Ministry

This course offers an introduction and orientation to advanced professional ministry studies. It is designed to assist students in clarifying their career objectives by focusing on vocation/calling, personal gifting, strengths and limitations. It will also orient students by offering an overview of the program from beginning to end, examining in turn the kinds of disciplines they will encounter. Finally, the course will also explore the various academic skills required to successfully complete the program and serve in ministry effectively, including reading, research and writing, critical thinking skills, computer skills, constructive conversation, personal organization and time management, and planning a course of studies.

This foundational course develops students' critical thinking and academic writing competencies. Students engage in learning activities to become better readers of academic texts, to understand the process of academic research and writing, and to become better writers. Emphasis is placed on understanding similarities and differences between various academic writing genres, correctly using Chicago Manual of Style guidelines, and conducting research appropriate to their assignments. Students develop a scholar-practitioner perspective through reading, writing, and reflection within the context of ministry. Students will be evaluated on their writing skills in this course. The course is Pass/Fail.

This course is an introduction to the methods and principles of biblical interpretation and personal Bible study. It includes a survey of the various kinds of biblical literature and offer guidance on how to dig further into the original setting and meaning of Scripture. The course will also examine the major approaches to biblical interpretation in the history of Christianity. Finally, the course addresses the role of proper biblical interpretation in spiritual life and ministry.

This course provides a survey of Old Testament literature in its historical and cultural context. It focuses on variety of themes in the Old Testament including creation, anthropology, sin, covenants, sacrifices, law, and prophecy. Students will study various theological approaches to the Hebrew scriptures with special attention to the historical interpretation of the theology of the Old Testament.

This course surveys the different kinds of literature in the New Testament in its literary, historical and cultural contexts. It also addresses key themes in the New Testament including Christology, sacrifices, law, ecclesiology, and prophecy. Students will study various theological approaches to the New Testament with special attention to the historical interpretation of the theology of the New Testament and the methods of interpreting the gospels and Paul's writings.

This course offers students an introduction to the study of theology, including theological methodology and the main topics of systematic theology. It presents brief surveys of the nature and character of the Triune God, revelation and the Bible, theological anthropology, Christology and salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and eschatology. Particular attention will be given in each case to the significance of Christian doctrine in ministry.

This course surveys the major world religions and several newer religions found in North America. By better understanding their beliefs and practices the course aims to equip students to minister more effectively in religiously diverse settings. Note: this course does not include apologetic strategies for evangelism/proselytism. It will encourage students to carefully consider how best to present their own convictions through constructive engagement with persons of other religious traditions or of no religious affiliation.

This course presents an overview of the biblical principles of the Christian life and a survey of key historical figures and developments in the Catholic and Protestant Western tradition. It will address the issue of pastoral identity as participation in the ongoing ministry of Christ on behalf of the world, and explore the primary spiritual disciplines of prayer, study, worship, solitude, fellowship, and service from the perspective of leadership in pastoral ministry.

Participants in this course will survey the biblical and theological foundations of community and discipleship, and the process of spiritual transformation. Specific attention will be given to strategies for gathering and leading small groups, and to effective practices in making disciples. Students will develop personal strategies for small groups and discipleship in their own ministries.

This course examines the many forms of diversity in North American culture and in ministry. Beginning with biblical and theological perspectives on diversity, the course will address racial/ethnic diversity, gender, class and socioeconomic status, religious diversity, and sexual orientation. Each topic will be analyzed in the context of pastoral ministry, and students will be able to develop personal strategies for engaging people of many different backgrounds.

This course gives students an overview of the basic models of leadership drawn from biblical and theological sources as well as contemporary leadership theory in business, non-profit, and ministry settings. Students will develop an understanding of their own personal leadership styles from the perspective of leadership development theory, and will examine the various roles and tasks of leadership. Attention will also be given to racial/ethnic, gender, and socio-economic factors in diversity, power dynamics, conflict, and trust and credibility.

Participants in this course will learn the basic theory of communication and develop skills in the practices of effective communication for ministry leaders. The theoretical foundations will draw on biblical and theological resources as well as contemporary communication theory. A variety of communication forms will be addressed, including preaching, teaching, one-on-one, small groups, writing, and social media. Attention will also be given to the communication needs of different audiences and to the dynamics of cross-cultural communication.

Participants in this course will develop skills of mediating conflict and promoting reconciliation in the context of pastoral ministry. The course will consider biblical and theological resources as well as sociological and psychological research for understanding the causes of conflict and God's intention for reconciliation. Using case studies and role-play, students will have supervised opportunities to try out methods of resolving conflict.

The basic theory, principles, and techniques of counseling and its application to professional counseling settings are explained. Also considered are the various theories of counseling and issues, e.g., counselor self-evaluation (moral), ethical, and legal, in the practice of professional counseling.

This course explores the meaning of health and wellness in the Bible and examines different interpretations of the texts in their application in the ministry of healing. Consideration will also be given to perspectives on healing in other religious traditions. Students will be encouraged to develop their own theological understanding of healing and wholeness as a foundational perspective for their own ministry.

This course provides an introduction and orientation to ministry leadership in the local church setting. Building from foundational biblical and theological perspectives on pastoral ministry, it will examine various pastoral roles and tasks, including preaching/teaching, worship/liturgy, pastoral care, fellowship, evangelism and new member assimilation. Special attention will be given to developing a pastoral awareness of the cultural context of the local church.

This course provides an overview and orientation to pastoral ministry in institutional settings, including hospitals, care facilities, correctional facilities, first responders (fire/police/FEMA), residential recovery programs, recreation and retirement developments. It will equip participants to recognize and understand the unique opportunities in chaplaincy, and to formulate personal ministry strategies suited to their calling and vocation. While the primary focus of attention will be given to the theology of chaplaincy ministry from a Christian perspective, chaplaincy ministries in other faith traditions will also be addressed.

This course includes studies that provide a broad understanding of the nature and needs of individuals at all levels of development: normal and abnormal behavior; personality theory; lifespan theory; and learning theory within cultural contexts. Appropriate strategies for facilitating development over the lifespan are also integrated into the course.

This course provides students with an opportunity to develop their own theology of ministry and begin laying the academic foundations for their dissertation or ministry project. Biblical and theological resources for a theology of ministry will be examined, and students will explore different models of integrating theology and ministry. Considerable attention will also be given to the process of research in ministry and writing.

The course provides a foundation for ministry with the dying and the grieving with a survey of biblical and theological resources as well as insights from the social sciences on grief and loss. Particular attention will be given to the Christian tradition of the ars moriendi (art of dying). The course will also assist the student in developing skills for ministry with the dying and their families and friends.

Students in this course will develop skills in preparing and delivering sermons. Particular attention will be given to different types of sermons as well as understanding the setting and audience for their teaching and preaching. Each student will prepare and deliver at least one sermon and will receive feedback from the instructor and his or her peers.

Participants in this course will develop skills for ministry to and with disabled persons. The course provides a foundation for ministry from biblical and theological resources, as well as perspectives from the social sciences. Attention will be given to the different forms of disability, as well as legal and ethical issues involved in ministry to and with disabled persons.

This course offers a foundation for understanding the ministry of worship from biblical and theological perspectives. It also examines the various elements of corporate worship and the organization of the worship ministry. Special issues in worship will also be considered, including the variety of worship styles, the use of media, and cultural and generational diversity.

This course develops a comprehensive understanding of the family from biblical and theological perspectives and from the social sciences, in particular family systems theory. It will assist students in developing pastoral care strategies with couples and families. Particular attention will be given to gaining skills in pre-marital and marital counseling, and counseling parents.

Students serve in a pastoral capacity in a local church or institutional setting under the supervision of a ministry mentor. Students who are already serving in a part- or full-time ministry capacity will be assigned a ministry mentor who will work with them in the context of their own setting. The scope of the residency will vary depending on the previous ministry experience of the student. The residency focuses on further development of specific ministry skills such as preaching, teaching, leadership, and pastoral care and counseling. Particular attention is given to the integration of foundational theology and theory with the practice of ministry. Students must have completed at least 48 units in the program or through advanced standing or transfer of credit before enrolling in the Ministry Practicum. The practicum requires a minimum of 120 hours of supervised ministry observation/participation.

This course parallels Clinical Pastoral Education, Level 1 (Unit 1). Participants will gain skills in but not limited to the following areas: 1) pastoral functioning, 2) self-awareness of attitudes, values, assumptions, strengths and weaknesses, 3) interpersonal awareness through giving and receiving peer critique, 4) integration of theological and theoretical concepts into practice of ministry, 5) the practice of clinical learning. The course includes at least 120 hours of supervised ministry participation/observation.

This course parallels Clinical Pastoral Education, Level 2 (Units 3). Participants will further develop skills in but not limited to the following areas: 1) pastoral functioning, 2) self-awareness of attitudes, values, assumptions, strengths and weaknesses, 3) interpersonal awareness through giving and receiving peer critique, 4) integration of theological and theoretical concepts into practice of ministry, 5) the practice of clinical learning. The course includes at least 120 hours of supervised ministry participation/observation.

Students serve in a pastoral capacity in a local church or institutional setting under the supervision of a ministry mentor. Students who are already serving in a part- or full-time ministry capacity will be assigned a ministry mentor who will work with them in the context of their own setting. The scope of the residency will vary depending on the previous ministry experience of the student. The residency focuses on further development of specific ministry skills such as preaching, teaching, leadership, and pastoral care and counseling. Particular attention is given to the integration of foundational theology and theory with the practice of ministry. Students must have completed at least 48 units in the program or through advanced standing or transfer of credit before enrolling in the Ministry Practicum. The practicum requires a minimum of 120 hours of supervised ministry observation/participation.

This course is built on Clinical Pastoral Education, Level 1 (Units 1 and 2). Participants will gain skills in but not limited to the following areas: 1) pastoral functioning, 2) self-awareness of attitudes, values, assumptions, strengths and weaknesses, 3) interpersonal awareness through giving and receiving peer critique, 4) integration of theological and theoretical concepts into practice of ministry, 5) the practice of clinical learning. The course includes at least 120 hours of supervised ministry participation/observation.

This course is built on Clinical Pastoral Education, Level 2 (Units 3 and 4). Participants will further develop skills in but not limited to the following areas: 1) pastoral functioning, 2) self-awareness of attitudes, values, assumptions, strengths and weaknesses, 3) interpersonal awareness through giving and receiving peer critique, 4) integration of theological and theoretical concepts into practice of ministry, 5) the practice of clinical learning. The course requires a minimum of 120 hours of supervised ministry observation / participation.

Students may elect to write a research dissertation. Students are able to register only if they have more than 12 units or less of other coursework remaining. May be repeated two or more times. This course is pass/fail.

In lieu of a dissertation student may elect to write a ministry project. The ministry project is an in-depth analysis of the student's ministry setting and a detailed recommendation for a ministry program or initiative that addresses a specific need or opportunity. The project also includes a survey of relevant literature and research and a suitable theological and theoretical foundation or rationale. Students are able to register only if they have more than 12 units or less of other coursework remaining. May be continued two or more times. This course is pass/fail.

Students may elect to complete Supervisory Clinical Pastoral Education as part of their Final Project. Admission to Supervisory CPE requires completion of any prerequisites for Pre-Supervisory levels at an approved CPE program (note: these are external programs to South University). Only students admitted to Supervisory CPE and have approval from the Department Chair may register for MIN8002. The Chair will review Supervisory CPE programs and affiliations as part of the approval process. The course requires a minimum of 120 hours of supervised ministry observation/participation. This course is Pass/Fail.

Students may elect to write a research dissertation. Students are able to register only if they have more than 12 units or less of other coursework remaining. May be repeated two or more times. This course is pass/fail.

In lieu of a dissertation students may elect to write a ministry project. The ministry project is an in-depth analysis of the student's ministry setting and a detailed recommendation for a ministry program or initiative that addresses a specific need or opportunity. The project also includes a survey of relevant literature and research and a suitable theological and theoretical foundation or rationale. Students are able to register only if they have more than 12 units or less of other coursework remaining. May be continued two or more times. This course is pass/fail.

Students may elect to complete Supervisory Clinical Pastoral Education as part of their Final Project. Admission to Supervisory CPE requires completion of any prerequisites for Pre-Supervisory levels at an approved CPE program (note: these are external programs to South University). Only students admitted to Supervisory CPE and have approval from the Department Chair may register for MIN8012. The Chair will review Supervisory CPE programs and affiliations as part of the approval process. The course requires a minimum of 120 hours of supervised ministry observation/participation. This course is Pass/Fail.

Students may elect to write a research dissertation. Students are able to register only if they have more than 12 units or less of other coursework remaining. May be repeated two or more times. This course is pass/fail.

In lieu of a dissertation students may elect to write a ministry project. The ministry project is an in-depth analysis of the student's ministry setting and a detailed recommendation for a ministry program or initiative that addresses a specific need or opportunity. The project also includes a survey of relevant literature and research and a suitable theological and theoretical foundation or rationale. Students are able to register only if they have more than 12 units or less of other coursework remaining. May be continued two or more times. This course is pass/fail.

Students may elect to complete Supervisory Clinical Pastoral Education as part of their Final Project. Admission to Supervisory CPE requires completion of any prerequisites for Pre-Supervisory levels at an approved CPE program (note: these are external programs to South University). Only students admitted to Supervisory CPE and have approval from the Department Chair may register for MIN8102. The Chair will review Supervisory CPE programs and affiliations as part of the approval process. The course requires a minimum of 120 hours of supervised ministry observation/participation. This course is Pass/Fail.

Students may elect to write a research dissertation. Students are able to register only if they have more than 12 units or less of other coursework remaining. May be repeated two or more times. This course is pass/fail.

In lieu of a dissertation students may elect to write a ministry project. The ministry project is an in-depth analysis of the student's ministry setting and a detailed recommendation for a ministry program or initiative that addresses a specific need or opportunity. The project also includes a survey of relevant literature and research and a suitable theological and theoretical foundation or rationale. Students are able to register only if they have more than 12 units or less of other coursework remaining. May be continued two or more times. This course is pass/fail.

Students may elect to complete Supervisory Clinical Pastoral Education as part of their Final Project. Admission to Supervisory CPE requires completion of any prerequisites for Pre-Supervisory levels at an approved CPE program (note: these are external programs to South University). Only students admitted to Supervisory CPE and have approval from the Department Chair may register for MIN8112. The Chair will review Supervisory CPE programs and affiliations as part of the approval process. The course requires a minimum of 120 hours of supervised ministry observation/participation. This course is Pass/Fail.

Students may elect to write a research dissertation. Students are able to register only if they have more than 12 units or less of other coursework remaining. May be repeated two or more times. This course is pass/fail.

In lieu of a dissertation students may elect to write a ministry project. The ministry project is an in-depth analysis of the student's ministry setting and a detailed recommendation for a ministry program or initiative that addresses a specific need or opportunity. The project also includes a survey of relevant literature and research and a suitable theological and theoretical foundation or rationale. Students are able to register only if they have more than 12 units or less of other coursework remaining. May be continued two or more times. This course is pass/fail.

Students may elect to complete Supervisory Clinical Pastoral Education as part of their Final Project. Admission to Supervisory CPE requires completion of any prerequisites for Pre-Supervisory levels at an approved CPE program (note: these are external programs to South University). Only students admitted to Supervisory CPE and have approval from the Department Chair may register for MIN8202. The Chair will review Supervisory CPE programs and affiliations as part of the approval process. The course requires a minimum of 120 hours of supervised ministry observation/participation. This course is Pass/Fail.

Students may elect to write a research dissertation. Students are able to register only if they have more than 12 units or less of other coursework remaining. May be repeated two or more times. This course is pass/fail.

In lieu of a dissertation students may elect to write a ministry project. The ministry project is an in-depth analysis of the student's ministry setting and a detailed recommendation for a ministry program or initiative that addresses a specific need or opportunity. The project also includes a survey of relevant literature and research and a suitable theological and theoretical foundation or rationale. Students are able to register only if they have more than 12 units or less of other coursework remaining. May be continued two or more times. This course is pass/fail.

Students may elect to complete Supervisory Clinical Pastoral Education as part of their Final Project. Admission to Supervisory CPE requires completion of any prerequisites for Pre-Supervisory levels at an approved CPE program (note: these are external programs to South University). Only students admitted to Supervisory CPE and have approval from the Department Chair may register for MIN8212. The Chair will review Supervisory CPE programs and affiliations as part of the approval process. The course requires a minimum of 120 hours of supervised ministry observation/participation. This course is Pass/Fail.

Students may elect to write a research dissertation. Students are able to register only if they have more than 12 units or less of other coursework remaining. May be repeated two or more times. This course is pass/fail.

In lieu of a dissertation students may elect to write a ministry project. The ministry project is an in-depth analysis of the student's ministry setting and a detailed recommendation for a ministry program or initiative that addresses a specific need or opportunity. The project also includes a survey of relevant literature and research and a suitable theological and theoretical foundation or rationale. Students are able to register only if they have more than 12 units or less of other coursework remaining. May be continued two or more times. This course is pass/fail.

Students may elect to complete Supervisory Clinical Pastoral Education as part of their Final Project. Admission to Supervisory CPE requires completion of any prerequisites for Pre-Supervisory levels at an approved CPE program (note: these are external programs to South University). Only students admitted to Supervisory CPE and have approval from the Department Chair may register for MIN8302. The Chair will review Supervisory CPE programs and affiliations as part of the approval process. The course requires a minimum of 120 hours of supervised ministry observation/participation. This course is Pass/Fail.

Students may elect to write a research dissertation. Students are able to register only if they have more than 12 units or less of other coursework remaining. May be repeated two or more times. This course is pass/fail.

In lieu of a dissertation students may elect to write a ministry project. The ministry project is an in-depth analysis of the student's ministry setting and a detailed recommendation for a ministry program or initiative that addresses a specific need or opportunity. The project also includes a survey of relevant literature and research and a suitable theological and theoretical foundation or rationale. Students are able to register only if they have more than 12 units or less of other coursework remaining. May be continued two or more times. This course is pass/fail.

Students may elect to complete Supervisory Clinical Pastoral Education as part of their Final Project. Admission to Supervisory CPE requires completion of any prerequisites for Pre-Supervisory levels at an approved CPE program (note: these are external programs to South University). Only students admitted to Supervisory CPE and have approval from the Department Chair may register for MIN8312. The Chair will review Supervisory CPE programs and affiliations as part of the approval process. The course requires a minimum of 120 hours of supervised ministry observation/participation. This course is Pass/Fail.