Online Ministry and Leadership Course Descriptions

Ministry and Leadership Program (Professional Studies)

Course Descriptions

Bible and Theology Core:

BIBL 2113 LIFE AND WRITINGS OF PAUL (3 hrs)

This course includes a survey of the basic events in the life of the Apostle Paul and an introduction to his writings. Special attention is given to the important position occupied by Paul in the life, literature, and worship of the early church. 

BIBL 2313 LIFE OF CHRIST (3 hrs)

This course is a study of the basic events of the life and ministry of Christ based upon the four Gospels. Special attention is given to His teachings and the history of the interpretation of the Gospels.

BIBL 3013 BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION (3 hrs)

This course is a study of the process that led to the creation of the English Bible and its authority. It includes a survey of the principles and practice of independent Bible study, including an emphasis on the grammatical, historical approach to Biblical interpretation. The student will study methods of application leading to the development of theme, proposition, and, finally, the lesson itself. Prerequisite: ENGL 1513 and ENGL 1613

HIST 3103 CHURCH HISTORY (3 hrs)

This course examines the development of the Christian church from the end of the apostolic age to the present.  Consideration is given to the outstanding persons and events of this period and to the doctrinal development which took place.

THEO 3313 SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY I (3 hrs)

This course examines the major doctrinal teachings of the Christian faith. It begins with an analysis of the key terms used in the study of systematic theology and an overview of the major theological systems which the student is likely to encounter. It also examines theology, bibliology, and Christology. Prerequisite: THEO 1213.

THEO 3413 SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY II (3 hrs)

This course is a continuation of THEO 3313 Systematic Theology I. It examines pneumatology, angelology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology.  Prerequisite: THEO 1213.

Christian Ministry Requirements:

CMIN 2003 FOUNDATIONS OF TEACHING (3 hrs)

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 hrs)

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 3112 CHRISTIAN SPIRITUAL FORMATION (2 hrs)

This course is a study about Christian spiritual formation, which is the process of being shaped by the Holy Spirit into the likeness of Christ.  Studies help students identify how God transforms Christ-followers and what their individual collective responsibilities are in that process. Although much of the course is informative, the ultimate goal is that it will be transformative as students apply what they learn in their own spiritual journey and use what they learn in discipling others.

CMIN 3113 HOMILETICS (3 hrs)

This course is an in-depth study of the science and art governing the preparation and delivery of sermons. The student is taught the classification of knowledge and the art of applying it through speech communication. Various types of sermons, such as topical, textual, and expository, are prepared and preached.  Emphasis is placed upon effective message transmitting and receiving activities.

CMIN 3413 INTRODUCTION TO YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY (3 hrs)

This course explores the Biblical, theological and sociological view of youth and family ministry.  t will investigate the various models and principles of youth and family ministry and look at the role of parents, youth workers and mentors. It will examine practical techniques for designing and implementing church programs to enrich family life and encourage church-home cooperation. It will include the study of strategies for implementing a multigenerational approach in local church ministry.

CMIN 3523 ADMINISTRATION OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (3 hours)

This course is designed to assist ministers and lay-leaders in the design, organization, and administration of educational ministries in the local church. Topics include planning, needs assessment, program design and development, recruitment, resource (human and material) management, training, and curriculum evaluation and selection. The general principles and practices covered in the course will also be applicable to parachurch educational ministries.

CMIN 4442 MINISTRY INTERNSHIP (2 hrs)

This course is designed to provide the ministerial student with practical experience and on-the-job training through involvement in the work and ministry of a local church on a regular basis. Classroom time is devoted to discussion and analysis of the student’s church involvement. The course may be repeated. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor.

CMIN 4523 MINISTRY CAPSTONE (3 hrs)

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 Academic Dean. An oral presentation before the preceding team of educators will be part of this evaluation. Prerequisite: Senior standing and approval of the department chair.

CMIN 4723 CHRISTIAN MINISTRY COUNSELING (3 hrs)

This course is designed for those in leadership positions. The course is practical and applicable to the counseling problems common to pastors and church leaders.

LEAD 3823 CONCEPTS OF LEADERSHIP (3 hrs)

This course is a study of the concepts of leadership presented in the Scriptures with the goal of maximizing leadership potential.

MISS 3223 GLOBAL MINISTRY (3 hrs)

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.)

PHIL 4213 ADVANCED APOLOGETICS (3 hrs)

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.

WRSP 4423 PLANNING & CONDUCTING PUBLIC WORSHIP (3 hrs)

This course is a Biblical, theological, and practical study of public worship. The principles of worship design are studied, including a survey of various historical and contemporary models for corporate worship, elements of the worship program, how to plan an effective worship service, how to adapt to various types of churches, and the responsibility of the pastor and other leaders in planning and leading church worship services.

For more information:

DeAnna Rinehart
Director of Online Learning
405-912-9035
drinehart@ru.edu