Designed for those interested in any level of ministry. This course introduces the field of Practical Theology as it applies to the fundamental aspects of ministry. We will explore contemporary tensions, both personal and professional, that exist within the field of Ministry and the students will be exposed to a wide variety of ministry applications.

A survey of physical, cognitive, emotional and moral development and current sociological issues related to adolescents and adults. Students will analyze lifespan development with the intent of developing ministries that meet the specific needs of those they will serve.

This course provides a foundational understanding of the global mission of the church and how to effectively serve and partner globally for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Students develop a biblical theology of global mission, centering on the mission of God in the world and the mission of the church. Practical emphasis is given to how to foster healthy, mutual, global partnerships that and an overview o how churches and ministries approach global mission today.

A study in learning theory, liturgical practices and the use of technology in ministry. Students will design lessons with special consideration for ways to communicate biblical truths through a variety of creative teaching methods. Students will analyze current curriculum, learn basic hermeneutical skills and create curriculum that is experiential, interactive, multi-sensory and communal.

This course will equip students for urban ministry in the cities of North America and around the world. With an emphasis on race and class, students will develop a biblical, historical and sociocultural foundation for poverty and justice while engaging different strategies for effective relationships and Christian community development.

An examination of personal strengths and identification of areas of adjustment that may assist in personal growth, with emphasis on ministry leadership formation. Self-management includes the development of communication and management of individual and professional priorities. Emphasis is also placed on the nurture and development of personal faith, understanding the vocation of ministry leadership, and Christian worldview. Topics include communication processes within groups, goal setting, prioritizing, identifying personal values and time management.

This course provides foundational training on how to lead volunteer-based ministry in both church and parachurch contexts. Special focus is given to recruiting and maintaining volunteers, identifying and training leaders, and functioning within a broader ministry system. Students explore the value of volunteering in the discipleship process, and they develop a plan for coordinating, evaluating, and training volunteers.

The focus of the class will be on the process and skills for evangelism and basic discipleship (new believers, Bible engagement, prayer, obedience, community).

A study and application of the various facets of personal growth necessary for effective leadership. These include the purpose and practice of spiritual disciplines, identifying one's spiritual gifts and natural abilities, and the importance of establishing relationships for accountability.

A study of the biblical concepts of ministry, theological presuppositions, skills, attitudes and values that shape one's philosophy. Students formulate a ministry philosophy providing the basis for constructing a pattern for program development.

Provides a biblical foundation for spiritual development. Special consideration is given to the history and practice of spiritual disciplines, scriptural meditation,contemplative prayer and spiritual listening.

An examination of the principles and values that guide ethical decision-making, ethical relationships and ministry practices in parachurch and local church settings. The course focuses on helping students develop a personal code of ethics within the framework of a thoroughly Christ-centered worldview.

Today's North American culture intersects with the Body of Christ (Church) in a variety of institutions. This course explores the theological convictions of what it means to be the Church (an identity in Christ) while expressing itself as an important entity in society. We will look at our recent history, current challenges, and potential models of ministry within our North American society.

Practical field experience in a ministry context designed to help the student develop ministry skills and to clarify the student's sense of vocation.

Designed to help the student discover their gifts, talents, calling, interest and abilities as they relate to youth ministry and parachurch settings. A minimum of 120 hours in supervised ministry is required.

Designed to help the student develop the skills necessary for teaching. Emphasis on writing objectives, preparing lesson plans, using creative illustrations, storytelling, gestures and delivery. Students will be teaching in the class and in a field setting where they will be video recorded. A minimum of 120 hours in supervised ministry is required.

Designed to help the students study and experience specialized topics that relate to youth ministry or parachurch settings. A minimum of 120 hours in supervised ministry is required.

An interactive framework that allows students to investigate distinct philosophical and ecclesiological views regarding how ministry relates to the church at large. Each student will design his/her own philosophy of ministry within the context of the local church and parachurch ministries.

An examination of administrative structures, organizational goal setting, current technical resources, budgeting, delegation and recruitment methods. Special emphasis is given to the team-building process as it relates to leadership and staff development.

A study of the attitudes of faithfulness, sensitivity and persistence needed to impact one's culture with the foundational truths of Scripture. Special attention is given to cross-cultural applications and developing a system for integrating evangelism and discipleship in one's organization.

This course provides advanced teaching and experience in spiritual formation, with emphasis on discernment, spiritual community, and responding to suffering in life and ministry. Students continue to explore their stories and their relationship with God through Scripture, spiritual disciplines, and dialogue with key spiritual writers in the history of the Christian church. This course also includes a formation retreat experience where students engage in prayer and spiritual community.

This course explores best practices for ministry to youth/adolescents and parents in both church and parachurch contexts. Special focus is given to understanding the current needs (spiritual, emotional, relational, developmental) of middle school and high school students and how to work with local schools and community leaders effectively.

This course provides foundational training on the structure, finances, governance, and communications of churches and other nonprofit organizations. Students explore what it takes to explore and run a 501c3 nonprofit organization, including planning budgets, reading financial statements, working with a board, and communicating effectively through marketing and other messaging strategies.

A capstone module designed to allow students to integrate the various principles of the program with actual vocational environments. Case study analysis provides the basis for connecting ministry leadership objectives to vocational experiences. A special session is conducted on vocational search for leadership positions in ministry, service, or not-for- profit organizations. Completion of previous course work is necessary for successful completion of this course.

Hurting people are drawn to ministry leaders for spiritual care and support. Such support requires the leader to have specific theological and professional perspectives to ensure a healthy response for all involved. Students in this course will be exposed to various models and discern their own Practical Theology of Soul Care. Students will become aware of the diverse challenges, research particular concerns they will face and create a personal and professional care resource to use within their future ministry. For those entering a formal church position, this syllabus holds objectives commonly found in Pastoral Care courses but equally recognizes these skills as necessary for those in non-pastoral roles in parachurch contexts.

Homiletics is the composition and delivery of religious messages . Though historically a course called "Homiletics" was for senior pastors, it is clear from today's diverse ministry opportunities there is need to study and practice the skill of presenting various forms of Biblical and spiritual encouragement for those we serve . This course will look at various models for giving devotionals, homilies, teachings and sermons . Observing, creating, and practicing these will be a large part of this course and the student will come away with several scripts for their vocational ministry . This course is not limited to one gender or one context but serves a variety of people in a variety of ministry spaces.

Designed to address current issues or critical concerns that relate to youth ministry. Studies will specialize in various topics not covered in the catalog. May be taken two times with different emphasis.

An in-depth look of the issues related to providing counseling to children, adolescents and their parents. Focus will be on addictive behaviors, abnormal development, intervention, spiritual abuse and awareness of when and to whom to refer individuals for professional therapy.

An investigation into the meaning of biblical Christianity and its relationship to faith and practice within contemporary cultural contexts. Special attention is given to the corporate dimensions of spirituality and spiritual formation. Each enrolled student will be charged an additional $175 .00 for specialized course materials. The fee will be automatically charged to the student's account upon registration. This course must be completed within the first 15 credits of enrollment.

This course sets a foundational framework of knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to develop intercultural and international organizational leaders. Students examine theories, issues and skills of leadership, motivation, decision-making and communication from a transcultural biblical values perspective using case studies and texts.

This course is designed to facilitate the student's understanding and competency to lead theologically informed, community-based ministry. Through readings, standardized assessments, reflective writing and other assigned projects, the student will explore a systems approach to community-based ministry. Consideration will be given to theological foundations, theories of leadership and theories of change. The course will culminate in the development of a ministry transition plan.

This course is designed to facilitate the student's understanding and competency to lead theologically informed urban youth ministry . Through readings, standardized assessments, reflective writing and other assigned projects, the student will explore a systems approach to urban youth ministry . Consideration will be given to theological foundations, theories of leadership and theories of change. The course will culminate in the development of a ministry transition plan.

This course is designed to provide a foundation for understanding the administrative and educational functions of student development while giving particular emphasis to the spiritually formative opportunities available during the season of post-secondary education. Topics include ethical and legal issues in higher education; student development theories and practices; program development and assessment; moral and faith development in college students; campus diversity; and supporting, developing and implementing institutional priorities and vision.

A foundational study of the chaplain ministry. This course is available on an individual basis and by special arrangement.

One unit of basic clinical pastoral education accredited by the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education may be credited for three hours of field ministry or three hours in the pastoral concentration. Students wishing to take this unit must be approved by one of the area training centers.

This course is designed to develop both knowledge and skill in administration and pastoral care of persons. Administrative principles are developed and applied to ministry. A second focus develops the pastor's ability to care for people in both individual and group settings.

This course provides for the pastoral specialization an introduction to the broad range of skills that a pastor must develop in the everyday work of the ministry . This includes the administration of ordinances, conducting weddings and funerals, caring for the sick and grief stricken, ministerial ethics, church service development, a preaching calendar, knowledge of the annual liturgical calendar and church life, financial integrity in one's personal life, church staff and officers development, cultivating life habits of professional development and song leading capacity, along with numerous timeless items that contribute to the science and art of pastoral ministry. The student will have contact with regional pastors in the acquisition of these skills and attitudes.

This class is designed to develop the ministry leader's knowledge and skill in evangelism and discipleship ministries. The course will examine personal as well as corporate models of evangelism and discipleship.

A consideration of the various factors which influence the teaching and learning process . Students will engage in a critical analysis of how faith is formed through the teaching ministry of the church. This highly interactive skills course allows opportunity to practice various methods of creatively teaching the Bible.

This course provides an understanding of the development and characteristics of the three phases of adolescence: early (junior high), middle (senior high) and emerging adulthood (college age). Students will evaluate contemporary research on each phase and consider how to apply it toward effective church or campus ministries and counseling situations. Special attention will be given to exploring how faith is nurtured throughout each phase of adolescence.

This course provides an in-depth opportunity for critical reflection about the roles of women in the church, home and community, informed and governed by the text of scripture. Substantial attention is given to examining and defining issues related to gender, understanding the impact of culture on identity development and seeking what God intends for women in ministry . Further emphasis is placed on understanding a historical context that reflects the experiences of women throughout the ages beginning with studying the women of the Bible.

This course is designed to help students develop a biblical theology of mission that shapes how the church intersects with the 21st century world. Students will consider the essence of missio Dei (the sending of God) and of missio ecclesia (the sending of the church) as rooted in the biblical narrative. Simultaneously, students will consider global trends and the implications of those trends for life and ministry. Students will examine the validity of traditional and emerging models for global missions in light of the above.

A comprehensive presentation of the tasks of world mission and evangelization through a development of the biblical, historical, strategic and cultural perspectives of Christianity in the world . The lectures are delivered by a variety of individuals with reputations in academic and ministry settings. The course is offered to students through a cooperative agreement, and the location rotates year to year between several venues in Grand Rapids.

This course explores the transition from Christendom to a post-Christian society and considers how the church should appropriately respond to live out her mission. Students will critically evaluate various proposals for understanding the gospel, the church and the culture and how these relate to one another. This course culminates for the student in the development of a written philosophy of cultural engagement that might be applied to a church or parachurch setting.

An independent readings course in preparation for writing a master's thesis in a focused area of ministry. The student will read approximately 2,000 pages and structure a thesis proposal under the guidance of a thesis adviser and in accordance with seminary standards for form and style. Registration for this course requires adviser approval.

This course will examine the biblical basis for Christian worship and the major patterns of corporate worship and related devotional practices (public prayer and fasting) found in the early church, medieval period, Protestant Reformation, Puritan tradition, evangelical revival and contemporary Pentecostal and charismatic movements . Through critical reflection upon this historical material, students will develop an account of Christian worship, its structures and leadership, which is relevant to their own church context and integrates theological and practical components.

The design of this class is to give the pastor an understanding of group dynamics, to develop small groups in church ministry and to develop leadership skills in the congregation.

An introduction to homiletics with attention to philosophy and purpose . Emphasis is given to study of available methods for gathering the biblical and non-biblical materials needed for sermons. The course includes a laboratory that allows basic instruction and evaluation regarding the student's communication style in the homiletical situation.

A concentrated study of the organization of sermonic material with emphasis given to its application in expository preaching. Various types of expository sermons are examined, and attention is given to responsibilities related to the pulpit ministry. The laboratory allows instruction in and application of a variety of delivery techniques.

An investigation of the developmental aspects of children and societal influences on childhood. Special attention will be given to the church's and parent's task in nurturing Christian faith for this important age group. Students will also gain a foundational overview of leading and programming effective ministries for children.

This course explores the ministry to emerging generations ranging from junior high through college age. Students will examine the context of adolescence in North America, consider the theological foundations for ministry and evaluate various contemporary proposals. This course culminates in the development of a written philosophy of ministry to youth and emerging adults.

The course engages students in readings, critical reflection, online discussion and reflective and critical writing in areas foundational to adult religious education. Consideration is given to the nature of knowing, adult learning theory, learner-centered teaching, diverse learning styles and methods of instruction that facilitate adult learning. The course culminates for the student in the development of a written philosophy of adult religious education.

Analysis of the concept of curriculum planning with special focus on the local church context. The various curriculum models that have shaped contemporary thought are investigated with a view toward their suitability to Christian education. A paradigm for producing a curriculum design at any level will be developed and the student will be expected to draft a curriculum design for a particular ministry application.

This course is designed to give leaders an introductory grasp of cultural intelligence, a person's ability to adapt successfully to different national, organizational and professional cultures. Literature from the fields of anthropology and sociology are used as well as studying cultural engagement in light of the biblical narrative as a way to develop missional communities of incarnational ministry.

This course studies the brokenness in our own neighborhoods and explores practical ways for the church to embody the gospel in response to social inequities like racism, inequitable distribution of wealth, illiteracy, abuse, etc. It considers the literature of urban transformation and the use of measures like casework, education, microlending/microenterprise development, etc

The first course of three designed for the Ministry Residency. The student will get acquainted with their specific ministry culture. Through the student's ministry, interaction with their mentor, contact with other ministry residency students, and their own personal reflection, the student will lay a foundation for their journey in a ministry context while gaining feedback that will help them in preparation for ministry. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to articulate goals for personal growth and ministry competency; track and evaluate their time management; establish the discipline of journaling and reflection; apply regular feedback from their mentor; and be relationally connected with their ministry context.

The second course of three that continues to build on the student's residency experience. In addition to further developing the competencies students began in Ministry Residency I, students will explore ministry topics including small group dynamics, working with board/elder meetings, pastoral duties (leading communion), strategic planning, and staff meetings.

A formal class which addresses the interests of students and faculty. Courses may include current issues related to ministry practice and other subjects which call for special analysis.

Up to 9 hours of elective credit may be given for any of these three units. No more than a total of 12 hours will be given for basic and advanced units, including hours of field ministry. Students wishing to take advanced units must have completed the basic unit and must be approved by one of the area training centers. Information concerning application is available in the Academic Office.

The third course of three that continues to build on residency experience. In addition to further developing of the competencies began in Ministry Residency I and II, students will explore ministry areas including classroom teaching, board/elder meetings, pastoral duties (weddings), implementing a ministry initiative, leadership, premarital counseling, cross-cultural immersion/engagement, focusing on specificity of ministerial call.

Supervised independent study for advanced students in educational ministries. Registration for this course requires adviser approval.

Supervised independent study for advanced students in intercultural ministries. Registration for this course requires adviser approval.

Supervised independent study for advanced students in the chaplaincy ministry. Registration for this course requires adviser approval.

The student will write a thesis (50-75 pages) under the supervision of a faculty thesis adviser on a significant approved topic in the major field. The thesis format should be governed by "A Manual for Writers of Papers, Theses, and Dissertations" (current edition) by Kate L. Turabian, along with supplemental materials and/or instructions provided by the seminary. Registration for this course requires adviser approval.