Community Ministry

CM 601 • Street Culture, the Poor and Urban Ministry 1.5,3 Credits

This course explores the current problems of urban society and the challenges these realities present to churches. A review of past and present responses to urban society by the church is considered with a view toward developing strategies for the present and future. The course is intended for all interested in formulating a theology of ministry—not solely for those interested in urban ministry.

CM 605 • Theology of Poverty and Biblical Justice 1.5,3 Credits

This course is designed to provide a theological and practical framework on poverty and biblical justice. How we help the poor and respond to issues of social justice from biblical values shapes our strategy and mission. Topics include but are not limited to: poverty, immigration reform, economic inequality and prison reform movements, etc. The focus on the class will examine social issues from both a historical, theological and practical perspective. This class will place special emphasis on guiding local congregations to understand a specific social issue and develop an appropriate response.

CM 606 • Nonprofit Management 1.5,3 Credits

This is an introduction course that is intended to prepare students for management roles in nonprofit organizations and to provide an understanding of key management functions. This course provides a foundation for understanding nonprofit organizations within the greater context of the nonprofit sector and society as a whole. Topics will include: history of nonprofits, current “nonprofit nation,” management and leadership theory, program development operating strategies, board responsibilities, human resource management and advocacy.

CM 607 • Community Organizing 1.5,3 Credits

The study of social change prepares non-profit practitioners to understand the historic and regional environment in which they operate. Students will be exposed to different change models with an emphasis on the history and development of Consensus Organizing as a practical approach. Participants will learn concrete skills necessary to apply Consensus Organizing within their practice setting.

CM 608 • Fund Development and Marketing 1.5,3 Credits

This course is intended to explore the fundamentals of fund development and marketing programs within nonprofit organizations. Students will learn to design messages and communication materials for key constituencies and stakeholders, identify and develop a well-balanced base of support from individual donors and institutional funders and gain knowledge of common fundraising cycles and philanthropy programs. Special emphasis will be placed on accessing government funding and planning, researching and writing grants. Students will learn about developing a brand and marketing strategy and implementation tactics including social media, video, and public relations. Throughout the course there will be discussions on the ethical issues, technical tools and skills inherent within resource development and marketing in a nonprofit setting. The goal of this course is to ensure that each student gains a broad understanding of resource development and marketing communications.

CM 652 • Practice in Community Development 1.5,3 Credits

The application of principles of holistic community development as studied through case studies and field experiences either in the local or global contexts - allowing the student to build a project that is contiguous with vocational goals.

CM 670 • Directed Study in Community Ministry 1-6 Credits

Research and study by arrangement with the professor.
Special Notes: Permission is required.

CM 751 • Seminar in Community Ministry 1.5,3 Credits

A Masters Degree or Doctor of Ministry elective course; an in-depth study of a particular community ministry theme.
Special Notes: This course fulfills Doctor of Ministry concentration requirements for the Congregation and Family Care concentration.

Connect with Bethel