Christian Ministries and Missions
- Professor Budd, Chair
- Professor Thornton
- Associate Professors J. Harper, Thomas
The Great Commission calls for strong leadership among those who seek ministry vocations as the church moves into the 21st century. The Department of Christian Ministries and Missions seeks to increase understanding and thoughtful participation in the work of the church, with particular focus on the educational and missional components of that work. Programs of study in the department demonstrate special concern for exploring ways to meet spiritual needs, from a Biblical perspective, as they exist individually and socially in various societies.
1. A core of courses anchors students in basic understandings of the Church and its mission in the world, in foundational practices of Bible study and other spiritual disciplines, and in experiences leading to effective ministry. Students may major in Christian Ministries, Missions, or Youth Ministry (minors are also available in each of these areas).
2. The CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES MAJOR prepares students for leadership in the disciple-making and teaching ministry of the church and parachurch. Preparation is supported through study of developmental patterns and ministry approaches throughout the life cycle. A concern for organizational structure and curricular resources is reflected in course offerings. The department’s Resource Center (housed in the Kinlaw Library) makes a wide variety of materials available for student research, as well as for applied ministry.
3. The MISSIONS MAJOR prepares students for cross-cultural ministry in an international setting or among ethnic groups in the United States. This program seeks to equip students with knowledge and understanding of the issues of intercultural communication in general and cross-cultural communication of the Christian gospel in particular. Using a multidisciplinary approach, students learn to analyze intercultural problems, work within the arena of cultural diversity, and form the conceptual framework and practical skills needed for effective cross-cultural communication and ministry.
4. The YOUTH MINISTRY MAJOR prepares students for leadership roles in ministry with adolescents in church and parachurch. Rooted in study and understanding of the unique developmental journey of youth, the major equips students for evaluating various models of ministry with adolescents and developing their own consistent approach. A focus on teaching and mentoring youth is supported by study and practice in evangelism, counseling, recreation, and assessment of youth culture, with a goal of guiding youth to Christian maturity and participation in the Church’s ministry.
CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES (48 hour major + general education + electives)
CM 100, 201, 211, 235, 380, 435, 475; EM 220, 280; MIS 201; 9 hours from EM 340, 350, 360, SW 351; 5 hours of CM/EM; 6 hours of NT/OT (not 100)
MISSIONS (42 hour major + general education + electives)
CM 100, 201, 211, 475; MIS 201, 311, 312, 435; 6 hours from MIS 200, 322, 323, 330, 350, SOC 212; 12 hours of NT/OT (not 100)
YOUTH MINISTRY (48 hour major + general education + electives)
CM 100, 201, 211, 380, 475; EM 220, 280; MIS 201; YM 235, 350, 435; YM 360 or 370; EM 360 or SW 351; 6 hours of CM/EM/YM; 6 hours of NT/OT (not 100)
CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES (18 hour minor)
CM 100, 201, 380; 3 hours from EM 340, 350, 360; plus 6 hours of CM/EM The CM minor may not be completed by YM majors.
MISSIONS (18 hour minor)
CM 100; 15 hours of MIS
YOUTH MINISTRY (21 hour minor)
CM 100, 211, 380; YM 350; YM 360 or 370; plus 6 hours of CM/EM/YM The YM minor may not be completed by CM majors