Intercultural Studies Program
CMIN 1212 DISCIPLER’S FORMATION (2 hours)
This course is a requirement for all students seeking a BA in any ministry discipline (i.e. Pastoral Ministry, Theology, Youth and Family Ministry, Intercultural Studies). Through instruction and guidance by designated spiritual coaches, students are assisted in character and spiritual development. The course includes focus on spiritual disciplines, spiritual gifts, character, lifestyle, discernment, and other topics related to the formation of the Christian minister.
CMIN 2003 FOUNDATIONS OF TEACHING (3 hours)
This course is a study of principles of the teaching-learning process so students will gain skills necessary for transformational communication of the Bible. Methods of teaching and lesson preparation will be studied, followed by practical application experiences.
CMIN 2353 INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN MINISTRY (3 hours)
This course is a broad overview of various aspects of Christian ministry. It includes an introduction to missions, pastoral and youth ministries, worship leadership, and educational ministry. The biblical basis, principles, and practices of each area of ministry are examined. The course is designed for students pursuing either vocational or lay ministry.
CMIN 4523 MINISTRY CAPSTONE (3 hours)
This is a contract course in which the student does a ministry project/paper that integrates all degree coursework, practical experiences, and personal preparedness for the transition from college into the next necessary stage for engagement in his or her specific ministry track choice. The student will fulfill this requirement during his or her final semester in the program. The student’s work will be evaluated by the instructor assigned to work with him or her, the program director, Christian ministry department chair, and the Executive Vice President. An oral presentation before the preceding team of educators will be part of this evaluation. Prerequisite: Senior standing and approval of the department chair.
MISS 3113 PERSPECTIVES ON THE WORLD CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT (3 hours)
This is an in-depth study of world missions. It includes extensive study of God’s global mission for all every tribe, tongue and nation. This course is offered for credit from the U.S. Center for World Mission and is held in local churches. (With approval from the program director this course can replace the in-class course MISS 3223 Global Ministry).
MISS 3123 MISSIONS AND CULTURE (3 hours)
This is a study of the nature of missions as it relates to the purpose, function, and patterns of man in culture. It is designed to give students an orientation toward peoples and cultures of other lands for the sake of imparting the Christian witness in indigenous rather than western forms. The course should be equally helpful for other church workers and laypersons to better understand and minister to people of various subcultures in American society.
MISS 3212 BIBLICAL BASIS OF MISSIONS (2 hours)
This is a study of God’s mission as it is revealed and flows throughout the Bible. Topics include God’s missionary character, His global mission strategy, and His active engagement in mission through His followers.
MISS 3223 GLOBAL MINISTRY (3 hours)
This is a comprehensive study of missions from four perspectives: Biblical, historical, cultural, and strategic. It provides students of all Christian ministry degree programs the opportunity to intensely study and understand the global mission of God and their responsibilities in it. (With approval from the program director this course can be substituted with MISS 3113 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement.)
MISS 3613 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES, METHODS, AND STRATEGIES OF MISSIONS (3 hours)
This study deals with critical issues that confront Christians in intercultural ministries today. It includes study of mission methods and strategies for effective ministries in contemporary settings.
MISS 3723 HISTORY OF MISSIONS (3 hours)
This course is a complement to the study of church history. Its focus is on the development of missionary activity, people, practices, problems, and progression from the apostolic age to the present day. Cross-listed as HIST 3723.
MISS 4103 MINISTERING CROSS-CULTURALLY (3 hours)
This course is a study of principles, practices, and problems related to ministry within the context of cultural diversity. Topics of study include cross-cultural communication, conflict management, witnessing, teaching, preaching, building and maintaining relationships, and counseling. Cross-listed as CMIN 4103.
MISS 4402 MISSIONS INTERNSHIP (2 hours)
This course is designed to provide the student with practical experience and on-the-job training in missions work. The student will work with a faculty instructor and field supervisor in the development of a learning and ministry plan for the semester or summer term. Prerequisite: Junior standing and enrollment in the Intercultural Studies degree program.
MISS 4333 CHURCH PLANTING AND GROWTH (3 hours)
This course is a study of basic principles and methods of church planting and growth. The study integrates relevant insights from history and sociology with foundational Biblical materials related to development of churches and church-planting movements. Application for ministries within one’s own cultural context and cross-cultural contexts are included in the study. Cross-listed as CMIN 4333.
PHIL 4213 ADVANCED APOLOGETICS (3 hours)
This course is an advanced study of the case for Christianity and a critical evaluation of common objections to Christian truth claims. Attention will be given to theoretical arguments for/against the truth of the Christian faith. Emphasis will also be given to the practical application of the ideas discussed for ministry and personal evangelism. Prerequisite: PHIL 1122 or permission of the instructor.
RELG 3113 COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS I: NON-CHRISTIAN AMERICAN RELIGIONS (3 hours)
This is a comparative study of non-Christian American cults and religious movements. The course will include the historical development, key leaders, religious texts and other authority sources, membership statistics, practices, doctrines, and influence of the religious systems studied.
RELG 3213 COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS II: WORLD RELIGIONS (3 hours)
This course is designed especially to acquaint students with the major religions of the world. The study includes Buddhism, Hinduism, Animism, Islam, Romanism, Bahaism, and others.
