Scripture and history provide two bookends between which issues relevant to the ministry and leadership of women can be discussed. Integrating history with hermeneutics, through careful observation of the Lord's acts, one comes to understand God's ways (Psalm 103:7) Taking a narrative approach (with special focus on cultural contexts, the call of God, and roles of women), this course tells the stories of women throughout the Bible and history and can thus help students locate their stories within the context of God's story. Cross-listed with BTH 550.
Acquaints the participant with the modern Jewish experience and worldview by exploring the history of Jewish-Christian relations. Special emphasis is given to developing effective tools for disciplining new Jewish believers within the context of the local Christian fellowship. Cross-listed with MCC 548.
Surveys Christian approaches to evangelizing Islamic people. The study will include the theological, contextual and practical approaches. Key issues such as proper attitudes, spiritual warfare, servanthood, sensitivity to culture and appropriate use of Scripture will be treated. Cross-listed with MSS 552.
Designed for students pursuing one of the professional Master programs. Requires significant research in biblical and contemporary literature in relation to ministry praxis in a local church or parachurch context. Leads to the production of an integrative, field-based writing project. Cross-listed with MCC 556.
Assists in the formation of a developmental framework for whole life discipleship, pastoral counseling, and soul care. Examines development across the life span conceptualizing human development as a framework for understanding human beings created in the image of God. The life cycle will be utilized as a construct for the development of family life ministries and age-appropriate introduction of theological concepts. Family systems thinking, important developmental processes and the major challenges faced at each stage will be examined. Cross-listed with MCC 561.
Identifies the role of the Holy Spirit in emotional and spiritual formation of the Christian leader. Emphasizes a biblical and psycho-social understanding of human development and personal identify, the implications of how personal identify impacts spiritual growth, the regular spiritual practices that strengthen the leader's relationship with God and how to follow the Spirit's guidance in fulfilling a vocational calling.
Studies the necessary interpersonal skills in the counseling, coaching, and mentoring relationship. The helping sequence will be examined and specific skills and interventions for each stage will be studied. Special focus will be given to working with diverse populations and cultural implications. Cross-listed with MCC 565.
Develops a comprehensive understanding of the individual and societal relevance of the gospel to enhance its proclamation to the contemporary world. It supports the validity of Christian faith, through evaluation of experiential, scientific, sociological, historical and biblical evidence. It also helps leaders to meaningfully engage contemporary religious and secular worldviews and to respond to major objections to Christianity. Cross-listed with PTH 622.
Examines God's purpose in creating humans as female and male and allow scriptures to critique one's own cultural gender biases. Students will practice ethnographic research methods that prepare them to discover culture through the lens of gender. They will also develop spiritual disciplines that will enhance their lives and intercultural ministry. Cross-listed with MCC 631 and THE 631.
Combines biblical (especially the Gospels and Paul's Letters), missiological, theological and pastoral insights to the charismata (gifts of the Spirit), presenting the biblical-theological basis for understanding and charismatic nature of the New Testament church and its ministry. Topics include developing biblical insights and principles for the use and praxis of spiritual gifts in the church. Emphasis is given for pastors and missionaries to grasp the sensitivities and unique needs of multi-cultural churches, especially as it relates to spiritual gifts. Most importantly, the development of gift ministry in our own lives is emphasized, encouraged and practiced. Cross-listed with BTH 635 and PCS 635.
Studies the theological foundation for prayer. There is specific emphasis on both the corporate and private nature of prayer. Cross-listed with THE 642.
Studies the principles of cultural anthropology and intercultural communication from a theological/missiological perspective to facilitate the emergence of a theology which addresses the complexities of ministry in an intercultural setting. Cross-listed with MCC 643 and MHT 643.
By military appointment only.
Examines the mentoring model of learning from a biblical, historical and contemporary perspective. The purpose and context of mentoring, phases and types of mentoring, development of meaningful mentoring relationships and the interactive dynamics of the mentoring process are explored. Special emphasis is given to preparation for the mentor role. Cross-listed with PTH 651.
Aims to cultivate the leader's appreciation of the church's social mission in society while avoiding historical extremes. It aims to facilitate a constructive Christian response to contemporary issues confronting the church by examining best practice models. Flowing from theological reflection and ethical thinking, this course will examine ways to facilitate community development within a Christian worldview on a personal, local, regional and global level. Cross-listed with MCC 654.
A critical-historical evaluation of the impact of the Christian faith upon the major spheres of society. Christian contributions to the arts, education, intellectual inquiry, science, political thought and social justice will be delineated. The 2000-year narrative of Christian history is filed with progress and regress, but the overall portrait reveals a resilient faith able to influence positive change. Cross-listed with MCC 659 and HIS 659.
Assists in understanding and developing a biblically-grounded model of congregational care and support. Topics include: a biblical understanding of suffering that leads to resilient faith; the biblical and practical foundations to develop congregational unity and community; development of personnel, skills and systems needed for a holistic approach to congregational care; and a theology of vocation that helps congregants understand the integration of their daily work and their kingdom calling.
Assists in understanding and developing a biblical and practical model of congregational leadership. Topics include: developing a congregation's mission, vision and value statements; aligning ministry personnel and programs with these statements; understanding and exegeting congregational culture; managing organizational change and conflict; enlisting a strengths-based leadership role for staff and volunteers; and developing an understanding of the fiscal and operational responsibilities required for effective congregational ministry.
