Pastoral Ministry (PASTM.BA)

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Christian Ministries

Pastoral Ministry prepares students to serve as senior, associate, or assistant pastors by teaching them to develop ministry principles based on biblical guidelines. Courses cover topics such as preaching, worship, theology, leadership, counseling, and ministry.

Degree Checklist

For a check list of all the courses required for this degree program and a suggested four-year sequence of study, please click on the link below.

General Education Requirements - Total Hours: 56

Click here for the General Education Core requirements

Specialty Area Requirements

CHMN 150 - Mission of the Church Credit Hours: 3

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.
CHMN 210 - Personal Evangelism Credit Hours: 3

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.
CHMN 220 - Biblical Interpretation for Ministry Credit Hours: 3

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.
CHMN 230 - Introduction to Preaching and Teaching Credit Hours: 3

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.
CHMN 310 - Spiritual Formation and Discipleship Credit Hours: 3

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).
CHMN 320 - Introduction to Multicultural Ministry Credit Hours: 3

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.
CHMN 330 - Ministry of Worship Credit Hours: 3

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.
CHMN 340 - Christian Leadership Credit Hours: 3

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.
PASM 410 - Church Ministry in the Community Credit Hours: 3

A study of methods for assessing local churches and communities with the intent of designing ministry strategies that can impact communities for fulfilling the mission of the church. Various analytical tools will be employed to enhance understanding of churches and communities. Emphasis will be placed on the development of social/benevolent ministries as a central aspect of the church's mission.

Prerequisites

CHMN-340
PASM 461 - The Pastoral Ministry I Credit Hours: 3

A study of pastoral ministry with emphasis on the shepherding model. The course also explains the issues of credibility, leadership styles, mission, vision, compensation and housing, as well as those matters related to the model and a study of the practical, everyday problems faced in administering the total program of the church.

Prerequisites

Completion of at least 75 credit hours.
PASM 462 - The Pastoral Ministry II Credit Hours: 3

A study of pastoral ministry with emphasis on the enabling model. Particular attention will be given to areas of pressure and pitfall (problem people, temptations, and burnout), budgeting, and administration.

Prerequisites

Completion of at least 75 credit hours.
PASM 464 - Pastoral Counseling Credit Hours: 3

The pastoral practice of counseling emphasizing context, attitudinal orientation, techniques, procedures, and essential information.

Prerequisites

PSYC-200, PASM-461, and completion of at least 75 credit hours. 

Collateral Requirements

PASM 202 - Pastoral Ministry Seminar Credit Hours: 1

An assessment of one's ministerial identity in view of God's call, personal abilities and spiritual giftedness. The methodology will include an off-campus retreat. Required of all sophomores majoring in Pastoral Ministry.
PASM 262 - The Ministry of Preaching Credit Hours: 3

A study of the construction and delivery of sermons. Special attention is given to those elements of craftsmanship, style, and theological understanding basic to persuasive preaching.

Prerequisites

PASM-261.
PASM 390 - Internship Credit Hours: 3

The internship is designed to give a broad-based experience in Christian ministry. It offers opportunities for integrating formal training and practical involvement in a church setting. Participation, observation, discussions and reflection are the primary components fulfilled under supervision. A minimum of one hundred and fifty (150) hours is required in the ministry setting, documented by journaling and weekly reporting. The setting and supervision will be assigned or approved by the faculty supervisor.

Prerequisites

CHMN-150, CHMN-210, CHMN-220, and CHMN-230

Electives - Credit Hours: 5

Select five hours:

PASM 263 - The Laity Credit Hours: 2

A study of the ministry of the laity in the life of the church. Special attention will be given to description, biblical example, theological mandates and current models/methodologies.
PASM 291 - Contemporary Issues in Pastoral Ministry Credit Hours: 1

Courses presenting varied issues, trends and methods of ministry which are of contemporary interest but beyond the scope of established courses within the disciplines. Repeatable for credit.
PASM 292 - Contemporary Issues in Pastoral Ministry Credit Hours: 2

Courses presenting varied issues, trends and methods of ministry which are of contemporary interest but beyond the scope of established courses within the disciplines. Repeatable for credit.
PASM 293 - Contemporary Issues in Pastoral Ministry Credit Hours: 3

Courses presenting varied issues, trends and methods of ministry which are of contemporary interest but beyond the scope of established courses within the disciplines. Repeatable for credit.
PASM 310 - Church Planting Credit Hours: 3

A course designed to highlight a key component of church growth and evangelism. This course will look at the Biblical basis, the historical background and the planting process of birthing churches in a number of contexts. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding the person of the church planter and the local, cultural context of the church plant.
PASM 340 - Church Ministry in the Community Credit Hours: 3

A study of methods for assessing local churches and communities with the intent of designing ministry strategies that can impact communities for fulfilling the mission of the church. Various analytical tools will be employed to enhance understanding of churches and communities. Emphasis will be placed on the development of social/benevolent ministries as a central aspect of the church's mission.
PASM 352 - The Church and Social Problems Credit Hours: 3

A consideration of the church's role and function in the light of history and with special reference to the rapidly changing aspects of human need and social resources. Emphasis will be on the church's involvement in the emerging problems in American life.

Prerequisites

Must have completed 45 credit hours.
PASM 363 - Expository Preaching Credit Hours: 3

The problems and methods of expository preaching will be explored and selected passages studied with a view to discussing and using their exegetical and expository values.

Prerequisites

CHMN-230
CHED 241 - Educational Ministry of the Church Credit Hours: 3

A study of the basic principles and practices of organizing, administering, and supervising a balanced program of Christian Education. A wide variety of educational agencies of the church will be considered. The functions of the board of Christian Education and the role of church workers will be examined including the work of the director of Christian Education.

Prerequisites

None
CHED 320 - Multiple Staff Ministry Credit Hours: 3

Students will review the ministry roles of a church staff and will seek to understand the basic concepts of human relationships in the context of ministry. Through personality profile tests students will seek a better understanding of their personal development and role as a staff member. Pschological and scriptural approaches to resolving conflict will be considered.

Prerequisites

None
CHIS 321 - Church of God History and Polity Credit Hours: 2

A history of the Church of God and a scriptural study of church government with an emphasis on organizational structure of the Church of God.

Prerequisites

THEO-230 or THEO-250
CHIS 323 - History of Christianity I Credit Hours: 3

An historical study of the Christian Church from the apostolic period to the Great Schism of the eleventh century.  Special emphasis is placed on historical contextualization within the Greco-Roman era and Late Second Temple Judaism; the development of the Christian Church in terms of missionary expansion, regional distinctives, organization, worship, and the doctrinal formulations of various key ecclesial figures; the interaction between the Church and empires; and the creedal developments out of the seven ecumenical councils.

Prerequisites

THEO-230 or THEO-250
CHIS 324 - History of Christianity II Credit Hours: 3

A historical study of the Church's interaction with Islam, the relationship between the Eastern and Western Churches, the development of scholaticism, the Protestant reaction to the sixteenth century European church and the formation of reformation movements, the Council of Trent, Protestant Orthodoxy, the Great Awakenings, the American religious experience, and the global presence of Christianity.

Prerequisites

THEO-230 or THEO-250
CHMN 360 - Contemporary Evangelism Credit Hours: 3

A study of contemporary concepts of evangelism related to the local church while reaffirming the biblical foundations and mastering personal witnessing. Emphasis placed on the major strategies for evangelism such as network, small groups, prayer, home visitation cross-cultural and media usage.

Prerequisites

CHMN-210

Theology Elective - Credit Hours: 3

Select one of the following courses:

THEO 334 - Doctrine of Christ Credit Hours: 3

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
THEO 335 - Doctrine of the Holy Spirit Credit Hours: 3

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.
THEO 336 - Doctrine of the Church Credit Hours: 3

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.