Courses

Concentrating on two primary elements, personal awareness and leadership practice, students are provided the opportunity to engage in a series of self-assessments leading to a statement of life vision. The leadership-development process is also examined through case studies, leadership literature, and selected leadership concerns. 3 hours.

A “walk-through” of the development of the applied research and dissertation, including problem-statement, research question, hypotheses, research design, theoretical grounding and literature review, and biblical-theological foundation. The course also explores thesis-writing strategies and ministry-research methods. 3 hours.

DMin studies culminate in the completion of an applied research project. A report of the student’s project is submitted as a dissertation. Note that the term “applied research project” refers to the entire project. The term “dissertation” refers to the actual written document. Students may register for DM7103 only after they have been admitted to candidacy for the DMin degree. 3 hours.

The applied research continuation course is required of all students writing a research project who are beyond one year in the applied research process. Students must register for this course each summer and winter until completion of the applied research project. 1 hour.

A study of selected biblical issues and their significance for ministry. This seminar is offered based on student interest. May be repeated once for credit under a different topic. 3 hours.

A study of accurate interpretation and effective communication of this unique form of literature. 3 hours.

A study of selected issues and their significance for ministry. This seminar is offered based on student interest. May be repeated once for credit under a different topic. May also be credited for DE7305 Selected Topics of Christian Education Issues in Today’s Ministry in the Doctor of Educational Ministry degree. 3 hours.

The examination and practice of group skills necessary for promoting effective group work in committees, ministry teams, Bible studies, and fellowship groups. May also be credited for DE7320 Group Process in Church Ministry in the Doctor of Educational Ministry department. 3 hours.

An evaluation of problems, programs, and/or procedures unique to academic ministry leadership with emphasis on curriculum design in Christian educational institutions. May also be credited for DE7372 Curriculum Design in the Doctor of Educational Ministry degree. 3 hours.

Continuation to evaluation of problems, programs, and/or procedures unique to academic ministry leadership with emphasis on applied teaching practicum. May also be credited for DE7373 Teaching Practicum in the Doctor of Educational Ministry degree. 3 hours.

A study of selected issues and their significance for ministry. This seminar is offered based on student interest. May be repeated once for credit under a different topic. 3 hours.

This practicum includes an evaluation of three of the student’s videotaped sermons, the preparation and use of various means of obtaining feedback on the student’s preaching from the congregation, and the development of a year’s preaching plan. Normally open to students who are currently pastoring churches. Limited enrollment. 3 hours.

A study of strategies for evangelism and assimilation in the local church, including a biblical foundation, trends, and contextualization. 3 hours.

A study of the principles and motivation for developing creativity in one’s ministry and for teaching others to be creative in a ministry context. 3 hours.

A study of contemporary culture, with a view to enabling students to communicate effectively in their ministries. 3 hours.

Effective biblical preaching spans the gulf between the biblical world and the modern world. To accomplish this task, students will examine the communication process and development of expository messages toward improvement in their skills in preparation and delivery of biblical sermons. 3 hours.

A course designed to help pastors and other Christian leaders develop basic skills in writing articles for magazines, devotional materials, and items for lay readership, with attention to all phases of writing for publication from idea generation to manuscript delivery. May also be credited for DE7435 Writing for Publication in the Doctor of Educational Ministry department. 3 hours.

The development of a communicative model of relevance that provides strategies for contextualized preaching in various settings. Students will do an in-depth analysis of their respective audiences and develop a framework for demonstrating the relevance of biblical messages. 3 hours.

A skills-based course designed to help students develop the writing craft, self-publish, and market their written ministry-focused works. Students will write and read their own material during class time as well as edit and critique the writing of their fellow students. Enrollment limited to 9 students. May also be credited for DE7445 Self-Publishing for Ministry in the Doctor of Educational Ministry degree. 3 hours.

A study of contemporary preaching styles and approaches, with a view to enabling the student to preach more effectively. 3 hours.

A study aimed at preparing students to preach theological expositional messages, current-issues expositional messages, and biographical expositional messages. Enrollment limited to 12 students. 3 hours

A method for developing a series of expository sermons on a book of the Bible or a topic. The preacher is able to know the central proposition of each sermon in a series before preaching the first sermon. This permits the creation of effective strategies for communication and life-change. 3 hours

This cohort explores an advanced study of the practical art and discipline of expository preaching as practiced in a church context. This specialty will reaffirm and refine the principles of homiletics. A major focus of this cohort includes leading from the pulpit, long-range sermon planning, and preaching the major biblical genres with accuracy and creativity. This cohort-based program will provide advanced study in audience analysis, variety in sermon structures, mentoring in homiletics, and preaching to the post-modern generation. Key aspects of this cohort specialty are peer-group interactive learning and individual mentoring in homiletics. The cohort seminars will meet for a total of three weeks (one week each, with intervening week-ends free, for three consecutive winters). Enrollment is limited to students participating in the Advanced Expository Preaching cohort. Students in Seminars 1 and 2 will also register concurrently for DM7101 The Ministry Leader and DM7102 Applied Research Project Development Seminar as noted below. 9 hours (3 hours each seminar).

An introduction to the use of computer tools for original-language study for the student who has no previous background in Greek and Hebrew or who has had language courses some years previously. Students will learn how to do word studies, solve interpretive problems, and do basic exegetical work using available electronic tools. Selected computer software will be required as listed in the current syllabus. Enrollment is limited to 15 DEdMin students and currently enrolled DMin students. 3 hours.

A study of selected issues and their significance for ministry. This seminar is offered based on student interest. May be repeated once for credit under a different topic. 3 hours.

Evaluation of problems, programs, and/or procedures unique to pastors of large churches through case-study methodology. Emphasis will be placed on leadership and research methods. The cohort seminars will meet for 6 weeks (2 weeks each, with intervening weekends free, for 3 consecutive summers). Enrollment is limited to students participating in the Pastors of Large Churches emphasis. 18 hours (6 hours each seminar).

Evaluation of problems, programs, and/or procedures unique to executive and associate pastors through case-study methodology. Emphasis will be placed on leadership and research methods. The cohort seminars will meet for a total of 3 weeks (1 week each, for 3 consecutive summers). Enrollment is limited to students participating in the Executive/Associate Pastors emphasis. 9 hours (3 hours each seminar).

LEAD is an intensely personal small-group seminar in leadership assessment and development dealing with the personalized steps needed to identify and solve leadership obstacles. Spouses must participate in the course. It covers several areas in the life of a Christian leader and his or her spouse: personal family history, marriage and family, personal life visions, preaching, and current ministry. Various resident periods are available. This course is scheduled through the Hendricks Center. May also be credited for DE7510 Leadership Evaluation and Development in the Doctor of Educational Ministry department. 3 hours.

A study of critical leadership and management elements of church ministry. This course is intended to be a link between DM7101 The Ministry Leader and DM7525 Strategic Planning and Mission for Ministry. The ultimate goal of this course is to help the student become more effective and more efficient in church ministry. May also be credited for DE7515 Leadership and Management in the Church in the Doctor of Educational Ministry department. 3 hours.

A seminar in leadership style, process, and implementation, with a focus on developing biblical qualities, designing team ministry, and solving common problems in church leadership. 3 hours.

A study of church-planting strategies, with a focus on “mother-daughter” church extension strategies. Not included is cross-cultural church planting, which is covered extensively in DM7530. 3 hours.

Evaluation of problems, programs, and/or procedures unique to church health, church leadership, and church multiplication. The cohort seminars will meet for a total of three weeks (one week each, for three consecutive summers). Enrollment is limited to students participating in the Church Health, Leadership, and Multiplication emphasis. Students in these seminars will also register concurrently for DM7101 The Ministry Leader, DM7102 Applied Research Project Development Seminar, and DM7901 Independent Study as noted below. 9 hours (3 hours each seminar).

This course will help ministry leaders to think and plan strategically in four critical areas: (1) discover and articulate the ministry’s core values, (2) craft a mission statement for the leader’s ministry, (3) craft a vision statement for the leader’s ministry, and (4) design a strategy to implement the mission and vision. 3 hours.

A study of biblical principles and relevant new research in church planting, with an analysis of a variety of case studies and effective outreach tools. 3 hours.

A study of biblical principles for developing mentoring and/or coaching relationships with others and the value of mentoring in ministry. Students will learn to develop leaders for their church or ministry through this effective, biblical process. May also be credited for DE7535 Developing Leadership through Discipleship, Mentoring, and Coaching in the Doctor of Educational Ministry department. 3 hours.

An on-site study of the history, philosophy, and programs of selected churches. Students participate in the activities of the church and interact intensively with church leaders. Emphasis is placed on the application of the on-site experience to the student’s personal ministry setting. The focus of this course is the staff and ministry dynamics of a large, multi-staff church. 3 hours.

Evaluation of problems, programs, and/or procedures unique to pastors and ministry leaders in a multicultural ministry context through case-study methodology. The cohort seminars will meet for a total of 3 weeks (1 week each, for 3 consecutive winters). Enrollment is limited to students participating in the Multicultural Ministry emphasis. Students in these seminars are encouraged to register concurrently for DM7101 The Ministry Leader, DM7102 The Applied Research Project Development Seminar, and DM7901 Independent Study as noted below. 9 hours (3 hours each seminar).

A study of the leadership issues, challenges, and opportunities confronting missional church leaders. This course introduces students to the history of the missional church movement, contrasts the missional church movement to the fragmenting emergent church movement, and describes how missional church pastors skillfully transition their church from internally focused forms of ministry to externally focused ones. 3 hours.

Evaluation of problems, programs, and/or procedures unique to pastoral leaders ministering in rural and small-town contexts. The cohort seminars will meet for a total of three weeks (one week each, for three consecutive summers). Enrollment is limited to students participating in the Rural and Small-Town Pastors emphasis. Students in these seminars will also register concurrently for DM7101 The Ministry Leader, DM7102 Applied Research Project Development Seminar, and DM7901 Independent Study as noted below. 9 hours (3 hours each seminar).

This emphasis provides advanced equipping of pastors and chaplains for pastoral ministry to aging populations in local church and parachurch organizations. This cohort will include biblical, theological and practical study to help the student design and implement effective and sustainable senior care ministries in the local church and senior living communities to meet the actual needs of senior adults and their families.

A study of selected issues and their significance for ministry. This seminar is offered based on student interest. May be repeated once for credit under a different topic. 3 hours.

Given the rate of ministerial burnout and fallout, ministers must not neglect their own spiritual journey. This seminar addresses the struggles faced in ministry and offers realistic strategies of hope for ongoing spiritual maturation. 3 hours.

A study of psychodynamics in relation to pastoral counseling and the study and practice of counseling techniques, emphasizing special problems in counseling. 3 hours.

An analysis of the theology of worship and worship trends, with a view toward leading God’s people to appreciate and participate in worship. 3 hours.

An examination of the concept of discipleship as defined by Christ as the seedbed strategy for developing Christian character. The characteristics of a disciple articulated in the Gospels are carefully correlated with the practice of discipleship in the church as described in the Epistles. 3 hours.

A study of current political, medical, and legal issues in the light of Scripture, with attention to the ethical and moral implications of these issues on people engaged in ministry. Students bring case studies to the seminar and develop a framework for decision-making and resolution. 3 hours.

An examination of the theoretical foundations of healthy Christian family life, with emphasis on practical skills and counseling techniques in the assessment, intervention, and resolution of marital and family problems. Enrollment limited to 20 students. 3 hours.

An introductory course in human sexuality to help church leaders develop strategies for pastoral care as well as programs that deal with sexual issues across the life span. Students will be introduced to theology of sexuality, a basic model of addressing sexual issues in pastoral care, basics of sexual biology and psychology, sexual development, sexual dysfunction, and basic intervention programs for the prevention of sexual problems and the promotion of healthy sexuality. Students will also be challenged in their own growth and development in these areas. 3 hours.

This course will focus on enhancing the practice of ministry for church educators and ministry leaders at the doctoral level with applied skills for the prevention of sexual problems and to promote healthy sexual development. The three specific topics of the course are (1) single sexuality, (2) men’s sexual integrity, and (3) marital sexual intimacy. 3 hours.

This course will focus on enhancing the practice of ministry for church educators and ministry leaders at the doctoral level with applied skills for the prevention of sexual problems and to promote healthy sexual development. The three specific topics of the course are (1) female sexuality, (2) premarital sexual preparation, and (3) marital sexual and personal spiritual formation. 3 hours.

This course will focus on enhancing the practice of ministry for church educators and ministry leaders at the doctoral level with applied skills for the prevention of sexual problems and to promote healthy sexual development. The three specific topics of the course are (1) parents teaching children sex education, (2) adolescent sexuality, and (3) sexual identity development. 3 hours.

This course will focus on conflict coaching and mediation training skills needed for biblical conflict resolution. Conflict coaching skills equip the conciliator to work with only one of the parties to the conflict in a one-on-one setting. Mediation training equips the conciliator to work with two or more people in conflict desiring reconciliation. This training is offered in partnership with Peacemaker Ministries and will be conducted at their training site. This is the first of three courses required for the “Certified Christian Conciliator” credential offered by Peacemaker Ministries. 3 hours.

This course will focus on advanced training skills needed for biblical conflict resolution in conflict coaching, mediation, and arbitration. The course will address a process that is an alternative to civil litigation for parties who are seeking assistance in disputes between individuals and/or organizations. This training is offered in partnership with Peacemaker Ministries and will be conducted at their training site. This is the second of three courses required for the “Certified Christian Conciliator” credential offered by Peacemaker Ministries. 3 hours.

This course will focus on advanced training skills needed for biblical conflict resolution in one of three specific applications: (1) intervening in church conflict; (2) reconciling marital conflict; or (3) peacemaking cross-culturally. Students will select only one of these three application areas for their entire course focus. This training is offered in partnership with Peacemaker Ministries and will be conducted at their training site. This is the third of three courses required for the “Certified Christian Conciliator” credential offered by Peacemaker Ministries. May also be credited for DE7647 Biblical Conflict Resolution III in the Doctor of Educational Ministry department. 3 hours.

A study of Christian spiritual formation for ministry practitioners. This cohort comprises three seminars that will give special attention to the theology and history of Christian spirituality, personal and corporate practices of spiritual formation, and the process of providing spiritual nurture and guidance to others. The cohort seminars will meet for a total of 6 weeks (2 weeks each, with intervening weekends free, for 3 consecutive summers). 18 hours (6 hours each seminar).

This cohort explores biblical and theological foundations, cutting-edge programs, and ministry education strategies. Certification in the use of research-based tools for marriage and family educators will be included. A major focus will be to design sustainable context-specific marriage and family ministries, particularly in the local church. The cohort seminars will meet for a total of six weeks (two weeks each, with in- tervening weekends free, for three consecutive winters). Enrollment is limited to students participating in the Marriage and Family Ministry emphasis. 18 hours (6 hours each seminar).

A study of selected theological issues and their significance for ministry. This seminar is offered based on student interest. May be repeated once for credit under a different topic. May also be credited for DE7705 Selected Topics of Theological Issues in Today’s Ministry in the Doctor of Educational Ministry degree. 3 hours.

A study of the theological and historical framework of the charismatic movement, with exegesis of select biblical passages. 3 hours.

The development of a biblical theology of culture for a meaningful contextualized ministry in effective evangelism, discipleship, church planting, or expository preaching in cross-cultural contexts. 3 hours.

A discussion of the biblical theology of ministries of reconciliation that allows students to develop a model for reconciliation ministries of their choice—racial, gender, marital, cultural, intrachurch, interchurch, restoration of a fallen leader, etc. The course goes beyond the “should” to develop the “how to” of reconciliation. 3 hours.

A study of prayer and ministry leadership from a biblical, historical, and practical perspective. 3 hours.

A study of the historical and theological development of current trends in theology. Topics will vary according to student interest. May also be credited for DE7740 Trends in Contemporary Theological Movements in the Doctor of Educational Ministry department. 3 hours.

This course is designed to shape a biblical theology of suffering in order to develop various ministry strategies that can be implemented by ministry leaders to aid the Christian community in meeting the needs of a suffering world. 3 hours.

An analysis of Christian leadership, the unique characteristics of women as leaders, the significant contribution of women in the Bible, and effective ways for women to enhance and strengthen Christian ministry through effective team-building. May also be credited for DE7805 Women in Christian Leadership in the Doctor of Educational Ministry degree. 3 hours.

An exploration of biblical texts on the role of women in ministry, community, and the home; an examination of future trends; and the related impact of sound hermeneutics, culture, and history. May also be credited for DE7810 The Role of Women Related to Biblical, Historical, and Futuristic Issues in the Doctor of Educational Ministry degree. 3 hours.

A study of selected cultural issues that affect women’s spiritual lives today, including alternative spiritualities, feminism, gender-based epistemologies, and demographics and lifestyles of contemporary women. May also be credited for DE7815 Understanding Women in Contemporary Cultures in the Doctor of Educational Ministry degree. 3 hours.

A seminar to expose women to practical ministry issues and skills, including conflict resolution, change process, team building, and technological opportunities and challenges in ministry. The course will equip students to evaluate and apply what they learn to their own ministry contexts for the purpose of building dynamic transformational ministries. May also be credited for DE7820 Ministry Skills in Multiple Contexts in the Doctor of Educational Ministry degree. 3 hours.

An exploration of the unique characteristics and needs of women in pain and a discussion of ways to guide and mentor women back to spiritual health through effective caregiving skills and ministries. May also be credited for DE7825 Caring for Women in Pain in the Doctor of Educational Ministry degree. 3 hours.

Independent research on some aspect of ministry studies. Normally the independent study is associated with the student’s research project, though it may be related to other interests. Students may take up to two independent studies as part of their program. 1–4 hours.

This course is designed for students who choose to participate in special conferences, training, or programs that are more formal in nature and require student participation other than a standard independent study. Approved special topics will provide expertise or training not specifically covered in the seminary curriculum. Credit is allowed proportionate to the required amount of work but is not to exceed four credit hours on any one topic. Enrollment requires consent of the department. 1–4 hours.