Ministry

The Studies in Ministry Minor is dedicated to preparing students, theologically and practically, for lay ministry positions in churches and Christian organizations. It aims to provide students who are discerning a call to Christian ministry with the theological framework, practical experience, spiritual formation and mentoring guidance necessary to embark upon a lifetime of involvement in Christian ministries.

About the Program

Through coursework, year-long internships and relationships with each other and mentors, students in this program will be prepared for possible future theological education and various entry-level ministry positions in churches and organizations - locally and worldwide.

This program will prepare students for such ministries as:

Youth ministry
Worship leadership; community development, missions and social agencies
Lay ministry within the church
Future seminary training and theological education

The studies in ministry minor is grounded in a belief in the Triune God, and in a belief that we are called to love others as God has loved us. Thus its goals are to:

Help students explore Christian ministry as vocation
Equip students for Christian ministry by nurturing a community of learners who can love, think, discern, serve and pray together
Foster the development of a theological framework for ministry
Encourage students to develop spiritual disciplines that will sustain a lifetime of discipleship and service
Provide all students with the opportunity to begin a lifelong love of theology and commitment to the church
Serve the church by providing women and men who have been trained to lead and serve in many different aspects of Christian ministry.

The minor has three different tracks: Ministry, Social Witness Minor , Ministry, Worship Leadership Minor , and Ministry, Youth Ministry Minor . Each minor track comprises at least 21 credit hours, to be distributed across required classes, electives and an internship. Before applying for acceptance into the minor, students are required to take MIN 201 . This course is designed to help provide students with a common language for thinking about theology and ministry, as well as to help them in their discernment process as they decide whether to pursue this minor. Details of the application process will be provided during the course. Applications are reviewed each spring semester.

The capstone sequence (MIN 371 and MIN 372 ) will meet aross one school year. In most cases, it will be taken at the same time as the required internship. The internship will require 6-12 hours per week of involvement with a ministry or organization, depending on the number of credits selected. Summer internships are also possible.

Each student will be matched with a mentor for the duration of the student’s involvement in the minor. Mentors will be chosen in conversation with students, the coordinator of mentoring and internships and the director of the minor.

Programs

Minors

Courses

Ministry