2013-2014 Catalog

 

200

REL-205 The Pastor's Wife Today

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.

3

REL-207 The Role of Women in Ministry

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.

3

REL-224 Spiritual Formation in Christ

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.

3

REL-225 American Religious Issues

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?

3

REL-226 Christian Spirituality: Experiencing God

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

3

REL-227 Christian Spirituality

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.

3

REL-228 Defending the Christian Faith

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.

3

REL-232 Basic Christian Doctrine

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.

3

REL-235 Worship

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.

2

REL-235P Worship Practicum

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.

1

REL-236 Worship in the Local Church

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.

3

REL-241 Survey of Church History

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.

3

REL-264 Introduction to Pastoral Ministries

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.

2

REL-264P Pastoral Ministries Observation

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.

1

REL-265 Pastoral Ministry in the Local Church

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.

3

REL-266 Ministry in Urban Settings

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.

3

REL-266 Ministry in Urban Settings

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.

3

REL-266P Ministry in Urban Settings Practicum Practicum

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.

1

REL-266P Ministry in Urban Settings Practicum Practicum

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.

1

REL-275 Evangelism and Global Outreach

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.

3

REL-275P Evangelism and Global Outreach Practicum

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.

1

REL-276 Models of Urban Ministry

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.

3

REL-276 Models of Urban Ministry

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.

3

REL-277 Evangelism and Global Outreach of the Local Church

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.

3

REL-280 Preaching and Teaching the Bible

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.

3

REL-281 Jerusalem and Its People

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.

1 to 3

REL-281 Jerusalem and Its People

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

1 to 3

REL-295 History of the Early Church

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.

3
Indiana Weselayan