200

This course focuses on the questions What is ministry? and What is my call to ministry? Attention is given to the requirements and expectations of various ministry vocations. Personal callings are explored with the goal of achieving greater individual clarity on a biblical, theological, and practical understanding of calling and how it is expressing itself in the student's life. Open to those who have an interest in serving God as volunteers or as paid ministers. Co-requisite: CED-255, REL-240, REL-270, or WOR-235.

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 experential study of personal spiritual formation; designed to encourage practices that promote a vibrant life-long relationship with Jesus Christ. 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 or BIL-111, BIL-102 or BIL-112

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, theological, and historical foundations of Christian worship. Students will explain the biblical concepts, elements, and practices of Christian worship, demonstrate how cultural relevance and historicity converge in worship, and apply theory to practice by planning and leading various elements of worship in a worship setting. Students will assess worship relative to biblical, historical, and theological principles as part of the course. Not open to students with a satisfactory grade in REL235. Prerequisites: BIL-201 or BIL-202, MIN-268

This course explores the principles and practices of faithful and effective ministry in context. Students are grounded in a biblical understanding of contextualization and equipped to take into account religious, social and demographic variables in a diversity of cultural contexts and to develop appropriate strategies for church ministries, global outreach and Christian service. This Theory and Practice course requires at least 25% of the assigned out of class work to be completed in a ministry setting.

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 Protestantism and the history of evangelicalism within the scope of global Christianity. Prerequisites: BIL-101 or BIL-111 and BIL-102 or BIL-112 or their equivalents. Not open to students with credit in MIN-113.

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. Not open to students with a satisfactory grade in REL-264. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all major courses.

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.

This course will examine the principles and practices of evangelism and discipleship in contemporary contexts. Attention is given to both the historical patterns which shaped outreach endeavors as well as several methodologies which have been and are being used by various church based organizations for people of various ages and backgrounds. This Theory and Practice course requires at least 25% of the assigned out of class work to be completed in a ministry setting.

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 introduces the student to urban ministries through first-hand exposure of church-based community organizations, and through an evaluation of various urban ministry techniques and strategies currently being used to bring hope and wholeness to the people of the urban centers.

This course introduces the student to urban ministries through first-hand exposure of church-based community organizations, and through an evaluation of various urban ministry techniques and strategies currently being used to bring hope and wholeness to the people of the urban centers.

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 parachurch 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. Not open to students with a satisfactory grade in REL-275. Prerequisites: BIL-201 or BIL-202, MIN-268.

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 in the development and practice of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

This course enables student to explore and identify foundational biblical and theological issues related to leadership. Students will engage scripture and theology to discern how the essence of the Trinity and the image of the biblical shepherd provide insights into leadership. Students will explore biblical leadership dispositions, trust, and the fruit of the Spirit as foundational issues of healthy leadership. Prerequisites: BIL-201 or BIL-202, and THE-201. Not open to students with credit in MIN-211.

A sweeping account of strategic events, personalities, and issues that have led to today's Christian world. Various geographical regions will be examined with focused attention given to the major branches of Christianity (Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and the Western Church). The role of other Christian communities of the east and the west will also be considered.

A sweeping account of strategic events, personalities, and issues that have shaped Protestant Christianity from the Reformation to the present. Special attention will be given to the Reformation and Protestantism's migration from Europe to the United States. Representative Protestant denominations in the United States will be examined in their historical and cultural context.

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.