Principles for Ministry Leadership—MS 501
Explore principles for ministry that are biblically accurate and culturally relevant. You will learn practical ways to keep these principles in focus in the press of personal and ministry responsibilities. 2 hours. Instructors: Logan and Efird. Frequency: Every Fall. Required for MDiv and MABL General Elective for all other programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Principles for Ministry Leadership Syllabus
Introduction to Pastoral Counseling—MS 502
Examines the biblical foundation for pastoral counseling as well as the historical role and origin of the care of persons within the church. Biblical principles for guiding, sustaining, healing and reconciling individuals are explored as are common circumstances that draw people to seek biblical counsel and care. 2 hours. Instructor: Smith. Frequency: Every Spring. Required for MDiv BC and L.D. Ministry Skills Elective for MABL General Elective for all other programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Introduction to Pastoral Counseling Syllabus
Creative Bible Teaching—MS 506
Expand your creative potential while learning how to teach the Word using sound teaching principles that make learning relevant to the student’s life. You will increase your teaching skills through hands-on application of what you have learned. 2 hours. Instructor: Wakefield. Frequency: Every Spring. Homiletics Elective for MDiv CF, MDiv LD and MABL General Elective for all other programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Creative Bible Teaching Syllabus
Competencies in Pastoral Practice—MS 508
Certain practices are common to all ministries; some are unique to church pastors. This course moves students toward general pastoral competency in the following areas: conducting funerals, weddings, baptisms, ordinations, as well as the weekly rhythm of worship planning and execution. Covers ministry to the hospitalized, the incarcerated, those in nursing or group homes, the homebound and the terminally ill. Pastoral and prophetic roles of the pastor will be examined in church and public settings. Emphasis will be placed on being a lifelong learner in the field of pastoral practice and care. 2 hours. Instructors: D. DelHousaye and Moody. Frequency: Every Fall. Required for MDiv BC and MDiv LD Ministry Skills Elective for MDiv CF and MABL General Elective for all other programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Competencies in Pastoral Practice Syllabus
Developing Pastoral Excellence—MS 513
Challenges students to develop the practical skills necessary for effective pastoral leadership. Special attention given to: the centrality of strong pastoral leadership; the impact of church demographics and government on pastoral leadership; strategies for establishing effective pastoral leadership; the relationship between effective pastoral leadership and the development of the kingdom of God. 2 hours. Instructor: Logan. Frequency: Occasional. General Elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Developing Pastoral Excellence Syllabus
Developing a Women’s Ministry—MS 516
Designed to help students acquire leadership skills necessary for establishing and maintaining a women’s ministry. Areas include visionary planning, creating and training a leadership team, clarifying resources, program planning and identifying the components of a healthy large or small church model. 2 hours. Instructor: Beasley. Frequency: Occasional. General Elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Developing a Women’s Ministry Syllabus
Equipping Women to Embrace Their True Identity—MS 520
Women the world over are often confused, abused and denied the truth about who they really are. This course explores historical, cultural and religious reasons why this occurs and develops a biblical worldview of personhood that includes identity, gifts and a call to stewardship. Students learn significant life principles related to identity that they can apply and teach others. 2 hours. Instructor: Beasley. Frequency: Occasional. General Elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Equipping Women to Embrace Their True Identity Syllabus
An Introduction to the Chaplaincy—MS 530
Introduces the elements of pastoral care in specialized settings, with emphasis on military, hospital, law enforcement and legislative Chaplaincy. Topics include the dynamics of ministering in a multi-ethnic, multidisciplinary and multi-faith environment; institutional and ecclesiastical endorsement and relations; and Chaplaincy and the law. 2 hours. Instructor: South. Frequency: Rare. General Elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. An Introduction to the Chaplaincy Syllabus
Church Planting Boot Camp—MS 532
Introduces to the major start-up issues a planter faces in the first year of starting the new church. The course will cover twenty four practical skills modules in the areas of personal preparation, strategic planning, core group development and public launching. This class uses a Boot Camp-style of training with lots of interaction, immediate application and immediate coaching applied to each training module. 2 hours. Instructor: Klippenes. Frequency: Occasional. General Elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Church Planting Boot Camp Syllabus
Ministry Skills Individualized Study—MS 580
A unique course designed by a faculty advisor and student to develop competence in the area of Ministry. 1–4 hours. Instructor: Varies. Frequency: Any Semester. General Elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisites: 3.4 GPA and approved Academic Petition. Notes: May be repeated for credit as MS 581 when section content differs. Ministry Skills Individualized Study Syllabus
Selected Topics in Ministry Skills—MS 595
An occasional Ministry Skills elective offered as needed. Course content is dependent on the expertise of available faculty (resident, adjunct and visiting), current issues of academic and practical importance and overall balance in regard to recent course offerings. 1–4 hours. Instructor: Varies. Frequency: Occasional. General Elective for all programs except MAC. Prerequisite: None. Notes: May be repeated for credit when section content differs. Upcoming topics include: “Suffering and Disability.” Selected Topics in Ministry Skills Syllabus
