Quick Links: Biblical Studies, History and Theology, Ministries of the Church, Spiritual Growth and Integration, Center for Anabaptist Leadership

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BIBLICAL STUDIES

Relg 100 Biblical Literature--3 hours
      Studies the story and basic themes of the literature of the Old and New Testaments in their historical contexts. Gives attention to the unique characteristics and principles for interpreting the various biblical literary genre. Builds skill in the inductive method of Bible study and interpretation by completing major inductive studies. Examines various approaches to interpretation. Surveys the development of the biblical canon. A reading and writing intensive course. Required for graduation.

Relg 202 Biblical Studies: Psalms and Epistles--3 hours
      Inductive study of selected psalms representative of various types of psalms. Includes an investigation of Israel’s theology reflected in this worship material. A selected New Testament epistle(s) is studied the second half of the semester. Attention is given to the teaching, preaching, and worship resources in each book. (Students may enroll for a half semester with appropriate adjustments for one hour credit.) Offered alternate years.

Relg 208 Biblical Studies: Prophets and Revelation--3 hours
      Inductive study of a selected Old Testament prophet and the New Testament book of Revelation in historical context. Revelation is studied the second half of the semester. Attention is given to the teaching, preaching, and worship resources in each book. (Students may enroll for a half semester with appropriate adjustment for one hour credit.) Offered alternate years.

Relg 260 Jesus and the Gospels--3 hours
      Study of Jesus in the historical, salvation history, and literary contexts, focusing on birth, life and teaching, death and resurrection recorded in the gospels. Includes inductive studies and applications of Jesus’ teachings and modeling for the church and Christian life.

HISTORY AND THEOLOGY

Hist 213 Anabaptist History and Thought--3 hours
      See course description listed for History 213.

Relg 214 Peacemaking and Justice--3 hours
      Studies the biblical foundations for nonresistance, peacemaking, and justice and the variety of historical and current positions taken regarding participating in violence and war. The assumptions and processes by which persons reach various ethical positions are examined. Prerequisite: Biblical Literature and sophomore standing or permission of instructor.

Relg 215 Christian Beliefs--3 hours
      Addresses the great questions of the Christian faith from a discipleship perspective. Students will be helped to explore questions related to God, human nature, Jesus, salvation, the Bible, prayer, the church, discipleship, women in ministry, homosexuality, and the end times.

MINISTRIES OF THE CHURCH

Relg 121 Introduction to Youth Ministry--3 hours
      An introduction to the theology, theory, and practice of youth ministry in the congregation within the Anabaptist tradition. Includes person- and program-centered approaches. Explores skills and resources for ministry.

Relg 122 Evangelism and Church Growth--2 or 3 hours
      Examines the theology and models of evangelism, outreach, and church growth helping students become competent in communicating the Gospel personally and together as a community of believers. Offered alternate years.

Relg 123 Programming for Youth Ministry--3 hours
      Focuses on program content, methods, and resources for youth ministry. Emphases include discipleship training, outreach, service, worship, life planning, preparation for baptism, and church membership.

Relg 221 Worship and Celebration--2 or 3 hours
      Studies and compares different forms of Christian worship and their biblical and historical foundations. Concentrates on the significance of worship and the process and resources for planning and leading worship. Students will observe, plan, and lead a variety of worship experiences. Offered alternate years.

Relg 222 Preaching--3 hours
      Examines the history, purpose, and principles of preaching. Students will select texts, research topics, organize the material, and deliver several types of sermons.

Relg 223 Pastoral Care and Leadership--4 hours
      Focuses on the person, role, and work of the pastor in relationship to the leadership and pastoral care of a congregation. Includes study of church polity, systems thinking, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, office management, and equipping members for ministry.

Relg 224 Christian Education--2 or 3 hours
      Affirms the purpose and importance of Christian education in the church. Explores the teaching ministry as spiritual formation. Students will examine methods, curriculum, and program resources appropriate for the needs of various age groups. Equips students with understanding, skills, and experience in teaching and providing leadership for the church’s Christian education ministry. Offered alternate years.

Relg 225 Clinical Pastoral Education--3 hours
      The program is directed by chaplains who are certified to provide instruction and supervision in an approved clinical setting. Credits accumulate in CPE units and are translated into semester hours. Students must be recommended by the director of the Pastoral Ministries Program and must meet specific requirements of the CPE clinical director. Credit optional.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND INTEGRATION

Relg 131 Faith and Discipleship--3 hours
      Studies selected elements of Christian faith and life and their expressions in various Christian traditions. Introduces classic devotional literature. Gives major attention to types of Christian spirituality and to spiritual disciplines including prayer, meditation, forgiveness, devotional Bible study, and journaling.

Relg 132, 133 Formation Seminars I and II (F)--1+1 hours
Relg 232, 233 Formation Seminars III and IV (S)--1+1 hours
      Through small group experience and individual spiritual direction, students develop in-depth knowledge of themselves, their gifts, talents, and relationships. Seeks to assist students to integrate spiritual, personal, and academic matters in preparation for pastoral ministry.

Relg 188, 288 Supervised Ministry Experience--1+1 hours
      Provides an opportunity for students to experience ministry identity and practice skills in a local congregation as a means to further test and affirm their call and review their readiness for ministry. Supervising pastors mentor the students as they plan, practice, and evaluate their efforts to lead in administration, worship, preach, offer pastoral care, teach, and evangelize.

Relg 228, 229 Youth Ministry Seminar I and II--1+1 hours
      An integrative seminar that explores gifts and calling and personal and spiritual identity for ministry through group and individual meetings with the instructor. Includes observation, reflection, and participation in youth ministries in various settings.

CENTER FOR ANABAPTIST LEADERSHIP

(Courses offered in Pasadena, Calif., only)

Cal 110 Anabaptist Witness--3 hours
      Introduces new leaders and believers in the Mennonite Church by focusing on Anabaptist history and thought, the Mennonite Confession of Faith, and Mennonite church polity.

Cal 120 Strategies for Urban Missions--3 hours
      Explores the dynamics of the missional church in the city with particular attention to the relationship between the church and the city, the importance of the local narrative, community-based approaches to ministry, and issues of charity and the poor, race, ethnicity, and globalization.

Cal 130 Biblical Theology of the City--3 hours
      Examines the message of the Bible from the point of view of an urban dweller, giving attention to God’s love for the city and how God’s people are called to live in the city.

Cal 140 Spirituality for Urban Leaders--3 hours
      Looks at ways of helping busy, bi-vocational pastors and leaders maintain spiritual vitality and passion and keep ministry focused on walking with Jesus daily.

Bible and Ministry Links:

Bible and Ministry department
Plan of Study for a Bible degree (transfer program)
Plan of Study for a Youth Ministry degree (transfer program)
Plan of Study for a Bible major (two-year program)
Plan of Study for a Pastoral Ministries major (two-year program)