PM 111 Introduction to the Christian Ministry (Every Spring)
This course provides an orientation to Christian ministry in the contemporary culture. Special attention is given to the theology, nature, mission and ministry of the church. Different aspects of pastoral care, administration, and ministry are covered. Images of the ministry in varied contexts are also considered.
PM 311 The Christian Ministry (January 2015; Spring 2016)
Principles of pastoral ministry and church administration are studied both inductively and deductively. Essential elements are gleaned inductively from analytical and interpretative studies in the pastoral epistles. Aspects not found in the pastorals are covered deductively. Practical matters are covered experientially such as baptism, Lord’s Supper, weddings, and funerals.
PM 312 Biblical Disciple-Making I (Every Semester)
A careful study is made of the biblical and philosophical bases for disciple-making. Using the DiscipleWay model, attention is given to spiritual disciplines such as Bible study, prayer, and worship for the purposes of personal spiritual formation and disciple-making.
PM 321 Worship Leadership (Fall 2014)
This course is designed to prepare the student for a leadership role in Christian worship. Study is made of the biblical concepts, nature, and principles of worship. Special attention is given to the orders, methods, and materials which are conducive to the planning and implementation of worship in various settings.
PM 411 Ministry and Finance (As Needed)
Concepts of accounting relating to church business (or to the pastor) will be introduced. Students will be taught in detail laws affecting the Christian ministry and the responsibilities they might have, as ministers, to the Internal Revenue Service.
PM 412 Ministry and the Smaller Church (As Needed)
This course is designed to explore challenges of ministering in a small church. Attention will be given to time management, spiritual discipline, administrative tasks, preaching style, financial management, and other ministry tasks which are shaped by the requirements of the small church. Emphasis is given to the development of ministry characteristics which will be satisfactory to both the church and the pastor.
PM 413 Studies in Ministry (As Needed)
This course is a supervised study in the field of Christian ministry. Specific topics, goals, and requirements are selected according to the needs of students. Possible areas of study include leadership in ministry, pastoral ministry, preaching, evangelism.
PM 414 Principles of Church Health and Revitalization (Every Spring)
The course is designed to explore the various dynamics that contribute to church size, culture, and growth. Information presented will allow the student to formulate a critical understanding of the Church Growth movement that has dominated the evangelical landscape since the 1970’s. Leading adherents and opponents to the movement will be examined. The concept of Church Health will be evaluated in light of the current trends in Church Growth.
PM 415 Cultural Diversity in Ministry (As Needed)
The course is a study designed to help students increase their knowledge and understanding of issues related to cultural diversity (age, economic, ethnic) within various ministerial contexts. Attention is given to developing skills and strategies needed for effective multicultural ministry to individuals, church congregations, church-related entities and the broader civic community. Special emphasis may be given to appropriate themes.
PM 416 Women in Ministry (As Needed)
The purpose of this course is to examine and evaluate the Biblical teachings on women serving in ministry. Key Scriptural texts are emphasized that outline a framework for women within the local church and kingdom of God. Special attention is given to the creation account, an explanation of egalitarian vs. complimentary views, women’s roles in the local church, and use of spiritual gifts.
PM 421 Leadership and Disciple-Making (Every Semester)
The course is a continuation of PM 412 and EV 411. Attention is given to issues regarding leadership development and experiential learning. Students apply strategies for making disciple-makers through actual Bible study and evangelistic visits. Prerequisite: EV 411.
PM 511 Pastoral Ministry (January 2015; Spring 2016)
Attention is given to the nature of a call to pastoral ministry or a staff position in church ministries. A study is made of church organization and administration, finances, and staff relationships and the understanding of varied ministerial contexts. Brief attention is given to parliamentary procedure, denominational (associational) work, and public relations. Note: Master’s students who have taken PM 311 must substitute another level III course for this one.
PM 512 Special Studies in Ministry (As Needed)
This is a supervised course offering advanced studies in the field of Christian Ministry. Specific topics, goals, and requirements are selected according to the needs of particular students. Attention is given to theological reflection and skills needed in designing, implementing and assessing each specified ministry topic. Possible areas of study include pastoral ministry, preaching, evangelism, and missions. Note: The course may be repeated once with the approval of the Dean and the appropriate professor. Prerequisite: Either PM 311 or PM 511.
PM 514 Principles of Disciple-Making (Every Semester)
This course explores biblical principles and experiential learning theories as they relate to the overall philosophy and practice of disciple-making within Christian ministries and religious education. Special attention is given to theological reflection and skills needed for developing personal faith and strategies for disciple-making through study of selected spiritual disciplines such as Bible study, prayer, and worship. Attention is given to both classical and contemporary literature regarding disciple-making.
PM 515 Special Studies in Discipleship (As Needed)
This course is a specialized study in the area of Christian Discipleship. Emphasis is given toward the student’s development of a proper understanding and the application of Biblical principles for discipleship. Students are exposed to practical resources, topics and strategies for effective discipleship. Prerequisite: PM 312 or PM 514.
PM 516 A Pastoral Theology of Women in Ministry (As Needed)
The purpose of this course is to examine and evaluate the Biblical teachings on women serving in ministry in order to develop a pastoral theology of women in ministry. An emphasis is placed on key Scriptural texts that develop a framework for women within the local church and the kingdom of God. Special emphasis will be placed upon the creation account, an explanation of egalitarian vs. complimentary views, women’s roles in the local church, and use of spiritual gifts.
PM 517 Theology of Disciplemaking (As Needed)
A specialized study into the development of various contemporary discipleship trends in primarily ecclesiastical settings with focused attention upon their biblical, theological, philosophical, and historical bases.
PM 521 Theology of Worship (Fall 2014)
As a specialized study into the theology, traditions and history of worship, development of worship styles in relation to historical theology are researched. These developments are related to the various contemporary trends in churches. Students develop their own practical theologies of worship.
PM 631 Supervised Ministerial Leadership Experience (Every Semester)
This course provides opportunity for supervised field experience in ministry. Evaluation is made of the student’s strengths, weaknesses, prospects, and potentials for effective ministry by connecting field experiences in ministry with seminary academic studies. Attention is given to relevant ministerial, spiritual formation, personal integrity, cultural and social issues. Through actual leadership experiences, students apply philosophies and strategies for making disciple-makers. Prerequisite: EV 411 or EV 512. Note: Supervised Ministry Fee: One hour of tuition.
PM 632 Master’s Research Project (As Needed)
Students may enroll in this course for six to twelve hours of credit. The course consists of a research project or thesis with individualized and specialized assignments. Faculty members will approve, supervise and evaluate the project.
PM 633 Pastoral Internship (Every Semester)
This course provides an opportunity for students to serve in some pastoral capacity in a church under the supervision of a full-time pastor approved by the faculty. A minimum of nine (9) hours per week (eight hours of supervised ministry plus one hour of formal instruction) for fifteen weeks is required. Note: Internship Fee: One hour of tuition. The course may be repeated once when a different area is covered.