Academics

Academics / Departments & Programs / Congregational & Ministry Studies / Academics

The congregational and ministry studies program offers a ministry leadership minor and a number of courses related to ministry studies.

These are designed to complement any major the university offers, and to equip you to bring your study in other areas into your ministry within the church. Students can take part in faculty-led research projects over the summer.

Courses offered include a church and society course which can fulfill the core requirement in Societal Structures in North America category.

2021 Summer Term Course Offerings

May 17- June 4 (ONLINE)

CMS 251A Theological Reflections on Ministry Practices: Planning & Leading Worship (1credit). An introduction to basic virtues, skills, and knowledge for planning & leading Christian worship.  This online course will apply theological principles to leading in prayer, reading scripture, speaking “in-between” words, choosing songs, and designing services. We’ll exercise pastoral virtues in planning and leading and perceive and empathize with diverse cultural approaches to worship. The design of this course is for students interested in developing new skills but also for experienced students who desire to “get back to the basics” and hone their abilities. The course is intended to be applicable across diverse worshipping traditions and to be accessible across time zones through asynchronous learning. Professor Paul Ryan.

July 7-July 28 (ONLINE)

CMS 251B Theological Reflections on Ministry Practices: Curating Congregational Song (1 credit) An introduction to selecting, organizing, and attending to the leadership of congregational song. This online course will introduce students to the wide diversity of congregational song and help students develop pastoral virtues and approaches to choosing songs for a congregational context. We will discuss possibilities for organizing a theologically and culturally balanced song list for a given community, and students will learn to identify the leadership skills needed to facilitate active congregational participation in singing. Professor Paul Ryan.

May 17-Aug 21 (ONLINE)

CMS 381 Ministry Studies Internship (3 credits). This online course links students to internship opportunities in congregations where they are assigned specific responsibilities in congregational and ministry studies. Students work a total of 150 hours under the supervision of an approved on-site supervisor. The weekly academic seminar accompanying the internship involves readings, reflective journals, and a major paper analyzing the ministry context. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing and completion of at least two courses in the minors. Professor Joanna Wigboldy.

Ministry Leadership
Learn how to confront injustice and promote renewal in your community through faithful ministry.

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