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.

This course develops and serves as an introduction to understanding the nature and mission of formational ministry for the church. Biblical, theological, historical and developmental foundations allow students to form a coherent strategy for nurturing the whole faith community.

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.

The course is designed to advance the student's knowledge and competency in the area of organizational leadership with particular emphasis upon organizational and environmental analysis, systems thinking, strategic planning and change management. In addition to the required readings and discussions, the student will develop a substantive strategic plan through a three-draft process.

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.

This course serves to aid students in the transition from student life in the seminary to practice in vocational ministry. Particular focus is given to ministerial identity formation, resume development, ministry search process and resources and ordination and licensure. Embedded within the course are the administration of several exiting student assessments . The course is required for most resident degree programs during the final year of enrollment.

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.

As the fourth course in the Ministry Residency sequence, Ministry Residency IV is designed to foster collaborative partnerships and to enhance the curriculum by the inclusion of ministry practitioners and contextual learning. It is intended to nurture learning, skill development, ministry practice, identity formation conducive to excellence in ministry, significantly improve the readiness for excellence in vocational ministry leadership and provide students with authentic ministry experiences.

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.