This introductory course for the major explores the intersection of culture, worldview, ministry, and the Gospel. Students will learn to understand the cultural context in which they are ministering. This course is designed for students pursuing a career in ministry, theology, or Christian leadership, as well as those interested in understanding the role of culture and worldview in shaping the way the Gospel is shared and received. We will help those taking the course to take a anthropological approach to evaluating a given community, learning the process of "cultural exegesis" and then discussing what a ministry would look like in given contexts. This course is an option to fulfill the Human Behavior GenEd requirement.

This course will focus on ministering to the next generation, including learning about developmental theories and exploring writings about appropriate spiritual growth metrics for different ages. Students will gain an understanding of the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities that different age groups face in their spiritual journeys. Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical application, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively minister to children, youth, and young adults within their communities. The course will cover a range of topics including child development, youth culture, and young adult ministry, and will challenge students to think critically about how they can best support the spiritual growth of the next generation.

This course will explore the value and rationale for ministry in the context of wilderness camping. Special emphasis will be placed on the logistics of group camping in the wilderness setting, and how to plan and execute such a trip. Course participants will learn ways of using the wilderness experience for group building, leadership development and personal spiritual growth. The context of the course is a two-week wilderness trip that will include backpacking, rock-climbing and whitewater rafting.

This seminar-style course provides ongoing spiritual formation for the Campolo Fellows. Emphasis is on the praxis (reflection and action) of Christ-centered community and holistic, culturally-engaged ministry. The course will include readings and sermons by Professor Emeritus, Rev. Dr. Tony Campolo, Scripture, personal and group reflection, campus and community engagement, small groups, journaling, advocacy, and outreach. Students will be encouraged to take an active role in their growth in devotion to God, the world, and one another.

This one (1) credit course is a ministry practicum for first-year Student Chaplains.

This course is designed to teach effective ministry programming in a broad range of contexts. Students will be able to Identify key components of programming from conceptualization through implementation, practice these related skills, and identify high impact leadership and instructional practices.

This course will provide onsite training for students interested in learning camping ministry and management via summer employment at one of our approved campgrounds. The goal is that they will see behind the scenes of camp ministry and be able to assist in the daily management of a Christian camp. This is a unique combination of on-the-ground training and digital classroom learning.

The objective of this course is to give students a vision for ministry in an urban environment. Students will not only have opportunity to see and experience various approaches to urban ministry, but will also be challenged to explore their attitudes toward cross-cultural ministry, racism and poverty.

This course will focus on the "nuts and bolts" of everyday ministry in a local church and other ministry settings. Macro topics will include the personal and professional life of those doing ministry and organizational/church leadership. Issues such as organizing and administering ministry programs, working with various stakeholders in an organization, finances and budgeting, safety and legal concerns, and the personal inner life of the ministry worker as it relates to the effective administration of a ministry, will be covered.

This course will explore the ways in which religious organizations can adapt and evolve in order to remain relevant and impactful in today's rapidly changing world. Students will study case studies of successful and innovative ministry models, and will have the opportunity to develop their own ideas for how their own ministry or Christian organization can improve and grow. The course will cover topics such as leadership, organizational structure, community engagement, and new technologies, and will challenge students to think creatively and critically about the role of ministry in society. This course is designed for students pursuing a career in ministry or religious leadership, as well as those interested in understanding how Christian organizations can adapt to changing times.

This allows a student to practice and sharpen performance skills in in the field. Field Experience/Internship credits may be earned through summer internships, one-year full-time internships (specially arranged through program director) and through part-time placements during the school semester. Opportunities can include working with camps, para-church ministry, inner-city ministry, and ministry in a traditional church setting. Students must apply to the department to enter the field experience/internship program. The faculty seeks to help students find suitable placement after they have been accepted into the program. Permission of the Ministry Leadership program director is required.

This course is a Capstone for the major. Using class disscussion and written responses, students will reflect on modern issues in ministry and prepare for their next steps (whether that be more edication or entering the workforce). The Culminating Senior Experience (CSE) will be part of this course.

People have integrated technology in significant ways into their everyday lives and the pandemic has accelerated the need for faith communities to embrace & use tech as a ministry tool. This special topics 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.

This allows a student to practice and sharpen performance skills in in the field. Field Experience/Internship credits may be earned through summer internships, one-year full-time internships (specially arranged through program director) and through part-time placements during the school semester. Opportunities can include working with camps, para-church ministry, inner-city ministry, and ministry in a traditional church setting. Students must apply to the department to enter the field experience/internship program. The faculty seeks to help students find suitable placement after they have been accepted into the program. Permission of the Ministry Leadership program director is required.