500

This course comprises daily lectures on a tour to the Near East with Israel as the main focus. It involves a study of actual Biblical sites, especially those revealed by archaeological excavations. While the major emphasis will be the biblical history in its geographical setting, much will be learned about the religions of Judaism and Islam, the present social structure of society in Israel, and the existing tensions between Jew and Arab. (Biblical)

This course examines the ways in which information technology may be used to enable and enhance the congregational life and ministry of the 21st century local church. It will provide an overview of technologies that are available including such tools as church management software, financial software, and communication tools, examine principles governing effective implementation of technology in the local church, and illustrate these with case studies of effective implementations. Students will explore the positive and negative impact of the Internet as a tool to enable ministry and as a vehicle of communication to internal and external audiences. The budgeting and strategic planning aspect of technology use will also be examined. The course builds upon a foundational consideration of the "theology" of technology, the ways in which technologies shape message and interactions, and the ethics connected with the creation and use of technology.

This course will examine the Biblical models of character formation in the lives of those whom God calls to full-time ministry. In particular, the course will focus on the character traits of servant leadership matching the Biblical metaphor of "the shepherd" with the didactic elements of Scripture that deal with the aspects of character required of those called to vocational ministry. The course explores the emotional, psychological, relational, and moral challenges of contemporary ministry. Course participants will be encouraged to assess their own unique journey of character development and to develop a personal framework for ongoing character development as a foundation for ministry. Biblical, sociological, and counseling resources will be mined to assist ministers in creating this framework.

Examines the Biblical foundations and social expressions that contribute to the wide variety of worship traditions in present-day Christianity. Students also explore the Wesleyan "means of grace" and more contemporary strategies for developing a vibrant personal relationship with God.

Combines theological reflection with practical application as students acquaint themselves with the basic rituals of worship and passage in the evangelical tradition.

This course focuses on the primary contribution of the Minor Prophets and examines themes which are central to their prophetic writings. The class will begin with a cursory treatment of the content of the books, continue with an interpretation of crucial components of the books within context, and conclude with a synthesis of primary themes and implications for the church today. (Biblical)

This course will provide a careful look at the fourth Gospel, exploring authorship, background, and other critical issues. Important Johannine themes such as life, light, and Word will be examined. Exegetical skills will be taught, modeled, and practiced, enriching the student's study of the Bible. (Biblical)

Intensive reading of Biblical passages in Greek, reading and exegesis of sections of the New Testament with primary concentration on one book. Emphasis on methodological theory and practice of exegesis. This course may be repeated. (Biblical)

This class will examine the discipline of archaeology and its relationship with the interpretation of Scripture. The art, architecture, and artifacts uncovered in the lands of the Bible will be considered. The cultural remains at key archaeological sites in Israel will be examined, with specific attention given to the city of Jerusalem. The student's knowledge of the biblical culture may be developed through one or all of the following learning methods: student participation in archaeological field work, visiting museum collections, and classroom instruction. Travel expenses and all applicable fees required. (Biblical)

Critical and exegetical study of a selected Old Testament book using the English Bible. Skills in interpretation will be taught, modeled, and practiced, enriching the study of the Bible. Selections vary from semester to semester. Offering to be determined. May be repeated for credit. (Biblical)

Critical and exegetical study of a selected New Testament book using the English Bible. Skills in interpretation will be taught, modeled, and practiced, enriching the study of the Bible. Selections vary from semester to semester. Offering to be determined. May be repeated for credit. (Biblical)

This course will examine the four Gospels from an exegetical and historic perspective. Specific attention will be given to interfacing the Gospels with current practices in both Christian living and ecclesiastical structures. (Biblical)

This course will examine the letters of Paul in terms of their implication for church trajectories and leadership in our times. Emphasis will be placed on Paul's keen insight into the nature of humankind and his ability to organize effective and efficient resolutions for church-related concerns. (Biblical)

This course centers around the great historical truths of the Pentateuch and ways to understanding them in their historical setting and making application of them in the world today. (Biblical)

This course involves an in-depth study of the book of Isaiah. It will center on such themes as the nature of the prophetic message, prophecy, Messianic themes, the nature of divine holiness, and God's perspective on national moral trends. (Biblical)

This course examines the Psalms through the avenue of several interpretive models. Along with exposure to the content of the psalms, it explores several types of psalms, parallelism, poetic imagery, and the intended musical character. (Biblical)

A survey of significant events and ideas in American religion from Colonial times to the present. Particular attention will be given to the development of denominationalism, revivalism, and fundamentalism in the context of cultural and theological trends. (Historical/Doctrinal)

This course is designed to advance the graduate student's understanding of and facility with transformational communication and/or the task of feeding a congregation spiritual truth from the Word of God. The course will focus on the three primary areas: the analytical tools needed to understand the cultural context and personal needs of the audience, the exegetical tools required to bring scriptural and Christian truths to bear on those needs, and the personal tools needed to communicate truth clearly and with conviction. The overall thrust of the course is to prepare students to understand and enact the leadership role that preaching and transformative communication plays in shaping the life of a church and other ministry contexts.

The course centers around the key events and contributions of Paul as found in the Acts and Pauline corpus. Moving well beyond the historical facts associated with Paul and his ministry, the course expands on his contributions to the theological, philosophical, and ecclesiastical foundations of the Christian church. (Biblical)

This course gives special attention to the writings generally ascribed to the Apostle Peter with complementary attention to his life and work, especially as exhibited in the book of the Acts. Special attention will be given to unique Petrine positions on such themes as the apostasy at the end of the church age, the atonement, and the nature of the church. (Biblical)

This is a study of theological thought which takes its rise in the philosophy of Immanuel Kant. The theologies of Schleiermacher, Ritschl, Troeltsch, Kierkegaard, and Barth will be examined. (Historical/Doctrinal)

Courses with this number investigate a particular theme(s) or pattern(s) over the course of church history with a view to transforming the present course of the church. (Historical/Doctrinal)

This course examines the doctrines of the Christian Faith in their inter-relatedness, as integral parts of an organic whole, examined in the light of their biblical foundations, historical development, philosophical presuppositions, and practical applications. Areas to be studied are prolegomena (including such matters as theological perspective and methodology, the inspiration and authority of Scripture) and the doctrines of God, creation, humanity, and sin. (Doctrinal/Historical)

From within a framework of the biblical accounts of creation, this course explores the nature of God , the nature and purpose of the human family, the destructive implications of sin, and the ultimate patterns of redemption. The course specifically examines these doctrines vis-a'-vis the present culture and their links with God's ultimate purposes as revealed in the book of Revelation. (Practical/Biblical)

This course explores key non-profit management principles and skills, particularly those that are unique to churches and faith-based organizations. It will deal with the planning missteps that bring growing non-profit organizations, including churches, to a halt. It will also address strategic issues such as: when and how to introduce new ideas, meeting organizational needs without stifling spiritual needs, how and when to add multiple celebration experiences, prayer strategies to maintain focus, why building too soon or too big will stunt organizational growth, planning realistic budgets for growth without overestimating potential, and how to "cell" a growing organization. (Practical)

This course introduces biblical theology with major emphasis on theological thought and practice. The Old Testament approaches to the nature of man, the problem of sin and evil, the nature of God, the role of wisdom, and the meaning of Israel's history are seen in their development (divergence), as well as in their unification and preparation for the Christian era. (Doctrinal/Biblical)

Principles are employed to unlock the main theological concepts of the New Testament. Specific doctrines such as God, Kingdom of God, Christology, the Nature of the Church, and the Christian hope will be explored in their Johannine, Pauline, and Petrine perspectives, with emphasis on a methodological exegesis and interpretation of the New Testament . The New Testament will be seen as a unified corpus with foundations in the Old Testament. (Doctrinal/Biblical)

This class engages several strands of theological development which are currently shaping the life and faith of the church. These include emphases on the powers available to the Christian community, the nature of the Christian faith and its intended impact on culture, and the balances among Scripture, reason, tradition, and experience in the current Christian context. (Historical/Doctrinal)

An investigation of the characteristics and significance of the nature of man and his religious experiences. Consideration will be given to the evidences for and nature of theism, the major challenges to the Christian faith, the persistent problems of naturalism versus supernaturalism, and the existence of the non-Christian religions and of evil in God's world. Religious languages, paradox, mysticism, redemptive love, moral freedom versus determinism, the miraculous, and death and the future life will be treated. (Doctrinal)

In this course the student will study, discuss, and evaluate theological topics that divide evangelicals today, including such issues as biblical authority, the work of the Holy Spirit, soteriology, the Christian's responsibility to social justice, and eschatological views. (Doctrinal)

A special study of the doctrines that give distinction to the teachings of John Wesley as they differ from those of other theological traditions. The study includes research into such doctrines as Christian perfection, sin and grace, entire sanctification, justification and regeneration, humanity and holiness, the work of the Holy Spirit, security of the believer, and others. The theological ideas of Reformed and Catholic writers on these doctrines will be explored. The Biblical passages that create the theological differences will be examined. (Doctrinal/Historical)

A study of the component parts of a world view with special attention given to the world view of C.S . Lewis as reflected in his religious writings. (Doctrinal)

A careful study from the philosophical perspective of the great oriental religious systems and the more recent cults that have emerged from these systems. Comparisons and differences will be noted and their major influence upon their respective cultures will be assessed. Especially recommended for missionary candidates. (Historical/Doctrinal)

The course offers intensive insight into the book of Daniel from three points of view: historical and exegetical, prophetic and eschatological, homiletical and practical. Considerable time is spent exploring the Biblical text, directed in an attempt to develop creative group interpretation. (Biblical/Doctrinal)

A comprehensive study of the fundamental doctrines of the Judeo-Christian Scriptures from an evangelical Arminian viewpoint with other interpretations considered. Entails a study of theism, theology, cosmology, anthropology, hamartiology, and Christology. (Doctrinal)

A comprehensive study of the fundamental doctrines of the Judeo-Christian Scriptures from an evangelical Arminian viewpoint with other interpretations considered. Entails a study of soteriology, pneumatology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. (Doctrinal )

This course provides a basic examination of the Christian doctrine of sanctification from a biblical, historical, and systematic perspective. While the full range of Christian teaching on this subject will be explored, particular attention is given to John Wesley's view, as well as those teachings found in contemporary Wesleyan theology. (Doctrinal)

This course traces central themes of the holiness movement from the middle of the Nineteenth Century into the present time. This course is designed to be a selective study of certain themes such as process vs. crisis, the nature of sanctification in its experiential dimension, and the contours of the holiness movement vis-a'-vis the larger evangelical movement. (Doctrinal/Historical)

In recent years, evangelicals have discovered various modes and disciplines of spirituality which originated outside the Protestant tradition. This course explores several "new" dimensions of spiritual life such as meditation, journaling, and fasting in the light of Biblical, philosophical, and practical concerns. The role of personal experience and reason in one's spiritual journey will be assessed. Special attention will be given to the unique challenges of developing the pastor's spiritual life. (Practical/Historical)

This course examines the several aspects of congregational guidance which converge into the overall vision and direction of that particular body. It gives attention to areas such as hiring of staff to assist with the vision, management toward specific objectives, public communication and vision, development of a model which unfolds the vision, and other related features of vision cultivation and management. (Practical)

This course explores various dimensions of management such as sequencing of tasks, time allotted to various projects, efficiency in the execution of tasks, and establishing a balance in time-use patterns. Specific analysis of time-use is incorporated into the theory of time management. (Practical)

This course contrasts biblical with ecclesial visions of human sexuality in a historical, theological, and biological study of urgent issues. It identifies Creation and Gospel images of wholeness and integrity which call all people to the highest and best vision of themselves "in the image of God, male and female." It offers specialization in recognizing, preventing, and rehabilitating through "class meeting" support for victims of sexual abuse, sexual addiction, and divorce. (Practical)

This course will assist the church and non-profit ministry leader in developing within his or her constituents a passion and a practicality for prayer. An assortment of models and strategies for stimulating such prayer will be examined, with an eye to contextual application. Related issues will include tracking the results of prayer, how to pray when you don't feel like praying, evangelistic prayer, prayer for troubling times, and corporate / personal prayer disciplines. (Practical/Historical)

The doctrine of the Trinity is peculiar to Christian systematic theology as it seeks to understand the God disclosed in the person of Jesus Christ and experienced through the immediacy of the Holy Spirit. Students will study the historical and theological development of the treatise on the Triune God from its biblical roots to its place in modern theology. Particular attention will be given to the role that this doctrine plays in Christian self-understanding and praxis.

This course explores the second generation of the church growth movement with two essential purposes in mind. It first aims to discover those central elements of the original church growth movement which have endured beyond the incipient generation of the movement. Second, it aims to discover those principles of church growth which are unique to the current cultural mores and societal changes of today. (Practical)

This is a study of the teachings of the cults as traditionally understood, along with contemporary challenges to Christian faith and practice as found in transcendental meditation, EST, westernized Buddhism, and other forms of the East-West encounters. (Doctrinal)

This course explores the world of the Ancient Near East to understand the context of the biblical narrative. Special attention will be given to Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the civilizations of the eastern Mediterranean, African, and Near Eastern cultures. This course emphasizes the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Palestine, and the eastern Mediterranean, and analyzes the origins and developments of the contemporary Middle East conflict. Special attention is directed to the Sumerians, Hittites, Egyptians, Persians, Assyrians, Phoenicians, and Hebrews. The contribution of each of these peoples to present day culture will be emphasized.

This course explores the various facets of cross-cultural ministry. It is designed to expose students to cultures which are different from their own with a view to understanding those cultures and also better understanding their own home culture. Whether by intensive study or direct exposure to another culture, this course equips students to minister more effectively in diverse cultural settings. (Practical)

Careful examination of selected theological classics will provide a historical basis for approaching contemporary issues. May be repeated for credit. (Doctrinal/Historical)

The examination of the course of religious history as John Wesley has contributed to it. The study investigates the doctrinal and experiential antecedents, the general historical period into which he came, his views, his activities, and his impact up on his time. (Doctrinal/Historical)

During the first half of the sixteenth century, Christianity witnessed the development of several significant theological traditions, generally characterized as "Protestant" along with the refinement of the Roman Catholic tradition which had dominated Europe for centuries. These various traditions provide an excellent panorama of the divergent understandings of the Christian faith that have persisted to the present time. In this course we will examine five major traditions and explore how each has contributed to the shaping of American Christianity and the Wesleyan Church in particular. By comprehending the key elements of these opposing theologies, we should be better equipped to understand and present our own.

This course presents a careful explanation of how almost any church or ministry can utilize key research-based steps to grow into a healthy multi-generational ministry. The course traces the root of congregational and organizational conflict to the differences between generational perspectives and preferences. Topics covered in the course include: Defining the multi-generational model, the sources of inter-generational harmony, and methods of identifying generational needs. Finally, effective ministry strategies that build multi-generational congregations and ministries will be explored. (Practical)

This course explains how the latest tools developed in management research can assist church leaders in retaining those newcomers who press for change, as well as unify them with the mainstream members of the church. The course deals with the problem congregations face of losing talented new people who grow despondent because of a church's inability or slowness to change. The course examines the foundational stages through which newcomers pass before leaving the church. It explores the methods for interrupting the "triggers" that cause people to leave. The course is based on original research gathered through field-testing over a 20-year period, augmented by a variety of supporting publications.

A basic introduction to writing papers, finding and assessing sources, organizing material, documentation, and style.

This course is designed to focus on the psychological and sociological aspects of the pastor's life. It will deal with the inner world of the minister and seek to discover causal links between a pastor's inner balance and harmony and his outer productivity and focus. (Practical)

This course examines several theories of the nature of change and change management as they interface with church management and administration. The course particularly examines the nature of power structures within the congregation and how to facilitate constructive change while maintaining fidelity to the mission of the group. (Practical)

This course surveys the full spectrum of communication patterns which are necessary to the smooth and positive flow of information within the ecclesiastical community. It examines both the psychological and sociological dimensions as these impact the nature of the Christian community's life and faith. Communication theory is related to actual church life. (Practical)

A study of the principles of management as they apply to the role of the pastor and other professional Christian workers in relation to local churches and other Christian institutions and organizations. Further, a study of approved procedure in deliberative assemblies based on Robert's Rules of Order, accompanied by drills calculated to fix the habit of active, correct, and effective participation in business meetings of any kind. (Practical)

Offers biblical perspectives on contemporary ethical issues facing the church and ministry. Among the issues studied are abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, sex, social responsibility of the church, and war. (Doctrinal)

The student will choose one of several options in which to serve: hospital chaplaincy, clinical counseling, pastoral experience, or Christian education. Each of these will be under the supervision of a competent person in that area.

A study of the techniques and goals of premarital counseling. The course will examine some of the tools available with a heavy emphasis on the Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis. Each student will role-play a typical marriage-counseling problem. (Practical)

Special study tours arranged to certain mission fields during scheduled breaks, May Term, or summer vacation periods with credit accordingly, or specialized courses taken in other departments of the university, such as Geopolitical, Sociology, or History courses in a specialized area or culture interest to the student. (Practical)

A study of the interaction of theology and psychology with emphasis upon the task of counseling in ministry. Attention will be given to crisis counseling, terminal illness, and other life stresses. (Practical)

Historical and theological examination of the varied forms and emphases of church ritual. Focus will be placed on communion, preaching, music, and religious symbolism in their role in the Sunday morning service. (Practical/Doctrinal)

The course focuses on the rapid proliferation of higher concentrated demographic centers in the world and the church's role in responding to the numerous changes that such shifts create for ministry. Specific attention is given to evangelism, follow-up, social care, and homelessness. (Doctrinal/Historical)

This course will trace the history of Christian music in an effort to set forth those characteristics of music which make it distinctively Christian. It will deal with the various genre of worship music and suggest ways for ascertaining the appropriateness of various lyrical and musical styles to the worship of God and the cultivation of spiritual formation. (Practical)

A research-based treatment of a topic of interest to the student, under careful faculty supervision.

This course builds on the substantive literature describing the secular city of our day and seeks to extrapolate from this data the guidelines which are applicable to ministry in such urban centers. The course will involve visits to urban ministry settings in order to observe the range of needs present in these population intensive regions. (Practical)

This course involves an independent study which the student arranges in consultation with the professor. It may focus on any selected area of study in the field of religion and philosophy.

This course is an advanced counseling skills class with emphasis on dealing with difficult people. This course will go beyond listening and reflecting to the effective use of advanced counseling skills such as summarizing, immediacy, confrontation, limit setting, etc. This course will also help the pastor define personal and professional limits in counseling and give guidelines for determining when and how to refer. (Practical)

This course deals with the planning missteps that bring growing churches to a halt. It deals with strategic issues such as: when and how to introduce new ideas, meeting organizational needs without stifling the spiritual needs of a congregation, how and when to add multiple worship services, prayer strategies to keep the unchurched in focus, why building too soon or too big will stunt congregational growth, planning realistic budgets for growth without overestimating potential, how to "cell" a growing congregation. The course makes use of over two dozen case studies to explore the application of strategic management principles to the growing congregation.

This course prepares students to synthesize and apply current communication, multi-media, and information technology theories and practices to the communication of biblical truth in youth ministry settings. The course will assist students in finding those communication channels and strategies to which youth are most open. In addition, students will explore processes required to develop balanced approaches that effectively integrate multiple means of communicating biblical truth to the young people represented in their youth ministries.

This course provides a forum for interdisciplinary studies of leadership, management, and educational theories that inform the development of youth ministry strategies. The focus of these interdisciplinary studies is to equip students with both theoretical frameworks and practical tools that will enrich the design, implementation and operation of their youth ministries. Students will gain exposure to a range of current ministry models and will be equipped to design viable ministries appropriate to their gifts and ministry settings. In addition, students will have the opportunity to develop personal management and leadership strategies related to time management, delegation, volunteer recruitment and development, the effective use of interns and program creation and implementation.

An individually designed program accomplished primarily in the candidate's place of ministry. The written report will provide significant insight into the area explored. The project may have use primarily for the student and others interested in that area. Graded on a CR/NC basis.

This course provides students with a forum in which to survey and analyze various models of personal, professional, and spiritual development with a view to formulating personal strategies for ongoing professional growth. Students will have the opportunity to design a personal professional growth plan that includes such elements as personal vision, foci for personal and professional growth, the establishment of effective ministry partnerships, and the development of effective mentoring and accountability relationships.

This course allows students to explore the developmental and sociological dynamics of adolescence and family systems with a view to developing appropriate models of care, counseling and ministry programming for teens and their families. Students will gain exposure to the work of classic and contemporary developmental and sociological theorists and will specifically explore the ways in which this work informs and enriches youth ministry.

This course undertakes an interdisciplinary analysis of youth cultures. It provides a means for students to develop anthropological and sociological analytical skills and insights with which to identify and assess the socio-cultural dynamics present in their local youth context, and thereby to insure the development of culturally relevant youth ministries. In addition, the course examines the history, practice, and effectiveness of incarnational youth ministry.

Continuation of the process of the research and preparation of a thesis or project. Graded on a CR/NC basis.

This course will address specialized theoretical issues in Christian Ministry. It will deal with advanced theological, historical, biblical, and philosophical topics related to developing effective pastors, quality ministries and healthy churches. This elective will be in a seminar context. The specific topic of this elective will be flexible, allowing changes to meet the needs/interests of students, professors, and contemporary Christian ministry. This course may be repeated.

This course will address specialized issues in the practice of Christian ministry and the development of effective, quality Churches and ministries. It will deal with advanced topics related to developing effective pastoral skills and effective strategies, practices and programs in the local Church and related ministries. This elective will be in a seminar context. The specific topic of this elective will be flexible, allowing changes to meet the needs/interests of students, professors, and contemporary Christian ministry. This course may be repeated.

This course completes the Master of Arts in Ministry degree with an assessment of the progress made in the program, the collection of materials into a ministerial portfolio, and the creation of a five-year plan for future ministry and personal development. Prerequisite: all courses in the Master of Arts curriculum