CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES COURSES | EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES COURSES | MISSIONS COURSES | YOUTH MINISTRY COURSES
CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES COURSES
CM 100 (3) Ministry and Mission in the Contemporary Church
An examination of various models of the church and its ministry. Contemporary expressions of the church's mission in the world will be explored and compared to Biblical ideas, and students will develop a personal statement of ministry philosophy. Consideration will be given to the call, qualifications, and roles of ministry leaders.
CM 201 (3) Dynamics of Spiritual Growth
A study of the dynamics of Christian growth and maturity, with special emphasis on the Spirit-filled life. Concepts of discipleship and spiritual formation will be considered in the light of human developmental patterns. The course is concerned with students' own spiritual growth, and their facilitation of others' spiritual growth.
CM 211 (3) Instructional Bible Study
A Bible study skill course combined with examination and application of appropriate methods and materials for teaching the Bible. Opportunity is given in lab sessions to develop personal skills in teaching and leading small group Bible studies.
CM 235 (1) CM Practicum
Opportunity for observation and practical experience in ministry settings as a means to clarify direction and call to ministry through networking with professionals serving in a ministry role. Periodic class sessions provide opportunity for interaction with peers and reflection on ministry practices. Majors and minors only. May be repeated once for credit. Contract.
CM 312 (3) Strategies in World Evangelism
Considers the biblical and historical dimensions of evangelism as well as a step-by-step process for developing a culture specific evangelistic plan. Attention is given to such concerns as target audience selection, team development and training, goal setting, evaluation, etc.
CM 371 (3) Media Ministries
Overview of the many intersections between media and the gospel, including media uses in the local church and in missions, religious broadcasting history, portrayals of Christ and Christians in film/television, and ways Christians can influence media organizations as “salt and light.” Prerequisite: Junior standing. Fee.
CM 380 (3) Organizational Strategies in Ministry
A study of organizational strategies and administrative structures for effective ministry. Attention is given to planning, implementing and evaluating the organizational and administrative framework of various types of ministries. Prerequisite: CM 100.
CM 391 (1-3) Independent Study
A directed and supervised investigation of a selected research problem or issue in Christian ministry. The preparation of a scholarly paper is included. Prerequisites: EM 280, seniors only, departmental permission required. (May not be repeated for credit.) Contract.
CM 393 (1-3) Seminar
The study of various issues and fields of Christian ministry, with special emphasis on trends and issues of contemporary ministry. Topics will be determined and announced for each semester the seminar is offered. Prerequisites: EM 340, 350, 360, 380. (Not more than 4 hours of seminar credit may count towards major or minor. Admission by departmental permission only.)
CM 411 (3) Leadership in Ministry
A survey of foundational principles of leadership and leadership development in ministry settings. Students develop personal leadership skills relating to team ministry.
CM 413 (2) Worship
An examination of the history and biblical base of Christian worship, including implications for the role and development of forms of worship in contemporary ministry. Fee
CM 435 (3) Internship
The application of ministry principles in an actual ministry setting, supervised by appropriate ministry personnel. Credit/No credit. Prerequisites: Either EM 340, 350, or 360 (whichever is appropriate to the internship situation), and CM 380; JR/SR status; major/minor only. Contract.
CM 475 (3) Senior Seminar
A reflection upon the entire field of Christian Ministries with specific orientation toward the evaluation of experience and the setting of goals for future ministry. Senior majors and minors only. Perquisite: CM/MIS/YM 435.
EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES COURSES
EM 220 (3) Teaching in the Church
An introduction to the educational ministry of the church, with a focus on the act of teaching as a means for leading people to Christ and to maturity in their Christian walk. Students will explore basic principles of learning and human development, curriculum design and varieties of methodology, as well as structures for Christian growth and learning in the Church.
EM 280 (3) Foundations for Educational Ministry
A study of cultural, theological, philosophical, and psychological concepts foundational to the field of educational ministry.
EM 340 (3) Children's Ministry
A study of the nature and needs of childhood with special attention to principles of nurturing and enriching the moral and spiritual development of the child. Students gain skills in planning the Church's ministry to, by, and with children.
EM 350 (3) Youth Ministry
An analysis of contemporary youth culture, peer syndrome, personal identity and value development with principles and skills of creative youth ministry methodology. Emphasis is given to evangelism and spiritual growth of adolescents, toward the goal of full involvement in the Church.
EM 360 (3) Adult Ministry
An examination of the periods of adulthood from the perspective of needs, developmental tasks and spiritual formation. Includes program development and a study of principles which promote the integration of all adults into the community of faith.
EM 401 (2) Curriculum and Resources
A study of the biblical, theological, and historical foundations of church/ministry curriculum and resources. Opportunity is provided for students to critique and write curriculum, as well as to observe the commercial development of materials for the Christian market. Fee.
MISSIONS COURSES
MIS 200 (3) Introduction to Teaching English as a Second Language
Presents theories of language learning and factors which impede language learning. Designed to provide theoretical and practical experience in language acquisition. Students will provide tutorial assistance to non-native English speakers. Prerequisite: completion of ENG 110 or 251.
MIS 201 (3) Christianity & Contemporary World Religions
A critical analysis of the belief systems and behavioral practices of contemporary religious systems such as Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, animism, secular humanism, etc. Special attention is given to the development of effective missionary strategies for reaching those people groups who practice such religious systems with the message of the Gospel.
MIS 311 (3) Strategies in Intercultural Communication
Focuses upon the development of skills needed for effective, cross-cultural communication of the Gospel. Attention is given to strategic concerns such as the understanding of one's target audience, the task of identification with that target audience, and the effects of cultural differences on the communication process.
MIS 312 (3) Strategies in World Evangelism
Considers the biblical and historical dimensions of evangelism as well as a step-by-step process for developing a culture specific evangelistic plan. Attention is given to such concerns as target audience selection, team development and training, goal setting, evaluation, etc.
MIS 322 (3) Christianity and Culture
Examines the impact of culture upon Christianity in all cultures, including our own, and the need for effective contextualization of the Gospel in every culture in order to establish an indigenous church. Attention is given to the implications of "being North American" in another culture as well as to the issue of "dynamic equivalency" in missionary strategy.
MIS 323 (3) Ministry in the 2/3 World
Focusing on the contemporary missiological emphasis of power evangelism, this course seeks to equip the cross-cultural worker to deal with the phenomenon of "signs and wonders" in a biblically responsible and culturally contextual manner. Attention is given to the need for an integration of the purity and power dimensions of ministry historically characteristic of the Wesleyan tradition. Alternate years.
MIS 330 (3) Latin American Culture and Religion
Provides the student with a general introduction to the intertwining of culture and religion in a present-day Roman Catholic Latin America as well as the historical, political and social conditions which gave rise to that culture. Attention is given to the phenomenon of religious change, to the Protestant sub-culture which is often formed as a result of such a change, and to modern socio-religious forces such as Liberation Theology, the role of multinational cooperations, the influence of United States government policy, etc. Alternate years.
MIS 350 (3) Mission Trends
A study of historical trends in the missionary enterprise as well as an analysis of current philosophies and methodologies. Emphasis is placed on missions as both a science and a special calling of God. Attention is given to the implications, practical problems, and challenges of "being a missionary" in today's world.
MIS 435 (3) Internship
Integrates the practical experience of a short-term, cross-cultural assignment with directed, academic research. The course is carried out in connection with an approved agency such as a mission board, national church ministry, intercity outreach, etc. The student's performance is evaluated and graded by a faculty member of Asbury College in consultation with the approved agency. Contract.
YOUTH MINISTRY COURSES
YM 235 (1) YM Practicum
Opportunity for observation and practical experience in ministry settings as a means to clarify direction and call to ministry through networking with professionals serving in a youth ministry role. Periodic class sessions provide opportunity for interaction with peers and reflection on ministry practices. Majors and minors only. May be repeated once for credit. Contract.
YM 350 (3) Youth Ministry
An analysis of contemporary youth culture, peer syndrome, personal identity and value development with principles and skills of creative youth ministry methodology. Emphasis is given to evangelism and spiritual growth of adolescents, toward the goal of full involvement in the Church.
YM 360 (2) Youth and Culture
A course exploring characteristics and trends in youth culture. Emphasis is placed on equipping future youth ministry leaders to assess and address these issues from a biblical and culturally-sensitive perspective in their ministry. Students will design and implement a research project. Alternate years. Pre-requisite: EM/YM 350 or department permission.
YM 370 (2) Pastoral Care of Youth
A study of various problems that affect adolescents and processes for spiritually-centered assistance and intervention. Basic pastoral care/counseling principles and strategies for a ministry context will be explored, including confidentiality, limitations, referral, and ethics. Alternate years. Prerequisite: EM/YM 350 or department permission.
YM 391 (1-3) Independent Study
A directed and supervised investigation of a selected research problem or issue in youth ministry. The preparation of a scholarly paper is included. Prerequisites: EM 280, seniors only, departmental permission required. (May not be repeated for credit.) Contract.
YM 393 (1-3) Seminar
The study of various issues and fields of youth ministry, with special emphasis on trends and issues of contemporary ministry. Topics will be determined and announced for each semester the seminar is offered. Prerequisites: EM 340, 350, 360, 380. (Not more than 4 hours of seminar credit may count towards major or minor. Admission by departmental permission only.)
YM 435 (3) Internship
The application of ministry principles in an actual ministry setting with adolescents, supervised by department-approved ministry personnel. Prerequisites: EM 350 and CM 380; JR/SR status; major/minor only. Credit/No credit. Contract.