Course Samples

Pastoral Identity Retreat

This course features an introduction to family-systems theory and pastoral identity culminating in an off-campus retreat designed to deepen community among students and faculty and to provide opportunities for contemplative prayer and vocational discernment.

Theological Education as Formation for Ministry

A study of the holistic process by which believers are formed for ministry practices. This course investigates ways that habits developed through a theological education are critical to life-long ministry practices.

Gateway to Seminary: An Introduction to Interpreting & Communicating the Bible

An introduction to Biblical, theological and ministerial studies that utilizes demonstrations of exemplary sermons and congregation-focused educational sessions. Includes discussions on the hermeneutical, theological, communicative and cultural assessments surrounding each illustration.

Introduction to Ministry: Forming Communities of Disciples

Through this course, students walk through life cycles of congregants and review the elements of ministry that shape congregants into disciples. Theological reflection, as well as education, worship, preaching, evangelism and ethics, are significant topics.

Models of Contextual Ministry

A course designed to raise constructive questions about how we think about faithful cultural engagement today including how given ministries respond to local cultural contexts.

Service-Learning

For this course, students complete service hours through a ministry of a local congregation, ecclesiastical or para-church organization. This course stretches throughout the three-year program, running concurrently with other M.Div. requirements.

Pastoral Leadership

Our Pastoral Leadership class uncovers key biblical and theological principles that deepen awareness of effective pastoral leadership. This course explores how to lead through conflict and change, understand congregational and staff systems, and utilize problem solving to create opportunities for learning.

Reading Congregations

Our Reading Congregations course focuses on the skills needed to effectively analyze the history, dynamics and spiritual needs and gifts of a given congregation. Usually timed to coincide with summer congregational internships.