400

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.