Christian Ministry
CHM120 Exploratory Lab in Christian Ministries 1 credit
Students explore word and service ministry through various Christian Ministry roles and are introduced to the portfolio process leading toward consideration of and entry into the Christian Ministry professional programs. (No pre-requisite)
CHM210 Peer Ministry 3 credits
Peer Ministry integrates the act of caring and serving others with a Christian belief and values system. This course equips people of all ages with skills, faith, and values to be a caring friend. Participants will be trained to facilitate youth and adults to serve as peer ministers in congregations and community organizations. Participants will learn to express care and support within diverse communities and will learn to practice communication skills, facilitate small groups, and learn the role of the listener/helper. (No pre-requisite)
CHM266 Introduction to Word and Service Ministry 3 credits
Through class discussion, readings, presentations and involvement with field-based professionals, students grow in understanding of the purpose and function of Ministers of Word and Service as Directors of Christian Education and Directors of Christian Outreach. Emphasis is placed upon Scriptural, historical, social and educational foundations of the Minister of Religion-Commissioned and on the development of a philosophy of ministry, personal mission statement, and professional ethics. The admission to program portfolio is developed and made ready for program entrance interviews.
CHM280 Personal Witnessing 2 credits
This practical course equips students to share the Gospel in the context of a growing friendship with others. It includes skill development in building relationships, recognizing opportunities, dealing with fears, listening, communicating the basic Christian message briefly or in-depth, and applying the message to the needs of the hearer.
CHM281 Principles for Christian Outreach 4 credits
This course is an overview of outreach principles and strategies. Specific attention will be given to those factors in the life and activity of the church which hinder or enhance its growth. Included in the overview will be an analysis of the life and activity of a Christian congregation, steps toward mobilizing the laity, the development of a church growth consciousness, basic planning procedures for church growth, church planting theory and strategies, and basic cross-cultural insights.
CHM312 Family and Youth Ministry 4 credits
This course provides students with the necessary insights and skills to develop and facilitate a ministry with and for youth and families in a congregation. A relational approach to youth and family ministry emphasizes the need for peer and family support. Philosophical and practical aspects are emphasized to help students understand youth and family ministry as an integral part of the congregations' mission. A discussion of related subjects, resources and literature is included.
CHM316 Leadership I 4 credits
This course presents a systematic study of the principles of administration for effective servant leadership. The foundations, role and functions of effective Christian team leadership will be discussed and practiced.
CHM317 Outdoor Ministry 2 credits
This course explores ministry in the outdoors setting. Participants will learn about utilization of outdoor sites and activities as ministry. Time is spent in learning how experiential learning can be incorporated into the study of the faith. Participants will also learn retreat planning.
CHM361 DCE Practicum 2 credits
The student seeking certification as a Director of Christian Education is assigned to a Lutheran school in order to teach religion, assist in planning and leading chapels, conduct devotions, and observe the ministry of the Lutheran school and the Lutheran classroom teacher. (Prerequisites: Admission to the DCE program; ED336, Educational Psychology)
CHM366 Parish Education I 3 credits
Through class discussion, readings, presentation and involvement in Christian education agencies in a local congregation, students grow in understanding the purpose and function of life-long parish educational ministries. Various approaches to religious and Christian education will be studied with particular application to the Lutheran setting. (Required concurrent registration in CHM 370, Word and Service Ministry Field Work I)
CHM367 Parish Education II 3 credits
Students observe and participate in a broad range of educational, youth, music, family, adult and children's activities in an assigned local parish while having opportunity to explore the theory and literature of the field. Students are expected to develop knowledge and skills to develop as an educational leader. This course will introduce various models for the delivery of Christian education in the parish community. Participants will explore teaching the faith, utilizing Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism as a foundation throughout the life span and will explore various ways to provide Christian education in the contemporary setting. One area for intensive leadership involvement is selected, designed and carried to completion. Class sessions provide opportunity for sharing insights, experiences and concerns with other students and the instructor. A discussion of relevant subjects and literature is included. (Prerequisites: CHM366, Parish Education I; CHM370, Word and Service Ministry Field Work I; Required concurrent registration in CHM372, Word and Service Ministry Field Work II)
CHM368 Pre-Internship 2 credits
Through class discussion, readings, presentations and retreats the student is prepared to structure and begin a DCE Internship. (Prerequisites: CHM266, Introduction to Word and Service Ministry; Admission to the Professional Program)
CHM369 Outdoor Ministry Practicum 2 credits
The practicum experience takes place in a Lutheran camp for those who have been selected and hired as counselors for the summer camp setting. In addition to the on-site training, support and guidance is provided through a university instructor. (Pre-requisite: Hired on the summer counseling staff of a Lutheran camp)
CHM370 Word and Service Ministry Field Work I 1 credit
Participants will have opportunity to work in a local congregation under the supervision of a parish professional. A minimum of five hours of service in addition to one (seminar) per week is required. (DCE: Required concurrent registration in CHM366, Parish Education I; DCO: Required concurrent registration in CHM366, Parish Education I)
CHM372 Word and Service Ministry Field Work II 1 credit
Participants will have opportunity to work in a local congregation under the supervision of a parish professional. A minimum of five hours of service in addition to one (seminar) per week is required. (Required concurrent registration in CHM367, Parish Education II)
CHM381 Congregational Outreach 4 credits
A critical theological and practical evaluation of evangelism methodologies and strategies. These are evaluated on the basis of Scripture, Lutheran theology, and potential effectiveness. A major component of this task is to construct appropriate apologetic responses for people living in contemporary contexts different than the student's own. By means of readings, field experiences and class discussions, students will design, select and redesign a variety of programs suitable for use in specific cultural contexts.
CHM382 Assimilation Ministries 3 credits
This course has a dual focus: (a) principles and strategies of assimilating new members and inactive members into a local church and (b) a practical and theological understanding of ministry to people who have withdrawn from the worship and work of the church. Through reading, field experience and reflective discussion, students develop a theology and methodology for congregational ministry in both of these vital areas.
CHM401 Teaching the Faith Across the Lifespan 4 credits
This course will provide a study of teaching the faith throughout the ages with particular attention to principles of Biblical interpretation from a Lutheran perspective. The participant will work toward a definition of Lutheran teaching that will incorporate an understanding of educational theory and practice, utilize tools and skills needed for appropriate Biblical study and teaching within a Lutheran framework. Work will involve displaying an understanding of the relationship between Christian education and the worship/devotional life of the Church.
CHM411 Leadership II 4 credits
This course provides students with teaching and learning experiences that use leadership, planning, and change processes to help them grow and mature as leaders in congregations and non-profit organizations. Within the context of the Christian Gospel, students will understand the cultural context of transformational leadership, apply learning disciplines to transformational leadership, expand ability to apply micro-leadership skills and learn how to equip and empower others to be leaders, planners and change agents. A major project and presentation are required.
CHM418 Adult Education and Faith Formation 4 credits
An overview of adult learning theory and development, psychological and spiritual perspectives of the adult learner, educational and formational implications of the adult system, teaching strategies and program development along with various aspects of spiritual direction will be explored. Appropriate roles of leaders in adult education and methods used with adults are analyzed. A planning process for creating, developing, implementing and evaluating adult education programs in the congregational setting and approaches to faith formation are utilized. A service-learning component of this course leads to direct involvement with adults in a variety of diverse learning settings.
CHM433 The Role of the Director of Christian Education 2 credits
The role of the Director of Christian Education as an educational minister is explored and considered. Calling and placement procedures, professional ethics and expectation, the constitution and by-laws of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, role of the DCE in Synod and District, and the role of the DCE in team ministry are examined. The professional portfolio is completed and ready for final interview review by faculty and field professionals as part of the certification process. (Prerequisites: CHM498, DCE Internship I; CHM499, DCE Internship II)
CHM472 Life and Work on the Mission Field 2 credits
This course surveys the challenges, problems and joys peculiar to missionary life and work in a different culture. Topics include missionary preparation; the call into missionary work and the assignment; relating to a mission board; living in and appreciating another culture; relating to national Christians; maintaining one's spiritual, physical and emotional health; marriage/family concerns; children and education; furlough; deputation; continuing education; relating to the church at home; culture shock; and language study. Contacts with professionals from the field will supplement readings, films, lectures, and discussions.
CHM473 Cross-Cultural Outreach 4 credits
Students are introduced to the world of cross-cultural mission work in foreign fields and in the United States. The course provides theories and strategies for effectively proclaiming the Gospel to peoples of different cultures. The course will address cross-cultural insights in foreign, ethnic and social-economic contexts and includes field trips to government-funded and private organizations working in cross-cultural contexts, language learning insights and an African feast.
CHM480 Rural, Suburban and Urban Outreach 3 credits
This course focuses on the distinctive outreach ministries found within the rural, suburban, and urban contexts. A theological perspective identifying the needs of the city as well as a perceived neglect of the rural setting will be addressed. A focus on congregationally-based outreach ministries will propel the student into a theological discussion related to human care and evangelistic ministries. A demographic study of both congregation and community will be incorporated into the course.
CHM481 The Christian Response to the Religions of the World 2 credits
In this course, the student will learn to listen sympathetically, analyze critically and respond appropriately to selected religions and their world views from a Lutheran theological perspective. (Prerequisite: THL350, Religions of the World)
CHM497 Into. to International Mission Director of Christian Education Internship 6 credits
This experience prepares the individual for an internship in the international mission field. The experience includes mission orientation, language acquisition, basic training in English as a Second Language, local enculturation in the host culture. (Prerequisite: Admission to an international internship within the Director of Christian Education Program)
CHM498 DCE Internship I 6 credits
The internship provides DCE students a full-time supervised involvement in the educational ministries of an approved congregational-based ministry site for a twelve-month period, emphasizing active leadership in a variety of professional tasks. (Prerequisites: Intro. to DCE, Parish Education I, Parish Education II, Teaching the Faith, Group Comm. and Facilitation, Human Diversity and Relations, DCE Practicum, Educational Psychology, Leadership I, Old Testament Narrative, New Testament, Our Living Faith, Lutheran Confessional Writings, Old Testament II. In addition, see "Requirements for Admission to DCE Internship.")
CHM499 DCE Internship II 6 credits
The internship provides DCE students a full-time supervised involvement in the educational ministries of an approved congregational-based ministry site for a twelve-month period, emphasizing active leadership in a variety of professional tasks. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHM498, DCE Internship I)
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