The goal of Christian education is to present all people mature in Christ (Col. 1:28). When the message is embodied in a Spirit-filled, captivating teacher like Christ Himself, the Bible comes alive and people are changed. Thus, studies in Christian education are designed to help ministers become effective orchestrators of learning in their faith communities.
Objectives for students:
- Develop a biblical/theological framework for discipleship in community;
- Appreciate different program models of educational ministry;
- Design an effective structure for directing volunteer services;
- Develop a process for building dynamic ministry teams; and
- Cultivate personal teaching skills and small group leadership abilities.
DC 635YL • Foundations of Incarnational Youth Ministry (Young Life Staff Training) 4 Credits
This course gives an overview of contemporary culture, especially as it affects youth ministry, and provides historical and theological youth ministry concepts and grounding. In addition, a broad spectrum of ministry programs and issues will be addressed, such as “youth ministry as practical theology,” the changing family, organizing a ministry program, missions and service, and ministering in a multi-cultural, multi-contextual world.
DC 636YL • Life of Christ: Communicating Christ to Adolescent Culture (Young Life Staff Trng) 1.5,3 Credits
Focuses on the process of communicating the person and work of Jesus to adolescents. Communication principles involving small and large groups as well as individual discussions will be applied as the student seeks to understand insights from the four Gospels and learns to communicate those effectively in contemporary youth culture.
DC 637YL • Youth Ministry Leadership and Community Dev (Young Life Staff Training) 1.5,3 Credits
This course provides students with the foundational principles and skills involved in leading/managing a team of people as a youth minister. Special attention will be given to thinking and living biblically as a leader and also to strategic planning for building ministry. Emphasis will also be placed on developing community resources for ministry and clarifying one’s theology of leadership in the context of their ministry calling.
DC 645YL • Foundations of Youth Ministry 1.5,3 Credits
A philosophy of ministry to young people and their families is developed. The needs and characteristics of youth and methods of relating to them for purposes of Christian commitment and growth are presented. Family context is studied to understand youth and develop a holistic approach toward ministry.
DC 646YL • Communicating the Gospel to Teens 1.5,3 Credits
A study of the communcation process as it relates to teenagers. Strategies to communicate the gospel, evangelize, and nurture faith in teenagers are discussed. Effective proclamation and teaching techniques are studied.
DC 670 • Directed Study in Discipleship in Community 1-9 Credits
Research and study by arrangement with the professor.
Special Notes: Permission is required.
DC 699PT • Portfolio in Discipleship in Community 0.5-6 Credits
Portfolio course of preselected topics within an existing course in the field of Discipleship in Community.
Special Notes: Portfolio courses are created upon request with permission by an overseeing Program Director.
DC 772 • Seminar in Discipleship in Community 2 Credits
A Master of Divinity or Doctor of Ministry concentration course; an in-depth study of a particular Discipleship in Community theme.
Special Notes: Fulfills DMin elective requirements.
DC 774 • Seminar in Discipleship in Community 4 Credits
A Master of Divinity or Doctor of Ministry concentration course; an in-depth study of a particular Discipleship in Community theme.
Special Notes: Fulfills DMin elective requirements.
DC 795A • Thesis Proposal 2 Credits
Development of a thesis proposal and prospectus. Survey of existing research and delineation of tentative argument and preliminary bibliography. To be developed in consultation and under supervision of a faculty member as thesis advisor.
Grade exceptions: This course is graded Pass/Fail. Special Notes: Approval of faculty member in relevant discipline is required.
DC 795B • Thesis Writing 4 Credits
Implementation of research plan, under the supervision of thesis advisor and with input from a second reader. To include survey of existing research and thesis that is well argued and supported by the literature.
Prerequisites: DC 795A.
DC 899PT • Portfolio in Discipleship in Community 0.5-6 Credits
Portfolio course of preselected topics within an existing course in the field of Discipleship in Community.
Special Notes: Portfolio courses are created upon request with permission by an overseeing Program Director.