Discipleship Ministry, Vocational Track (DISVO.BS)

This course will focus on the biblical, holistic and contextual mission of the church: worship, evangelism, discipleship, benevolence, social justice and stewardship. It is designed as the gateway course to the majors in the Department of Christian Ministries.

This introductory course is designed to equip students to think strategically and act compassionately in the process of effectively communicating the gospel message in a variety of ministry settings. Special attention will be given to spiritual character, one's faith story, contemporary culture, and effective evangelism one's faith strategies.

This course intends to prepare students for quality Bible study which supports the work of evangelical, Pentecostal ministry. The pragmatic nature of this course emphasizes the inductive method of Bible study, fostering direct engagement with biblical texts and demonstration of sound hermeneutical skills. Sensitivity to a text's literary features will be a primary focus of the course.

Prerequisites

BIBL-101 and 102, ENGL-110, and CHMN-150.

This course is designed to introduce students to the theology, basic construction and delivery of biblical messages through preaching and teaching within diverse ministry settings.

Prerequisites

CHMN-150 and CHMN-220.

This course will introduce the student to the nature of Christian spiritual formation. Key biblical, theological and historical persons and events will be examined. Socio-psychological issues will be reviewed as they specifically pertain to the process of Christian spirituality. Attention will be given to the development of the individual student's spiritual life as well as to how ministry personnel can cultivate spiritual growth in other people.

Prerequisites

CHMN-150 (or MUSW-112 for Music & Worship majors).

This course is premised upon the understanding that multicultural ministry is normative for the mission of the Church. Consequently, the course provides students with an appreciation for ministry from culturally diverse perspectives. Students are apprised of the basic tools required for integrating pastoral and theological skills in multicultural contexts.

Prerequisites

CHMN-150.

This course intends to foster student knowledge in a biblical, historical, philosophical and contextual approach to Christian worship. Particular focus is on analysis of evangelical-Pentecostal traditions. Practical skills of leading worship events are developed and critiqued.

Prerequisites

CHMN-150.

This course is designed to introduce the student to significant concepts and theories that shape the contemporary study of Christian leadership. An emphasis will be placed on the biblical concept of servant leadership.

Prerequisites

CHMN-150.

This course is predicated on the belief that small group ministry is vital for the contemporary Christian church. The course seeks to provide students with an introduction to small group ministry that is based on biblical, theological, historical and socio-cultural perspectives.

Prerequisites

CHMN-150.

The course seeks to provide students with an understanding of the various models of small group ministry. Historical and contemporary models will be examined in depth. Students will also examine existing groups within the church not typically thought of as "small groups". The course seeks to more fully understand the nature of "community" and its effects on the spiritual life of a congregation as well as its effects on the structuring of groups in various educational settings.

Prerequisites

DISM-301

The course seeks to provide students with an understanding of the various approaches to leading small groups. Included in this course will be materials related to leadership, principles and practices, communication and mentoring within small group ministry.

Prerequisites

DISM-302

This course is a senior capstone course for Children, Discipleship and Youth ministry majors. The seminar class will engage students about issues of their vocational area of ministry. Issues such as calling, training, church expectations and cultural awareness will be discussed, particularly in relation to the student's impending employment in church related fields. 

Prerequisites

CHLM-390 or DISM-390 or YTHM-390

This internship will provide the student with extensive supervised experience in discipleship ministry. A minimum of one hundred and fifty (150) hours of work in an approved ministry context is required.

Prerequisites

CHMN-230 and DISM-302.

A historical and systematic study of the doctrine of the person and work of Jesus Christ. This course surveys the primitive Christologies of the New Testament and the Christological controversies of the early church and continues by examining the various reconstructions of Christologies in the modern era. The centrality of Christ for other doctrines and for Christian proclamation will also be stressed.

Prerequisites

THEO-230 or THEO-250

A study of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit with emphasis upon the Spirit's relationship to Christ. The work of the Holy Spirit in relation to other fundamental doctrines will also be considered (e.g. creation, salvation, ecclesiology, eschatology, etc.). Special attention will be focused on the distinct work of the Holy Spirit within the economy of salvation, specifically dealing with things such as regeneration, sanctification, and mission.  Some attention will be given to the meaning of "living in the Spirit" and spiritual gifts.

Prerequisites

THEO-230 or THEO-250Additional DAL prerequisites: BIBL-101, BIBL-102 and THEO-231.

This course will examine the various models of the Church proposed by the New Testament and later throughout the history of Christianity. Special attention will be given to these areas of ecclesiology: governmental structures and leadership; the nature and mission of the church; sacraments; and the church empowered by the Spirit. Relating these studies to the contemporary Body of Christ will always be a central goal.

Prerequisites

THEO-230 or THEO-250.