Christian Ministries

RELI 1003 – Christian Beliefs – 3 credit hours

A survey of Christian thought, beliefs, and traditions through the ages. Doctrines concerning the nature of God, the fall of man, sin, Jesus Christ, atonement, and salvation are discussed. The Church of the Middle Ages, the Reformation, the Puritan Age, and the contemporary Church are examined. Key figures in Christian thought from St. Augustine to Mother Teresa are introduced. Course rotation: All semesters.

RELI 1013 – Old Testament – 3 credit hours

A survey of the Old Testament dealing with its making, meaning, and literature; designed to lead to an appreciation of its content and application. Course rotation: All semesters.

RELI 1023 – New Testament – 3 credit hours

A survey of the New Testament dealing with its making, meaning, and literature; designed to apply teachings of the New Testament to present times. Course rotation: All semesters.

RELI 1203 – World Religions – 3 credit hours

A survey of the varieties of religious beliefs, emphasizing the relationship of the world’s great religions to one another and to society. Course rotation: All semesters.

RELI 2113 – Gospel, Church & Culture – 3 credit hours

This course examines trends of postmodern culture while preparing missional leaders for effectiveness in Christian ministry amid the ideologies and cultural milieu of contemporary society. The nature and mission of the Church and its witness and service to the world is examined in light of the diverse cultural values encountered in the various cross-cultural contexts within our society. Focus will be given to renewed efforts at effective cultural engagement with the Christian gospel in multi-cultural contexts. Course rotation: Fall.

RELI 3103 – Christian Ministry – 3 credit hours

An introductory study of the nature of the church and its mission. Students will be exposed to the various issues and literature in the field of Christian ministries with special emphasis on discipleship. Prerequisites: RELI 1003 and sophomore standing or above. Course rotation: Fall.

RELI 3113 – Youth Ministry – 3 credit hours

Consideration of the nature and needs of adolescents from junior high through the college years. Philosophy of youth ministry objectives, organizations, and methods are studied with emphasis on effective ministry to reach and develop youth to their fullest potential. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Spring.

RELI 3123 – Worship – 3 credit hours

Understanding Christian worship and church music through consideration to its biblical and historical backgrounds and through observation of its current practice. Experience in planning and conducting worship in a variety of settings. Also listed as MUSI 3123. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Spring of even years

RELI 3133 – The Gospels – 3 credit hours

A study of the basic teachings of Jesus in the synoptic gospels and the Gospel of John in light of critical studies. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Spring of even years.

RELI 3143 – New Testament Letters – 3 credit hours

A historical study of the spread of Christianity into Asia and Europe as seen in the life and writings of the apostles. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Fall of odd years.

RELI 3153 – Age-Level Ministry – 3 credit hours

An examination of the periods of childhood through adulthood from the perspective of ministry needs, developmental tasks, and spiritual formation. Attention is given to the principles of moral and spiritual development of children and programs to integrate all persons into the community of faith. Prerequisites: RELI 1003 and RELI 3103. Course rotation: Fall.

RELI 3163 – Children’s Ministry – 3 credit hours

The purpose of this course is to educate and train leaders in various aspects of children’s ministry including effective teaching methods, program organization, age-level development, volunteer recruitment and training, service on a church staff, and ministry to families.

RELI 3203 – Christian Education – 3 credit hours

Study of the historical, Biblical, theoretical, and psychological concepts central to the field of educational ministry. Reference to various applications in children’s, youth, and adult ministries will be included. Course rotation: Fall.

RELI 3213 – Pentateuch/Historical Books – 3 credit hours

An analysis of the general content and spiritual teachings of the Torah as well as the historical books from Joshua to Esther. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Spring of even years.

RELI 3253 – Poetical Books/Prophets – 3 credit hours

A study of wisdom literature and the prophetic writings of the Old Testament. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Spring of even years.

RELI 3273 – Women in Religion – 3 credit hours

Drawing on the insights of Biblical theology, history, and cross-cultural studies, this course examines the places of women in society and in the church – both as they are and should and could be. Explores the views of female/male roles in the church over the centuries. Critically examines feminist thought and experiences of women with Christianity as well as other religions.

RELI 3293 – Contextual Ministry – 3 credit hours

This course prepares students for ministry in a multicultural society. It is designed to provide historical, theological, sociological, and ethical foundations for ministry in diverse cultures. Special attention will focus on ministries of evangelism, discipleship, and social justice, including an examination of various models of ministry to persons in recovery and others on the margins of society. Prerequisites: RELI 1003, and sophomore standing or above. Course rotation: Spring.

RELI 3413 – Christian Apologetics – 3 credit hours

A basic introduction to a rational defense for the historic and apostolic claims of the Christian faith. Attention is focused on the classic arguments for the existence of God, the reliability of the Bible, and the historical evidence for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Contemporary issues in the area of Christian apologetics within a postmodern, secular culture are examined. Course rotation: Spring.

RELI 3423 – Discipleship – 3 credit hours

This course covers the primary philosophy and methodology for making Christian disciples and examines problems, possibilities and processes for building a disciple-making culture in the local church. Special attention is given to the integration of biblical and theological principles of discipleship for cross-cultural applications in a postmodern world. Course rotation: Fall.

RELI 3503 – Christian Theology – 3 credit hours

An advanced course in the primary doctrines of the Christian faith. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Fall.

RELI 4001 – Ministry Seminar: Youth Camps & Conferences – 1 hour

Explores the objectives, principles, logistics, and details of planning and carrying out a youth camp or conference. Emphasizes the building of a sound program along with the various facets of Christian camping. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Varies.

RELI 4011 – Ministry Seminar: Small Church Ministry – 1 hour

Examines the history of the small church as well as its future. The study includes topics on what is considered a small church, how to pastor a smaller congregation, and how the smaller church can be relevant in today’s society. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Varies.

RELI 4021 – Ministry Seminar: Missions – 1 hour

Students will study the nature, concepts, and practice of mission through encounters with missions’ literature, church history, and missions’ specialists/practitioners. The course emphasizes the connection of mission to the life and ministry of the local church and requires that students take creative and active roles in the learning process. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Varies.

RELI 4031 – Ministry Seminar: Ministry to Senior Adults & Their Families – 1 hour

Presents an overview of senior adult ministry within the local church. Students will research and discuss the characteristics and needs of senior adults and their families and will develop strategies for implementing ministries within the church. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Varies.

RELI 4041 – Ministry Seminar: Campus Ministry – 1 hour

Explores the purpose and principles of campus ministry. Emphasizes building a campus ministry program around the five purposes: worship, evangelism, fellowship, discipleship, and ministry with special focus on the spiritual needs of the college-aged student. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Varies.

RELI 4051 – Ministry Seminar: Recovery Ministry – 1 hour

Helps students explore the relationship between the recovery community and the church community and the effect a church-based recovery ministry can have upon the missional understanding of a local church. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Varies.

RELI 4061 – Ministry Seminar: Spiritual Authority – 1 hour

Addresses the biblical foundations of a spiritual authority and power in the life of Christian believers with special attention to the theology of power and its influence on the goals and methods of Christian ministry. Students will discuss miraculous phenomena – both historical and contemporary – in the life of the church. The course also addresses other relevant areas of inquiry (e.g., Christian identity, the theology of suffering, etc.) as they relate to the Christian life. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Varies.

RELI 4071 – Ministry Seminar: Urban Ministry – 1 hour

Gives students practical experience as well as a theological foundation for ministry to the poor and marginalized in an urban setting. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Varies.

RELI 4081 – Ministry Seminar: Church Planting – 1 hour

Gives students practical tools as well as a theological foundation for planting new churches and missional communities. Attention is also given to the process of assessment for church planters. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Varies.

RELI 4091 – Ministry Seminar: Church Explorations – 1 hour

Explores calls to ministry across a variety of settings. Students may participate in their denominational ministry or may attend a ministry retreat with the class. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Varies.

RELI 4101 – Ministry Seminar: Ministry to Preschoolers & Their Families – 1 hour

Presents an overview of preschool ministry within the local church. Students will discuss and research ideas relating to classroom management, safety, curriculum, developmental issues, and program planning. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Varies.

RELI 4103 – Spiritual Formation – 3 credit hours

An examination of the theological and practical dimensions of spiritual life with an emphasis on prayer, solitude and social responsibility. The history of spirituality and great Christian spiritual writers, past and present will be examined. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Spring.

RELI 4393 – Psychology of Religion – 3 credit hours

Presents psychological, philosophical, and theoretical factors associated with religious practice. Prerequisite: PSYC 1003. Course rotation: Fall.

RELI 4403 – Recreational Ministries – 3 credit hours

Objectives, principles, methods, organizations, and administration of church recreation and camping. Emphasizes the building of a sound recreational program along with the various facets of Christian camping. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Fall.

RELI 4413 – Missional Leadership – 3 credit hours

A course that combines biblical theology, sociological foundations, and principles of leadership development to equip students for effective ministry in missional contexts, including church plants, urban ministries, cross-cultural missions, and related ministry systems in a postmodern culture. Prerequisites: RELI 1003, and sophomore standing or above.. Course rotation: Spring.

RELI 4553 – Wesleyan Studies – 3 credit hours

A survey of Methodist theology, history and practice from the time of John Wesley to the present. It integrates theology and practice of ministry by showing the impact and relevance of Wesleyanism for the contemporary church. Prerequisites: RELI 1003 and RELI 3103. Course rotation: Varies.

RELI 4603 – Homiletics – 3 credit hours

A consideration of the essential qualifications of a preacher; the need for preaching; and proper preparation of sermon material, including discovery and arrangement of ideas, and the effective presentation and reception of the message. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in COMM 2103. Course rotation: Varies.

RELI 4933 – Practicum I – 3 credit hours

Provides exposure to ministry as a vocation. Students participate in a 120-clock hour practicum under skilled supervision. Corequisite or Prerequisite: Second semester junior standing. Course rotation: All semesters.

RELI 4943 – Practicum II – 3 credit hours

Provides exposure to ministry as a vocation. Students participate in a 120-clock hour practicum under skilled supervision. Corequisite or Prerequisite: Second semester junior standing. Course rotation: All semesters.

RELI 4950 – Senior Practicum III – 1-3 credit hours

An additional 120-clock hour practicum experience in the field of church work. Course rotation: All semesters.