited to majors and minors in the Division of Religion and Philosophy unless permission is granted by the Division. Prerequisite: BIL-202.

A comprehensive study of the types of sermons and the principles of constructing and delivering expository sermons. Original sermons are prepared, and some of them are delivered before the class under the supervision of the instructor with critiques and suggestions for improvements. Prerequisite: Open to juniors and seniors who have been admitted into the Christian Ministries, Christian Education, or Youth Ministries major. Prerequisite: REL-465 or YTH-270. Co-requisite: REL-466P.

Each student will be involved in practical experiences in a local ministry setting providing the student with a "laboratory" for a preaching and teaching ministry with opportunity for gathering feedback and developing a personal plan for improvement. Co-requisite: REL-466 or YTH-466.

A study of the principles of leadership for the pastor or other professional Christian workers in relation to local churches or other Christian organizations. Each student develops personal skills in self-management, budgeting, planning, organizing, recruiting and supervising volunteers, discerning vision for a ministry and leading deliberative bodies. Open to juniors and seniors who have been admitted to the Christian Ministries and Youth Ministries major or by permission of the instructor. Co-requisite: REL-468P. This course is also only open to students in the Associate in Christian Ministries program (ASM), Bachelors in Biblical Studies (BSB) or upon approval of the Religion Department.

Each student will be involved in practical experiences in a local ministry setting providing the student with a "laboratory" for the application of leadership and management principles taught in the co-requisite course. These experiences include observation of the leadership practices of a professional minister, practice in leading groups and deliberative bodies, and participation in other leadership activities such as budgeting, planning, organizing, recruiting and supervising volunteers, and leading deliberative bodies. Co-requisite: REL-468.

A study of the biblical framework and various theories of pastoral counseling. There will be a heavy emphasis on self-understanding as a prerequisite of effective counseling. The course will cover most of the typical counseling problems faced by the local pastor, including pre-marital counseling, hospital visitation and grief counseling. Only open to Juniors and Seniors. Co-requisite: REL-469P.

Each student will be involved in practical experiences in a local ministry setting providing the student with a "laboratory" for the application of pastoral care and counseling principles taught in the co-requisite course. Co-requisite: REL-469.

Individually arranged reading, research, problem-solving in theology, history, Christian education, missions, evangelism, philosophy, and other areas as related to the study of religion.

This course allows the student to be directly involved with set times for guidance, evaluation and reflection by the primary mentor and by other appropriate church leaders. This course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: REL-264 and permission of instructor.

This course focuses on the dynamics of church outreach with special attention given to church planting. It examines strategies for helping the church multiply its ministries with the direct aim of replicating itself in order to widen and deepen the impact of the church in the community.

This capstone course for the Christian Ministries major will explore how those involved in full-time Christian ministry can effect change in their parish settings and mobilize the laity to become salt and light to the world. Each student will present a project of her/his own design to the class for evaluation. Restricted to seniors who have been admitted to the Christian Ministries major.

A reading and writing intensive course in the study of Biblically-oriented topics that serves as a capstone experience for Biblical Studies students. Topics may reflect contemporary issues or research in the wider discipline. Prerequisite: accepted in the Biblical Studies Program or permission of the Department.

Advanced independent studies. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing with a 3.0 GPA.

This course introduces students to spiritual formation through communal and individual Christian practices. The course focuses on practices of devotion and practices of compassion that have been historically understood in the Christian church to be means of grace. Students are guided in the initial development of lifelong practices for Christian growth.

This course provides an overview of the history of Christianity from the first century AD until the twentieth century, with emphasis on the development of the Church in its socio-political context, and the development of theology in the midst of pagan philosophies and heresies.

This course equips students with a working understanding of the rise and influence of North American Christianity including its socio-cultural contexts. Discussions will include Christian denominational movements in North American addressing their doctrinal, ecclesiological, and ethical differences. Spanning four centuries (from the early 1600's to the early 2000's), this course develops a historical understanding of the diversity of American Christianity by engaging in current ecclesiological discussions and case studies.

Students will learn how to do research on the topic they have selected for the thesis or project. They will evaluate current literature, analyze scholarly research, and design a methodology, summary, and conclusions to complete the thesis or project. Students will present either a written thesis that will contribute to a new understanding of a subject of the Christian faith, or a written project that will make a practical contribution to the growth of the church.