Bible & Church Ministries

Courses Offered

BIBLE COURSES

BST 1010 Life of Christ (3)
A course designed to introduce students to the story of Jesus as recorded in the four Gospels. His life, claims, and teachings will be examined in order to consider their relevance for today. Emphasis will be given to considering beginning faith questions and developing the foundations of a Christian worldview.

BST 2010 Understanding the Old Testament (3)
A study that reviews the unfolding divine revelation in the Old Testament. Emphasis is placed on explaining the message as it was related to the culture and historical situation in which it originated and also its relevance for today. Students must successfully complete this course or BST 2020 before enrolling in any Bible elective course. An exegesis project is required. Prerequisite: ENG 1020.

BST 2020 Understanding the New Testament (3)
A study that reviews the unfolding divine revelation in the New Testament. Emphasis is placed on explaining the message as it was related to the culture and historical situation in which it originated and also its relevance for today. Students must successfully complete this course or BST 2010 before enrolling in any Bible elective course. An exegesis project is required. Prerequisite: ENG 1020.

BST 2120-2220 Survey of Greek Language Use I-II (3)(3)
This course sequence will review select elements of New Testament Greek use and vocabulary. It will explain the necessary terminology for the use of scholarly biblical references that employ Greek and Greek grammar comments. The content of these courses do not constitute the standard Greek sequence.

BST 2075 Tour of the Holy Lands (1-3)
Study tour of the Holy Lands under an approved instructor with assigned readings, seminars, and reports. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.

BST 3000 Beginning Biblical Interpretation (3)
An introductory study of the methods of interpreting the Bible with emphasis on New Testament texts. This course will examine and practice exegetical methods beginning with introductory problems and culminating in preparation and construction of sermon outlines.

BST 3010 Literature of the Torah (3)
Study of the books of the Pentateuch that investigates the background, setting, formation, literary composition, and interpretation of the individual books or as a meaningful cluster. Possible offerings: Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy. Prerequisite: BST 2010 or 2020.

BST 3020 Literature of the Prophets (3)
Study of prophecy in the Old Testament that investigates of individual books or meaningful clusters of books in terms of its rise, development, and significance, background, purpose, literary composition, and interpretation. Possible offerings: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Minor Prophets I, Minor Prophets II. Prerequisite: BST 2010 or 2020.

BST 3040 Literature of the Gospel and Acts (3)
Study of the four gospels and Acts in terms of the background, setting, formation, literary composition, and interpretation. Possible offerings: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, or Acts. Prerequisite: BST 2010 or 2020.

BST 3045 Special Topics in Biblical Literature (3)
Study of biblical literature that investigates individual books or meaningful clusters in terms of the background, purpose, literary composition, and interpretation. Emphasis is given to current issues in biblical studies. Prerequisite: BST 2010 or 2020.

BST 3070 Literature of Letters (3)
Study of the letters of the New Testament that investigates individual Epistles or meaningful clusters of Epistles in terms of the background, purpose, literary composition, teachings, and interpretation. Possible offerings: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Prison Epistles, Hebrews. Prerequisite: BST 2010 or 2020.

BST 3080 Interpretation for Teaching and Communicating (3)
A study of the principles and application of biblical hermeneutics that concentrates on New Testament texts. The course will investigate these principles and the use of exegetical methods beginning with introductory problems and their use in communicating the gospel message.

BST 3090 Critical Backgrounds in the Law and the Prophets (3)
A study of the text, authorship, and inspiration of the Law and the Prophets that focuses on the introductory questions of representative books for integrating the use of critical methodology in literary study. Prerequisites: BST 2010 or 2020 and either BST 3080 or one course in Old Testament.

BST 3110-3210 Elementary Greek I-II (3)(3)
An introduction to reading New Testament Greek. Includes grammar forms, syntax, translation exercises in New Testament Greek, and readings in 1 John.

BST 4000 Old Testament Origins (3)
A study of the text, authorship, and canon of the Old Testament with emphasis on the introductory questions of selected books. Prerequisites: BST 2010 or 2020 and either BST 3000 or one course in Old Testament.

BST 4130-4230 Intermediate New Testament Greek I-II (3/3)
Second year New Testament Greek is a further review and study of Greek grammar and syntax with major emphasis on reading and exegeting selected portions and books of the Greek New Testament. Computer applications will be addressed. Prerequisite: BST 3110 and 3210 or equivalent.

REL 3000 Christian Faith and Scriptures (3)
A study that concentrates on the teaching of Jesus as the basis for Christian faith and investigates the interpretation of select Gospel texts and their use for confronting Christian claims about Christ. An introductory exegetical component is required. This course is exclusively for Organizational Management majors and satisfies the general education requirement for BST 2010 or 2020. Prerequisite: ENG 1020 and admission to the Organizational Management program.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

CED 2003 Foundations of Christian Education (3)
A foundational examination of the Biblical, historical, psychological, and philosophical concepts related to the Christian educational ministry of the local church. Specific attention will be focused on the physical, cognitive, spiritual, and psycho/social development of the individual. Students will formulate a personal philosophy of Christian education that incorporates an understanding of faith development and the various ministries and functions of Christian education in the local church.

CED 2020 Discipleship Ministries of the Local Church (3)
A course designed to review and study existing and potential discipleship ministries of the local church. Emphasis will be given to ministries across the lifespan that are focused on the holistic development of faithful disciples/followers of Christ. Students will develop or redefine a philosophy of discipleship that is a faithful response to the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:16-20.

CED 2012 Spiritual Formation (2)
A foundational class designed to examine the process and history of spiritual formation within Christianity. Emphasis is given to the formation of faith and spiritual vitality from a Wesleyan perspective. Specific attention will be given to introducing the student to the disciplines of the spiritual life. Lab fee required.

CED 2055 Special Topics in Ministry (3)
The modern church is confronting dramatic social change. This course will focus on current hot topics examining how the local church should respond, cope, adapt, or reject such contemporary developments. It will examine the skills and knowledge required to effectively minister in such diverse cultural contexts. Topics will vary.

CED 2150 Spiritual Formation & Mentoring I (0-1)
A course designed to review Christian Spirituality from a historical, theological and experiential point of view. The student will be introduced to the mosaic of Christian spirituality. This course is offered pass/fail.

CED 2250 Spiritual Formation & Mentoring II – Formation (0-1)
A course designed to engage the student in developing a definition of spiritual formation and considering its implications for personal growth and public ministry. Students will investigate how personality and spirituality work together to form and transform persons into the image of Christ. This course is offered pass/fail.

CED 3150 Spiritual Formation & Mentoring III – Disciplines (0-1)
A course concentrated on engaging select spiritual disciplines of the Christian life. Emphasis will be given to students developing a “Rule of Life” for spiritual accountability and growth. This course is offered pass/fail.

CED 3250 Spiritual Formation & Mentoring IV – Friendship (0-1)
A course designed to investigate Spiritual Friendship and Direction. Emphasis will be given to students learning concepts of friendship and direction for personal growth and public ministry. This course is offered pass/fail.

CED 3004 Ministry of Teaching (3)
An examination of the teaching act, teaching-learning events, and concepts related to the educational mandate and ministry of the local church.

CED 3050 Teaching for Transformation (3)
A course that investigates and analyzes teaching-learning concepts and events related to the discipleship mandate and ministry of the local church. Students will develop, implement and critique both formal and informal teaching-learning events. Emphasis will be placed on the transformation of the learner.

CED 3024 Foundations of Youth Ministry (3)
An examination of the foundational principles and issues of youth ministry. Specific attention will be given to the scriptural, philosophical, and cultural bases for working with adolescents in the local church.

CED 3045 Intro to Christian Education Ministries (1-3)
This course may be offered and taken under a variety of title captions, including but not limited to: small groups, children’s ministry, family ministry, and single adults. This course will introduce the student to Biblical, theological, developmental, foundational, historical, organizational, and philosophical concerns related to each specific ministry area. Coursework will include observation and participation in ministry. A lab fee may be required.

CED 3055 Current Issues in Ministry (1-3)
A course designed to offer students opportunities to examine critical and contemporary issues in ministry. Students may repeat this course but only under a different course topic. A lab fee may be required. This course may be offered as a Pass/Fail course depending on the subject matter. Prerequisites: Instructor and department approval.

CED 31/2/3/410 Spiritual Practices I-IV (1 Each)
A practical experience in spiritual formation. The focus will be on the development of the spiritual life through activities and disciplines such as meditation, prayer, fasting, journaling, spiritual autobiography, study, simplicity, solitude, submission, service, worship, guidance, and celebration. Students may repeat this course under varying subtitles and designations: CED 3110, 3210, 3310, and 3410. Experimentation with practices both in and out of class, written reflections, and group process will be included. These four courses are pass/fail courses. Prerequisite: CED 2012. (Students outside the department may take the class with the approval of the professor.) Lab fee required.

CED 4055 Ministry Research and Analysis (4)
A course designed to allow a student to complete supervised research through reading, observation, and statistical analysis on an approved topic related to a major facet of ministry in the local church. The research paper should show an ability to integrate Biblical study and practical theology with contemporary issues or concerns facing the church. Prerequisites: 96 credit hours and department approval.

CED 4075 Leadership Practicum (1-3)
A structured experience in Christian Education in the local church or para-church. The student will assume the responsibility of planning, organizing, and implementing ministry. Reading and weekly journaling related to the practicum is required. Prerequisites: CHM 2000 and department approval.

CED 4150 Spiritual Formation & Mentoring: Selected Topics (0-1)
A course designed to continue the Spiritual Formation and Mentoring process of the student. Topics will be selected and approved as student, mentor and professor determine personal and professional needs. This course is offered as pass/fail.

CHURCH MINISTRY

CHM 2000 Introduction to Church Ministry (3)
This is an entry-level course for prospective ministry majors. This course will explore the various avenues of ministry available within the church and para-church organizations today. Students will be equipped to examine their own personal call to ministry as they build a personal philosophy of ministry that takes into account Biblical, theological, spiritual, psychological, and ethical perspectives. Church Ministry majors should concurrently register for CHM 2075. Lab fee required.

CHM 2022 Introduction to Christian Worship (3)
The student will be given an overview of contemporary practices in worship ministries as they are introduced to current Biblical and theological models for planning worship in the local church. Emphasis will be given to the exploration of the student’s particular worship tradition within an ecumenical context. This course will introduce students to some of the historical and theological issues to be explored in-depth in the upper-division courses. Students will design and critique worship liturgies and reflect on outside observations of worship practices.

CHM 2055 Special Topics in Ministry (3)
The modern church is confronting dramatic social change. This course will focus on current hot topics examining how the local church should respond, cope, adapt, or reject such contemporary developments. It will examine the skills and knowledge required to effectively minister in such diverse cultural contexts. Topics will vary.

CHM 3012 Communicating the Gospel (3)
This course investigates sermon preparation skills and communication approaches appropriate for the 21st Century. It emphasizes the spiritual preparation of the communicator, the content of the message, the context of the receivers, and the methods (media) of delivery. Prerequisite: BST 3000 or 3080.

CHM 3030 Evangelism and Congregational Vitality (3)
This course investigates the life of the church at the local level. Areas of focus includes: contemporary evangelism philosophies and methods; congregational growth/health qualities, and conflict management skills necessary for congregational relationships in the 21st Century church. Prerequisite: CHM 2000

CHM 3040 The Minister’s Marriage and Family Life (3)
A course for ministerial students and their spouses. Exploration of the various images and roles of marital partners in professional Christian ministries. Special attention given to mutual care, support, and nurture for the nonprofessional spouse and children of clergy.

CHM 3042 Pastoral Care (3)
This course will seek to equip the student with the rationale and experience to begin formulating a philosophy of pastoral and congregational care. Various roles of the pastor, both as care giver and administrator of the church as a caring community, will be explored. The distinctions and definitions of the classical, clinical, and communal contextual paradigms for pastoral care will be examined. Prerequisite: CHM 2000.

CHM 3050 Survey of Church History (3)
A survey of the history of Christianity from the first century to the present, with particular attention paid to the history of Christianity in the United States and a brief introduction to the history of the Church of God (Anderson).
Offered online only.

CHM 3055 Current Issues in Ministry (1-3)
A course designed to offer students opportunities to examine critical and contemporary issues in ministry. Students may repeat this course but only under a different course topic. A lab fee may be required. This course may be offered as a Pass/Fail course depending on the subject matter. Prerequisites: Instructor and
department approval.

CHM 3075 Practicum in Worship Ministries (2)
This course will serve as a practical laboratory where students will design, evaluate, and lead chapel and other worship experiences. Prerequisites: 64 credit hours or permission of instructor and CHM 2022.

CHM 3175/4175 Leadership for the 21st Century: A Residential Experience (0-3)
A residential experience for online ministry students where contemporary issues in ministry will be addressed and explored, students will be challenged to synthesize and integrate the course of study with “real-life” leadership issues within a 21st century context. Students in the online ministry program are required to attend and participate in two experiences. This course is offered pass/fail. Students may elect to take the experience for credit, which will require additional reading and writing activities (0-3 hours).

CHM 4030 Preaching Seminar (3)
A preaching seminar designed to introduce learners to various styles of sermon preparation and delivery. This course will require weekly presentations and critiques. Prerequisite: CHM 3012.

CHM 4032 Congregational Leadership and Polity (3)
This class focuses on the nature of the Church and the leadership issues necessary to fulfill its purpose. Organizational polities and leadership development issues and styles will be highlighted. This course is taken as part of the Professional Semester on campus.

CHM 4055 Ministry Research and Analysis (4)
A course designed to allow a student to complete supervised research through reading, observation, and statistical analysis on an approved topic related to a major facet of ministry in the local church. The research paper should show an ability to integrate Biblical study and practical theology with contemporary issues or concerns facing the church. Prerequisites: 96 credit hours and department approval.

CHM 4075 Leadership Practicum (1-3)
A structured ministry experience in the local church or para-church. The student will assume the responsibility of planning, organizing, and implementing ministry. Reading and weekly journaling related to the practicum is required. Prerequisites: CHM 2000 and department approval.

CHM 4090 Ministry Practices and Issues (3)
This course will bring together the various day by day, week by week, year by year issues, opportunities and responsibilities involved in fulfilling the requirements of professional ministry. Aspects of the minister’s calling, ministerial ethics and personal life, formal and functional roles as leader in ministry, congregational representation, credentialing and ordination and fulfilling the expectations of the office of professional ministry will be addressed. Issues involved in making leadership decisions and performing official ministry functions will be summarized in developing a comprehensive personal approach to fulfilling ministry requirements.

CHM 4085 Ministry Internship* (7)
A structured, supervised experience in Church ministry. The student will assume responsibilities of planning, organizing, and implementing ministry in a local church. Focused reading, journaling, and weekly meetings will be included. Students must complete the application process three months prior to the start of their internship. On campus, internships are to be completed in the spring semester of the senior year. Lab fee required. Prerequisites: 96 credit hours, CHM 4095, and department approval. *Online Church Ministry students may complete CHM 4085 over two consecutive semesters by enrolling in CHM 4185 (5 credit hours) and CHM 4285 (5 credit hours). This option is available with department approval only.

CHM 4195 The Church in Today’s Society (3)
This capstone course for majors in Biblical Studies, Church Ministry, and Music Ministry will provide an opportunity for students to summarize and to integrate the several disciplines of professional church ministry and the various ministries of the church. The focus will be on the ethical and effective application of the concepts from those department majors to the development of a strategy for ministry in local congregational settings. The nature and work of the church in today’s society, as well as the function and role of the pastor as leader in ministry will be assessed. This course is taken as part of the Professional Semester. Lab fee required.
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CHM 4295 Transformational Ministries: Senior Seminar (3)
A course designed to integrate and demonstrate student learning throughout the online major as the student enters the final term before graduation. As a senior capstone experience, students will create a ministerial portfolio; students will also design and implement a substantial ministry project that integrates their learning in the program with the life and practices of a local congregation or para-church ministry.

MISSIONS COURSES

MSN 2000 Cross-Cultural Mission Experience (1)
This is a structured experience in cross-cultural missions that provides hands-on exposure, focused reading, and reflection with the goal that the learner will experience the call of Christ to be on mission. The requirements can be filled through enrollment and participation in an approved urban, ethnic, or overseas mission trip; summer internship; or the completion of 40 credit hours of volunteer service in one semester at an approved ministry site. The requirements for this course can be met by completing MSN 3010, 4060, or the HEART program.

MSN 3010 Perspectives on Christian Missions (3)
This foundational course explores the Biblical, historical, cultural, and strategic perspectives of the modern missionary movement. Students will gain an understanding of mission theory, cultural insights, strategic planning, and practical application as related to the missionary task of the church in both a local and global context. Learning activities related to the student’s professional goals are integrated into this course. This course will meet the requirements for MSN 2000 in the Church Ministry major.

MSN 3011 Appropriate Technologies (3)
This is a practical course that introduces basic engineering techniques focusing on the conservation and development of resources to address human needs such as clean water, sanitation, energy, shelter, and appropriate technology to improve the quality of life in under-developed communities. Laboratory and fieldwork are required.

MSN 3021 Sustainable Agriculture (3)
This is an applied study in the theory and practice of raising vegetables and fruits to meet human nutritional needs. Topics addressed include the design and extension of agricultural practices that are sustainable and adaptable for small farms in a wide variety of settings. Each student will design and maintain a garden plot. Laboratory and fieldwork are required. Fulfills a general education requirement in science.

MSN 3031 Small Animal Husbandry (3)
This is an applied study in the theory and practice of raising small animals for consumption and marketing in the under-developed world. Coursework includes breeding, nurturing, and management techniques for small animals including goats, poultry, rabbits, fish, and other species. Laboratory and fieldwork are required.

MSN 3041 Nutrition and Food Technologies (2)
This is an applied study in the theory and practice of planning and preparing a balanced diet. Includes such skills as menu planning, alternative cooking devices, food preparation and preservation, with a focus on stewardship of the world’s resources for improved health in Third World communities. Laboratory and fieldwork
are required.

MSN 3051 Primary Health (2)
This course deals with essential health care practices and health education designed for individuals planning to serve in the Third World. Topics covered include first aid, personal hygiene, immunizations, disease prevention, and health education. Several practical skills including C.P.R. are taught. Fulfills a general education requirement for PED 1000.

MSN 3061 Cross-Cultural Communications & Community Development (3)
This course is directed to students interested in serving as missionaries or development workers. It provides practical insights for functioning more effectively in a cross-cultural setting and a foundational understanding of Christian community development. Topics include the dynamics of communicating across cultural barriers, appreciating cultural differences, coping with culture shock, bonding with nationals, challenges of language learning, and basic elements of community development. Field trips will expose students to a variety of cultural and ministry settings. Fulfills a general education requirement in social sciences and the requirement of MSN 2000 in the Church Ministry major.

MSN 3071 Spiritual Development of Missionaries (2)
A practical experience in spiritual formation designed for students preparing for cross-cultural service. A variety of Christian spiritual disciplines are introduced and integrated into personal and community life. Students also develop a hands-on semester project that compliments future vocational goals under the direction of a mentor. Other aspects of this course include the practical application of leadership and organizational skills. Fulfills the requirements of CED 3110 and 3120 in the Department of Bible and Church Ministries.

MSN 4060 Cross-Cultural and Community Development Skills (3)
This course is an intensive three-week educational experience that provides hands-on learning for missions and community development work in the developing world. Includes an overview of the HEART semester. Students also learn relational and adaptation skills while living in community at the HEART Institute. Fulfills a general education requirement in social sciences and the requirement of MSN 2000 in the Church Ministry major.

MSN 4075 Leadership Practicum (1-3)
A structured ministry experience in local church or para-church missions. Students will assume varying degrees of responsibility for leadership, planning, and implementing ministry. Reading, weekly journaling, supervision, and other written work will be required. Prerequisites: CHM 2000 and department approval.

THEOLOGICAL STUDIES COURSES

TST 2000 Foundations in Christian Theology (3)
A study of key issues, topics, terms, and methods of thinking theologically that will build a foundation of language, resources, and tools for entering into theological reflection and discussions. Students will also be introduced to select Christian theological streams of thought with particular emphasis given to the place of the Church of God.

TST 3023 Theology and Experience of Worship (3)
This course will theologically examine the structure and composition of worship, contemporary practices, diversity of worship styles, and the intersection of worship with church growth and congregational health. This course will also explore the psychology and spirituality of worship and its relationship to pastoral care. There will be an emphasis on the mysterious encounter between the human and the divine in worship and the use of symbol and sacred ritual. Prerequisite: CHM 2022.

TST 3051 Biblical Theology (3)
A study of the teachings of the Bible with respect to their foundation, historical-scriptural development, and homiletical suggestions. This course will also survey the theological themes central to the Church of God Reformation Movement. Prerequisite: BST 2010 or 2020.

TST 3030 Theology of Women in Ministry (3)
A course designed to investigate the historical and ongoing debate to validate women serving in church ministry. Discussion will explain biblical texts central to the debate, analyze significant modern views of the issue, and survey the stance historically taken and currently supported by the Church of God and as well as other church denominations and church movements in the inclusion of women in ministry. Prerequisite: BST 2010 or 2020.

TST 3055 Special Studies in Theology (3)
A course designed to investigate and analyze specific critical and contemporary issues in theology. Students may repeat this course but only under a different course topic. Prerequisite: TST 2000

TST 4095 Integrative Senior Seminar (3)
A seminar to assist students in integrating a Christian worldview into daily life and work. This course is a culmination of college experiences intended to assist students in integrating life and faith while constructing a philosophical and theological basis for decision making. Prerequisites: BST 2010 or 2020, or REL 3000, and 96 cumulative credit hours earned.