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Course Listings

Theological Studies and Christian Ministries

A minor is available in Theological Studies and Christian Ministries. See also the major in Religion.

Minor in Theological Studies and Christian Ministries

18 credit hours

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a minor in Theological Studies and Christian Ministries will:

  1. Articulate a biblical, historical and theological foundation for ministry.
  2. Exercise competent leadership through designing, implementing and assessing ministry experiences.
  3. Assess growth toward spiritual and personal maturity.
  4. Clarify and develop a ministerial identity.

Planning and Advising Notes

A campus Ministry Leader program and a summer Ministry Inquiry internship program, both coordinated by the campus ministry office, provide excellent opportunities for students to test ministry as a vocation.

Course descriptions

  • BIBL 300 Jesus and the Gospels

    Study of the life and teachings of Jesus, focusing on the proclamation of the reign of God and Jesus’ messianic identity as the Son of God. Examination of Jesus in his historical setting will be balanced with discussions of Jesus’...

  • MUS 311 Topics in Music Literature

    The study of a major composer, genre or style. Prerequisites: Mus 201-202 and Mus 204 or consent permission of the instructor.

  • PHIL 203 Living Ethically

    Living Ethically will focus on ethical decision-making as well as ethical being, drawing on historical and contemporary forms and structures in ethics as well as contemporary applications of ethical frameworks. Students will be encouraged to identify the bases for their...

  • PJCS 370 Personal Violence and Healing

    A seminar course in which advanced students examine encounters with violence and how healing can be sought. Integrating religious and ethical studies with the social sciences, the course focuses on the socio-cultural matrix of an individual’s encounters with violence.

  • REL 209 Field Experience

    A field placement in applied ministry or discipleship at a camp, retreat center, congregation or religious organization. Appropriate for credit by experience registration.

  • REL 225 Spiritual Formation

    Various topical courses based on student and faculty interest aimed to foster spiritual growth among students for general life application or ministry skill development. Course examples include Prayer Disciplines, Wrestling with the Biblical Text, Leading Small Groups, Preaching, and Preparation...

  • REL 320 Christian Theologies

    A thorough introduction to theology, examining Christianity’s basic theological features and themes (e.g. human nature, Christology, atonement, the nature of the church, eschatology). An excellent course for those committed to Christian faith as well as skeptics and those along faith’s...

  • REL 322 Worshiping Communities

    An introduction to the forms, styles, and history of Christian worship. Content includes a survey of the liturgical year and the major traditions of Christian spirituality. In addition, students will reflect on themes ranging from public and private forms of...

  • REL 374 Congregational Ministries

    This pre-seminary course will introduce students to the basic contours of Christian congregational ministries: public ministry (preaching, worship leading, etc.), pastoral care, church administration, and service in the broader community. Attention also will be paid to leaders’ own spiritual development,...

  • REL 409 Internship & Career

    Approved practical experience related to studies in religion, including a 40-hour internship or work experience and a directed career preparation component. This can include internships with local religious agencies, non-profits, spiritual care offices, or related organizations. Further options in ministry...

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