This course introduces students to the theology and practice of pastoral care and counseling, both in their theoretical and practical dimensions. Some of the questions it will address are: ? What is pastoral care? How do we counsel people at times of need? ? When is it appropriate to counsel, and when is it better to refer people to those who are professionally trained? ? What practical skills do I need to have, in order to minister to people who are struggling with a crisis in their life, who are grieving the loss of a loved one, who are considering getting married or divorced, who live in a violent household, etc.? ? How can I take care of myself while I engage pastoral situations, which are often draining and overwhelming? ? How do I hold on to my faith and hope, as I encounter human realities, which seem un-redeemable and hopeless? ? How do I develop a plan of care, which helps me respond and anticipate the needs of my congregations? Students will learn the theological and historical foundations of pastoral care and counseling, in the context of congregations and communities of faith. They will practice together skills necessary to offer basic care and counseling, such as listening, presence, crisis intervention and assessment, boundary setting, pastoral assessment, brief counseling, appropriate referrals, etc. They will develop models of self-care, so that abuse of self and other can be prevented. They will engage in ongoing critical reflection about the variety of pastoral practices available so that the complexity and diversity of human realities and experiences can be adequately assessed, engaged and respected.

This course introduces students to the theology and practice of pastoral care and counseling, both in their theoretical and practical dimensions. Some of the questions it will address are: What is pastoral care? How do we counsel people at times of need? When is it appropriate to counsel, and when is it better to refer people to those who are professionally trained? What practical skills do I need to have, in order to minister to people who are struggling with a crisis in their life, who are grieving the loss of a loved one, who are considering getting married or divorced, who live in a violent household, etc.? How can I take care of myself while I engage pastoral situations, which are often draining and overwhelming? How do I hold on to my faith and hope, as I encounter human realities, which seem un-redeemable and hopeless? How do I develop a plan of care, which helps me respond and anticipate the needs of my congregations? Students will learn the theological and historical foundations of pastoral care and counseling, in the context of congregations and communities of faith. They will practice together skills necessary to offer basic care and counseling, such as listening, presence, crisis intervention and assessment, boundary setting, pastoral assessment, brief counseling, appropriate referrals, etc. They will develop models of self-care, so that abuse of self and other can be prevented. They will engage in ongoing critical reflection about the variety of pastoral practices available so that the complexity and diversity of human realities and experiences can be adequately assessed, engaged and respected.

This course introduces students to the theology and practice of pastoral care and counseling, both in their theoretical and practical dimensions. Some of the questions it will address are: What is pastoral care? How do we counsel people at times of need? When is it appropriate to counsel, and when is it better to refer people to those who are professionally trained? What practical skills do I need to have, in order to minister to people who are struggling with a crisis in their life, who are grieving the loss of a loved one, who are considering getting married or divorced, who live in a violent household, etc.? How can I take care of myself while I engage pastoral situations, which are often draining and overwhelming? How do I hold on to my faith and hope, as I encounter human realities, which seem un-redeemable and hopeless? How do I develop a plan of care, which helps me respond and anticipate the needs of my congregations? Students will learn the theological and historical foundations of pastoral care and counseling, in the context of congregations and communities of faith. They will practice together skills necessary to offer basic care and counseling, such as listening, presence, crisis intervention and assessment, boundary setting, pastoral assessment, brief counseling, appropriate referrals, etc. They will develop models of self-care, so that abuse of self and other can be prevented. They will engage in ongoing critical reflection about the variety of pastoral practices available so that the complexity and diversity of human realities and experiences can be adequately assessed, engaged and respected.

The foundational course in homiletics. Homiletics is the study of the history, theory (including homiletic theology), and practice of preaching. As such, the course builds on fundamentals of biblical interpretation, classical rhetoric, skills in understanding needs and behaviors of individuals and groups, and the best in modern communication studies. With an awareness that at least some preaching is required of most persons in practically every ministry (pastoral ministry naturally, hospital and military chaplaincies, national and international missions, campus ministries, and more) the course seeks to give students, meeting them wherever they may be in terms of preaching experience, opportunities to establish or enhance their developing expertise with preparing as well as delivering sermons. Students will construct sermon outlines and preach at least one in-class sermon. Reading and/or viewing the sermons of noted preachers past and present is often a part of the course.

The foundational course in homiletics. Homiletics is the study of the history, theory (including homiletic theology), and practice of preaching. As such, the course builds on fundamentals of biblical interpretation, classical rhetoric, skills in understanding needs and behaviors of individuals and groups, and the best in modern communication studies. With an awareness that at least some preaching is required of most persons in practically every ministry (pastoral ministry naturally, hospital and military chaplaincies, national and international missions, campus ministries, and more) the course seeks to give students, meeting them wherever they may be in terms of preaching experience, opportunities to establish or enhance their developing expertise with preparing as well as delivering sermons. Students will construct sermon outlines and preach at least one in-class sermon. Reading and/or viewing the sermons of noted preachers past and present is often a part of the course.

The foundational course in homiletics. Homiletics is the study of the history, theory (including homiletic theology), and practice of preaching. As such, the course builds on fundamentals of biblical interpretation, classical rhetoric, skills in understanding needs and behaviors of individuals and groups, and the best in modern communication studies. With an awareness that at least some preaching is required of most persons in practically every ministry (pastoral ministry naturally, hospital and military chaplaincies, national and international missions, campus ministries, and more) the course seeks to give students, meeting them wherever they may be in terms of preaching experience, opportunities to establish or enhance their developing expertise with preparing as well as delivering sermons. Students will construct sermon outlines and preach at least one in-class sermon. Reading and/or viewing the sermons of noted preachers past and present is often a part of the course.

This course builds on "Introduction to Homiletics." The primary goal of the course is to give students as many opportunities to preach as many different types of sermons (such as communion sermons, funeral sermons, lectionary-based sermons, social crisis sermons, wedding sermons, etc.) as class size and time permit. Students have opportunities to develop more fully their skills both in preparation and delivery of sermons. Attention may be given in this course to the timing of sermons, advanced public speaking skills, and/or multiple traditional and contemporary approaches to sermon design (inductive preaching and sermon "moves," for example). As sermons are preached in class, faculty members and student peers join in supportive, constructive critique; a spirit of mutual encouragement for each member of the class is a major course goal.

This course provides pastoral care education on traumatic and natural losses and on the grieving processes associated with them. Course participants will be introduced to spiritual, theological, cultural, and scientific resources to better understand the complex effects of short and long term grief and grieving and the healing potential of appropriate pastoral care and counseling. Besides receiving theoretical material, course participants will be able to acquire tools and skills for spiritual guidance and pastoral care, to share with their congregations, their families, and the larger community in need (such as those communities which have been hit by natural disasters).

Pastors and pastoral counselors are often called upon to minister to people in their congregation and community over a broad spectrum of ages and issues. This course will examine individual and family development stages and identify selected pastoral counseling issues that coincide with these stages. While some of these counseling issues are by nature crisis-oriented, students will also learn to respond to normal "everyday" situations experienced in congregational and family life. The course will draw from developmental psychology, systems theory, and pastoral counseling principles to equip students for effective ministry within a biblical and theological context.

This course will be built upon these units: the slave preachers, the trailblazing preaching of African American women, the relatively recent study of the "phonograph preachers," and African American preachers in the modern era to include among others Katie Geneva Cannon, Suzan Johnson Cook, Creflo Dollar, Wilda Gafney, Peter Gomes, Prathia Hall, Barbara Harris, Reverend Ike, Martin Luther King Jr, Eddie Long, Ella and Henry Mitchell, Pauli Murray, Carlton Pearson, Samuel DeWitt Proctor, Gardner Taylor, Renita Weems.

This course is designed to help students move beyond their personal formation as followers of Christ, to developing a comprehensive approach to the formation and education of the individuals and community within their context. It seeks to equip students with educational tools useful for the teaching ministry of the church. While practical in nature, it will include exploration of the history of Christian education in the United States, and an envisioning of Christian education for the 21st century.

This course is designed to provide an exploration of various dynamics of pastoral leadership such as, but not limited to: leadership theories and models, pastoral identity, ministry paradigms, laity empowerment, and transformation.

This course is designed to provide an exploration of various dynamics of pastoral leadership such as, but not limited to: leadership theories and models, pastoral identity, ministry paradigms, laity empowerment, and transformation.

This course is designed to provide an exploration of various dynamics of pastoral leadership such as, but not limited to: leadership theories and models, pastoral identity, ministry paradigms, laity empowerment, and transformation.

The primary purpose of this module is to guide the learner toward the development of a biblical foundation for the study, research, and practice of proclamation. Learners will be introduced to different theories and modes of communication and exposed to the challenges identified by communication scholars and faced by those working in the field of communication. The emphasis of this module will be on understanding the role and function of communication in and from the life church and other ministry settings. Special attention will be given to the primary message of the Church and the options by which it can be contextualized in various cultures. The Openseminary prologue consists of 12 weeks of online readings, assignments, and dicussions in preparation for the on-ground engagement. Openseminary M.T.S. program course.

The primary purpose of this module is to guide the learner toward the development of a biblical foundation for the study, research, and practice of proclamation. Learners will be introduced to different theories and modes of communication and exposed to the challenges identified by communication scholars and faced by those working in the field of communication. The emphasis of this module will be on understanding the role and function of communication in and from the life church and other ministry settings. Special attention will be given to the primary message of the Church and the options by which it can be contextualized in various cultures. The Openseminary one-week, on-ground experience consists of full-day class sessions and engagement with teacher-practitioners in the field of study. Openseminary M.T.S. program course.

The primary purpose of this module is to guide the learner toward the development of a biblical foundation for the study, research, and practice of proclamation. Learners will be introduced to different theories and modes of communication and exposed to the challenges identified by communication scholars and faced by those working in the field of communication. The emphasis of this module will be on understanding the role and function of communication in and from the life church and other ministry settings. Special attention will be given to the primary message of the Church and the options by which it can be contextualized in various cultures. The Openseminary final project consists of 8 weeks of research and online discussions to produce a final paper/project, based on the learnings in the prologue and on-ground engagement. Openseminary M.T.S. program course.

This module will assist the learner to appreciate the cultural contexts of Christian worship within local churches and other ministry settings. It will explore biblical principles and historical traditions of worship, as well as current cultural forms and perspectives. Learners will develop their own theologies of worship, and gain skill in developing worship for their own cultural contexts. Learners reflect theologically on the essential elements of Christian worship and on their capacity to shape faith communities and engage culture. The module will include a strong practical component, offering principles, methods, and skills for both the design and leadership of worship. The Openseminary prologue consists of 12 weeks of online readings, assignments, and dicussions in preparation for the on-ground engagement. Openseminary M.T.S. program course.

This module will assist the learner to appreciate the cultural contexts of Christian worship within local churches and other ministry settings. It will explore biblical principles and historical traditions of worship, as well as current cultural forms and perspectives. Learners will develop their own theologies of worship, and gain skill in developing worship for their own cultural contexts. Learners reflect theologically on the essential elements of Christian worship and on their capacity to shape faith communities and engage culture. The module will include a strong practical component, offering principles, methods, and skills for both the design and leadership of worship. The Openseminary one-week, on-ground experience consists of full-day class sessions and engagement with teacher-practitioners in the field of study. Openseminary M.T.S. program course.

This module will assist the learner to appreciate the cultural contexts of Christian worship within local churches and other ministry settings. It will explore biblical principles and historical traditions of worship, as well as current cultural forms and perspectives. Learners will develop their own theologies of worship, and gain skill in developing worship for their own cultural contexts. Learners reflect theologically on the essential elements of Christian worship and on their capacity to shape faith communities and engage culture. The module will include a strong practical component, offering principles, methods, and skills for both the design and leadership of worship. The Openseminary final project consists of 8 weeks of research and online discussions to produce a final paper/project, based on the learnings in the prologue and on-ground engagement. Openseminary M.T.S. program course.

The primary purpose of this module is to guide the learner toward the development of a biblical foundation for the study, research, and practice of proclamation. Learners will be introduced to different theories and modes of communication and exposed to the challenges identified by communication scholars and faced by those working in the field of communication. The emphasis of this module will be on understanding the role and function of communication in and from the life church and other ministry settings. Special attention will be given to the primary message of the Church and the options by which it can be contextualized in various cultures. The Openseminary prologue consists of 12 weeks of online readings, assignments, and dicussions in preparation for the on-ground engagement. Openseminary M.P.T. program course.

The primary purpose of this module is to guide the learner toward the development of a biblical foundation for the study, research, and practice of proclamation. Learners will be introduced to different theories and modes of communication and exposed to the challenges identified by communication scholars and faced by those working in the field of communication. The emphasis of this module will be on understanding the role and function of communication in and from the life church and other ministry settings. Special attention will be given to the primary message of the Church and the options by which it can be contextualized in various cultures. The Openseminary one-week, on-ground experience consists of full-day class sessions and engagement with teacher-practitioners in the field of study. Openseminary M.P.T. program course.

The primary purpose of this module is to guide the learner toward the development of a biblical foundation for the study, research, and practice of proclamation. Learners will be introduced to different theories and modes of communication and exposed to the challenges identified by communication scholars and faced by those working in the field of communication. The emphasis of this module will be on understanding the role and function of communication in and from the life church and other ministry settings. Special attention will be given to the primary message of the Church and the options by which it can be contextualized in various cultures. The Openseminary final project consists of 8 weeks of research and online discussions to produce a final paper/project, based on the learnings in the prologue and on-ground engagement. Openseminary M.P.T. program course.

This module will assist the learner to appreciate the cultural contexts of Christian worship within local churches and other ministry settings. It will explore biblical principles and historical traditions of worship, as well as current cultural forms and perspectives. Learners will develop their own theologies of worship, and gain skill in developing worship for their own cultural contexts. Learners reflect theologically on the essential elements of Christian worship and on their capacity to shape faith communities and engage culture. The module will include a strong practical component, offering principles, methods, and skills for both the design and leadership of worship.

This module will assist the learner to appreciate

This module will assist the learner to appreciate the cultural contexts of Christian worship within local churches and other ministry settings. It will explore biblical principles and historical traditions of worship, as well as current cultural forms and perspectives. Learners will develop their own theologies of worship, and gain skill in developing worship for their own cultural contexts. Learners reflect theologically on the essential elements of Christian worship and on their capacity to shape faith communities and engage culture. The module will include a strong practical component, offering principles, methods, and skills for both the design and leadership of worship. The Openseminary final project consists of 8 weeks of research and online discussions to produce a final paper/project, based on the learnings in the prologue and on-ground engagement. Openseminary M.P.T. program course.

In this course students will implement and reflect on their theological conclusion which they developed in INTG 581.

In this course students will implement and reflect on their theological conclusion which they developed in INTG 581.

This course is designed to help students move beyond their personal formation as followers of Christ, to developing a comprehensive approach to the formation and education of the individuals and community within their context. It seeks to equip students with educational tools useful for the teaching ministry of the church. While practical in nature, it will include exploration of the history of Christian education in the United States, and an envisioning of Christian education for the 21st century.

This course is designed to help students move beyond their personal formation as followers of Christ, to developing a comprehensive approach to the formation and education of the individuals and community within their context. It seeks to equip students with educational tools useful for the teaching ministry of the church. While practical in nature, it will include exploration of the history of Christian education in the United States, and an envisioning of Christian education for the 21st century.

This course will equip students with basic coaching skills that can be integrated and incorporated into their ministry setting. Coach training can dramatically enhance the ministry leader's effectiveness as a leader and greatly increase the impact within their faith community and the larger local community.

Introduces movies and clips from movies as a ministry tool for growth and transformation in oneself and others. Teaching and learning strategies include viewing and reflecting on selected movies, readings in transformation and group facilitation, individual and small group work, and brief classroom presentations. Each student will identify his or her primary leadership style and how it encourages transformative growth in others. The class will also investigate a variety of styles linked with transformational growth including a Midwife Leadership Style. Includes individual and small group work during and after the intensive.

This course introduces students to the practical skills and pastoral dynamics of ministry. We will take a nuts and bolts approach to issues and tasks pastors face every day. Some of the topics we will cover are: developing and living within the church budget, administration of the church office, relating to staff members, developing and implementing new programs, training leaders, changing and or adding new worship services, and a strategy for the first year in a new pastorate.

"Biblical preaching remains one of the primary ways in which leaders influence God's people and shape the church." Assuming this statement to be true, this course provides ways to understand the Scriptures with missional eyes and to craft sermons accordingly.

"Biblical Storytelling is a spiritual discipline that entails the lively interpretation, expression and animation of a narrative text of the Old and New Testament that has been first deeply internalized and is then remembered, embodied, breathe and voiced by a teller/performer as a sacred event in community with an audience/congregation." (Master Storyteller, Dennis Dewey). The story once embodied and shared beyond the four walls of sanctuary enables us to share the gospel. It becomes in essence a "storied spirituality" in which the teller and listener become engaged in a "language event" which acts as an experiential vehicle of God's Kingdom. (Ian Scott)

Pastors, Christian educators, denominational workers, worship leaders, missionaries, and all church leaders engage in communication every day. This course is designed to help church leaders communicate clearly in every possible setting. Persuasion is the real authority of a leader and learning the art of persuasion is an essential skill for church leaders. The course will include practical aspects of communication such as directing small groups, making budget presentations, articulating a vision for a church executive council, teaching Sunday School, and preaching. Persuasion, argument, communication, and all the tools of rhetoric will be employed to aid the student in learning how to clearly give direction, vision, encouragement, and power to the church. This course will satisfy the requirement for a preaching practicum and provide skills for students who will work in the church in other positions than pastor.

This course will focus on how we do Christian Education in the local church in the 21st Century. How do we incorporate everything from classical spiritual disciplines to multimedia in educational ministry for children, youth and adults. Practice of Ministry elective.

Creative, compassionate, social engagement is essential to every healthy democratic society. Yet, persecution, injustice and abuse still run rampant - threatening the fabric of civilization. This course is an invitation to explore how and why Christian communities work to transform the social order in the twentieth century. One could say that the chief signifying "event" of Christianity has the transcendent and infinite God of the Hebrew Bible, whose name cannot even be spoken-YHWH-taking on the flesh of a first-century man named "Jesus," who spends most of his life healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and living in solidarity with laborers, tax collectors, and prostitutes. He routinely reminded his followers that they were to called to be stewards of the Kingdom enacting the idea that entry into that Kingdom is very much tied to what one does in this world for the least, which is to say the most "worldly," among us. Students will be invited to examine the fusion between personal compassion and compassion expressed by groups and communities. We will explore questions such as: What is the connection between faith and compassion? How do congregations, communities of faith, social structures, etc. work to create compassion? conflict? How can a society or group be said to have a soul? Moreover, in this course, students will encounter works that invite self-examination around their positions within these systems, and this examination will help us to work towards developing empathy and understanding for others. Students will also think about the question, "What can we do?" This question will help you to think about your own position and how we can take the material that we've explored to create a more just and equitable society for all. Finally, we will probe how Christian activist cultures relate to a host of social issues including, but not limited to: congregational decline, suicide, prison reform, the environment, unemployment, race, gender and nationalism, Black Lives Matter, police brutality and healthcare.

In this rapidly changing world, people have integrated technology in significant ways into their everyday lives. This seminar course equips one to develop strategies for?utilizing modern technology and digital media to assist with evangelism, discipleship, and the growth and development of communities of faith.?(Digital media includes any form of technology that can be distributed via an electronic device). Students will explore the benefits of using technology to enhance ministry and make disciples, become familiar with a variety of relevant online tools, and will be led in a discernment process to determine which tools would be most useful in their own context.?This course is designed to provide a strong orientation for integrating faith and technology, providing practical exercises and skills training. Additionally, we will present strategies for mobilizing volunteers to assist with developing a team-based model for modern ministry.

A study of the much-maligned book of Revelation as a foundation for stirring pastoral and prophetic preaching in our time. Setting the book squarely in its historical setting and embracing it as the apocalyptic literature it is, we will study as much of the intriguing, powerfully hopeful book as time allows, establishing foundations for preaching our own timely sermons on the basis of John's visions. We will give a measure of attention to some of the great sermons in preaching history that were based on texts from Revelation. Several of the diverse contemporary interpretations of Revelation will be explored.

Ministry is full of small groups but they are not the same. We need a variety of strategies and a variety of leadership styles to effectively nurture groups. We will explore questions like: What theoretical knowledge and strategies inform our decisions in leading groups? What strategies and behaviors can be learned (or unlearned) to increase my "toolbox" for effectively leading a group? In what ways does the type of group or the purpose of the group inform my strategy? Does it make a difference if the group is volunteers or staff? What are effective strategies with different generations as well as effective strategies that bridge generations? These are some of the questions that will be explored in this course.

Becoming a more effective counselor in a ministerial context requires the development of specific counseling skills such as listening actively and reflectively, reframing, paraphrasing, etc. It also requires learning about specific models that provide a framework of reference to the counseling process. This intensive course will focus on the development and practice of counseling skills for ministry. Throughout this course students will not only learn about the theoretical aspects that support the development of specific counseling skills but will have the opportunity to practice them to gain more confidence in their counseling ministries.

All of us deal with anger individually, in our relationships, and in ministry situations. While some Christians respond well to these challenges others experience confusion and anxiety, and respond in ineffective ways. This course, designed for those training to become pastors or counselors, will examine biblical principles regarding anger and develop a theological framework to understand God's response, and our own behavior regarding anger. We will explore our personal experiences and responses to anger from a family systems approach and identify where and how we can grow as individuals. We will also explore how anger can manifest in other Christians and congregations, and how we can facilitate others to turn these into learning experiences.

What constitutes trauma? What is the impact of trauma on the bodies, minds, souls, and relational lives of individuals and communities? Given the pervasive nature of violence in the contemporary world, can we imagine ever standing in a Trauma-Free Zone? Beyond clinical and therapeutic resources, what spiritual resources are there for us to engage a traumatized world, and restore it to its intended beauty and wholeness? In this course we will seek to understand the severe disruption that traumatic experience can cause in the lives of individuals, communities, and countries. We will accomplish this task by studying trauma theory and by practicing basic assessment skills. Also, we will explore some of the rich resources available in our Christian tradition, and seek to learn from mystical and relational theologies how to move from brokenness to wholeness, from the "Good Friday" of traumatic disruption, to the "Resurrection Sunday" of re-integration and post-traumatic recovery. The course is designed for students, lay and clergy pastors who are interested in making a difference in their personal and family life, in their congregations, in their communities, and in the aftercare needs of survivors of human trafficking.

Addictive behaviors are very prevalent in our culture and in our churches. We are becoming more aware of, and openly acknowledging, the many forms that addictive behaviors can take and the extreme damage it brings to individuals and those around them. Christians are not immune from these behaviors, and pastors are called on more than ever to respond with compassion and effective counsel to those struggling with addictions and those affected by the addictions of others. In this course we will identify common behaviors and root causes of addictive behaviors, including alcohol, substance abuse, gambling, and sexual addictions. The course will include presentations, guest speakers, videos, field trips, and experiential learning. The issue of addictions and recovery will be examined through both theological and systemic lens, with the goal of equipping pastors and counselors to provide effective counsel and discernment about appropriate referral.

What constitutes trauma? What is the impact of trauma on our bodies, minds, souls, and communities? Given the pervasive and systemic nature of violence in our world, could we ever imagine living free of trauma? This course will explore trauma theory and its effects in the lives of people and communities as it relates to a myriad of issues (i.e. war, migration, poverty, gun and family violence, etc.). Throughout the course and the practice of basic skills, participants will identify spiritual, psychological and emotional resources that help us to break away from the endless cycle of violence, and to reclaim our presence in the world in ways that promote God's peace rooted in justice. The course will include and exploration of resources that are available in our Christian tradition and invite us to overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:21) for ourselves and our communities.

Conflict has been present among God's people from the beginning, and the Bible describes numerous situations dealing with conflict that reoccur often within our contemporary church experiences. Conflict can be destructive-and conflict can lead to exciting change! This course will equip students to better understand the nature of conflict, understand different conflict management styles (including their own preferred styles), and how to respond effectively when conflict is present in their church. This course will also explore how our personal and professional responses to conflict are tied to our past and present relationships, and gain healthy ways to deal with our own anger.

This course offers opportunity for individual involvement in a significant research project or readings in a specialized area of ministry.

Student will design learning contract with professor utilizing readings, research papers and conferences to gain insights on Christian education theory and practice.