Master of Arts in Urban Christian Ministries

A study of the basic principles of public speaking and the preparation and delivery of various types of speeches.

A comparative study of the world religions from ancient civilizations to modern day including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Taoism and Confucianism.

This course introduces students to the immediate knowledge and skills of spiritual formation and growth of members in both parish and non-parish settings. Using a heuristic approach to study the sense and use of self and others in relations, students gain better insights into what it means to be a student, person, and a pastor. The course requires the completion of a spiritual formation and growth paper that highlights insights gained that can be translated into a specialized ministry of choice.

This course surveys the culture of cities, exploring their historical development and their current dynamism. The student will frame the urban experience from a number of perspectives, examining the distinctive forms of expressive culture, ethnic and racial conflict, and political or economic activity that cities generate. The course will rely on the intellectual contributions and methodological tools of anthropology to explore the “city”.

A critical introduction to the canon and text of the New Testament: composition, authorship, date, and content of each book.

A critical introduction to the canon and text of the Old Testament: composition authorship, date, and content of each book. Special emphasis will be placed on the refutation of higher critical view.

An in depth study of thought that reflects a valid and logical defense of the Christian faith. A working knowledge of Greek and Hebrew will be helpful but is not prerequisite.

A systemic study of Christian ethics and various ethical systems.

The student will study the demographic characteristics of an urban population center, and learn how to use the information to improve current ministries or begin new ministries.

The student will discover the inner working of city government and how churches can effectively maintain a positive role in that setting.

Required of all students in the Master’s Degree program and offered in the fall semester of the senior year, this course will function as a writer’s group in order to help the student significantly advance the process of conceptualizing, organizing, and writing a research-based text. In class students will read each other’s work, discuss the concepts, methods, and mechanics of constructing and writing a thesis, and provide comment to help with the process. Thesis topics will be approved and students will begin writing the thesis prior to the end of the semester.

This course is a continuation of TD 531A and is offered in the spring of the senior year. Students will work independently with the instructor writing the actual thesis according to the parameters set in the first semester. The completed thesis is submitted by mid-semester to a team of readers that will serve as the thesis defense committee (thesis reader fees apply).

The study of contemporary issues in global missions such as establishing cultural bridges, confronting cults, folk religion, contextualization of the gospel, and cross-cultural approach to evangelism.

This course examines the major issues in leadership and allows the student to develop methods of application for appropriate cultural contexts.

This course introduces the student to the myriad theories, styles, models, roles, and components of leadership. The student will be challenged to analyze, assess, and evaluate the different theories, models, styles, roles, and components of leadership and apply them in a vocational Christian setting. An essential component of the course will be to apply the leadership footprint to a theoretical situation drawn from real-life. The student will also create a commitment to an action plan that incorporates leadership theories and concepts.

This course explores how Scripture deals with the city, how God works in the city, and practical ways to apply theologies of neighbor, community, and geography that uniquely relate to urban dwellers. The application of the theology of sacred space, incarnation, and reconciliation will be explored along with methods of practical applications.

A study and practice of how to reach across cultural barriers to develop multi-cultural congregations and urban centers.

This is a graduate language pertaining to the student’s chosen field of ministry. It can either be a biblical language or a contemporary language. Greek I, Hebrew I, or Spanish I)

This is a graduate language pertaining to the student’s chosen field of ministry. It can either be a biblical language or a contemporary language. Greek II, Hebrew II, or Spanish II.

This course examines the methods of assessment, reporting, and treatment of physical, sexual, and neglectful child abuse.

A look at the implicit forces that affect different stages of personality development from the formative years to adolescence, to young adulthood.

An analysis of the process of curriculum development. Attention is given to the practice of curriculum construction with emphasis on the theoretical, philosophical, and historic dimensions of curriculum building.

A study of methods and ministries to youth in a local church. Teaching approaches are used which address the intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual needs of each age/grade level. (Prerequisite CS531)

Examination of principles of teaching that are derived from psychological theories and research, including behavior, cognitive and social theories.

This course explores how Scripture deals with the city, how God works in the city, and practical ways to apply theologies of neighbor, community, and geography that uniquely relate to urban dwellers. The application of the theology of sacred space, incarnation, and reconciliation will be explored along with methods of practical applications.

Students will study the unique methods of providing inexpensive inner-city recreation for youth ministries. (CE 336 is recommended but not a prerequisite)