BIBL 360 • Biblical Interpretation for Ministry 3 Credits
Introduction to biblical hermeneutics and exegesis including interpretive issues of genre and literary context, historical context, communicative intention, presuppositions, and metanarrative. Exploration of biblical inspiration, canonicity, and authority in light of Scripture as communication. Development of skills necessary for understanding the Bible in its original contexts and contextualizing its messages today.
Prerequisites: CHMN 350R. Fulfills: CAPS Goal Area 6.
BIBL 331 • Significance of the Old Testament 3 Credits
Exploration of the Old Testament, which emphasizes foundational intertextual themes including creation, life, sin, justice, righteousness, people of God, covenant, exile, and the Old Testament polemic against the prevailing culture of its time. Examination of various ways the Hebrew text points to Christ. Application of Old Testament themes to vocation and contemporary cultural issues through the use of exegetical tools.
Prerequisites: CHMN 350R Fulfills: CAPS Goal Area 6.
BIBL 332 • Significance of the New Testament 3 Credits
Introduction to the New Testament, emphasizing major themes including the kingdom of God, eternal life, and justification in Christ. Emphasis also on the hermeneutical issues related to understanding these themes in their original literary and historical settings, and applying them in ministry situations today.
Prerequisites: CHMN 350R Fulfills: CAPS Goal Area 6.
CHMN 300 • Foundations for Christian Ministry 3 Credits
Exploration of the Christian gospel and how it is applied through a wide range of ministry expressions today. Comparison of the ministry of Jesus with contemporary ministry practices. Reflection on personal strengths and how they apply in ministry settings, and identification of steps to continue to discern vocation and calling.
Fulfills: CAPS Goal Area 6. Special Notes: Enrollment is open to students with sophomore class standing and above.
CHMN 320 • Personal Spiritual Formation 3 Credits
Introduction to the process of spiritual and personal formation. Exploration of models and themes for formation and faith development, with attention to cultural and gender dimensions of formation models and traditions. Examination of both individual and communal spiritual journeys, practices, and connections to God.
Fulfills: CAPS Goal Area 6. Special Notes: Enrollment is open to students with sophomore class standing and above.
CHMN 350R • Research Writing for Christian Ministry 3 Credits
Examination of the contrast between theological writing and writing in other disciplines. Development of academic writing skills in the discipline of theology, including clear, objective and well-organized theses reasoned from evidence. Application of scholarly biblical and theological resources to life and ministry.
Fulfills: CAPS Goal Area 1, General Education Category R. Special Notes: Enrollment is open to students with sophomore class standing and above.
CHMN 410 • Dynamics of Interpersonal Relationships 3 Credits
An analysis of interpersonal dynamics, including love and intimacy; communication; shame; power and control; stress and coping; grief; compassion; and spirituality. Attention to a broad variety of relational states, including friendship, singleness, romantic partnerships, parent/child relationships, social networks, and faith communities.
Fulfills: CAPS Goal Area 5.
CHMN 451 • Communication in Ministry 3 Credits
Introduction to the essential communication skills needed in ministry, including effective listening, storytelling, and public speaking skills. Application and evaluation of effective communication to present the gospel and its relevance in various contexts.
Prerequisites: General Education Category R course. Fulfills: CAPS Goal Areas 1.
CHMN 452 • Leadership in Ministry 3 Credits
Development of a framework for leadership in ministry contexts. Evaluation of personal strengths, blindspots and interpersonal skills within leadership. Incorporation of leadership vocabulary in personal leadership practice and examination of scriptural definitions and examples of leadership. Understanding of collaborative leadership models.
CHMN 481 • Ministry Practicum 3 Credits
Practical integration of Christian ministries knowledge and skills under the direct supervision of an experienced mentor. Development of a working philosophy of ministry through reflection on personal and professional responses in ministry situations. Assessment of personal ministry skills and lifelong leadership development.
Grade exceptions: Graded on an S/U basis.
CHMN 495H • Practical Issues in Ministry 3 Credits
Synthesis and application of Christian Ministries’ content and skills to specific ethical case studies common in ministry settings. Reflection on personal and spiritual formation as it impacts the spiritual growth of those to whom they minister. Integration of incarnational/formational theology into several ethical and spiritual issues.
Prerequisites: CHMN 481 and at least 9 of the following courses: BIBL 360, BIBL 331, BIBL 332, CHMN 300, CHMN 320, CHMN 350R, CHMN 451, CHMN 452, THEO 341, THEO 441. Fulfills: CAPS Goal Area 6, CAPS General Education Category H.
THEO 341 • Gospel in Cross-Cultural Perspective 3 Credits
Examination of one’s own cultural framework in relation to other cultures. Analysis of cross-cultural ministry examples in scripture and how the gospel is influenced, expressed, and experienced through social and cultural systems. Understanding of the ministry of reconciliation. Interaction with individuals and environments in cross-cultural contexts, and development of capacity to communicate the gospel with cultural sensitivity.
Fulfills: CAPS Goal Areas 5, 6. Special Notes: Enrollment is open to students with sophomore class standing and above.
THEO 441 • Christian Theology 3 Credits
Systematic examination of the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith, including, but not limited to, the triune God, the person and work of Jesus Christ (incarnation and atonement), and salvation. Evaluation of the unity and diversity of Christian belief as a backdrop for subjects covered. Identification of the role of scripture and other sources in the development of theological beliefs.
Prerequisites: CAPS General Education Category R course. Fulfills: CAPS Goal Area 6.