Bible department, Pastoral Ministries Program
Plans of study for degrees in Bible (two year or transfer), Pastoral Ministries, Youth Ministry (two year or transfer)
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
Studies Psalms and a specific Epistle. The class practices sound exegetical skills, learning how to read psalm and epistle genre. In the first half, students study the overall structure of psalms and their contribution to Israelite theology and worship. In the second half of the semester, the class surveys the Pauline epistles, then practices exegetical skills with a selected New Testament epistle. 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 208 Biblical Studies: Prophets and Revelation . . . . . 3 hours
Studies a prophetic book and Revelation. The class practices sound exegetical skills, learning how to read prophetic and apocalyptic genre. Students study how prophecy functions in Israel’s history and theology and read a text in its historical-cultural setting. Revelation is studied in its historical-cultural context in the second half. 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 teachings, death, and resurrection as recorded in the gospels. Special attention is given to the Sermon on the Mount. Includes inductive essays and applications of Jesus’ teaching 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 and theological foundations for nonviolence, peacemaking, and justice. Examines historic and current positions and ethical method regarding participation in violence and war. Seeks to assist students to define their ethical method and commitment and equip them to dialog with others who differ. Prerequisite: Biblical Literature and sophomore standing or permission of instructor.
Relg 215 Introduction to Theology . . . . . 3 hours
Explores the recurring questions and basic convictions of the Christian faith from a biblical and Anabaptist perspective. By examining the notions of revelation, God, creation, Jesus Christ, salvation, the Church, and the Last Things, students will learn to think biblically, creatively, and critically about their own theology and that of others. Offered alternative years.
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. Special attention is given to worldview of youth culture and adolescent development. 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
A course in the foundations and practical skills of preaching. Through lectures, discussions, videotapes of outstanding preachers, and preaching several kinds of sermons in class, students gain confidence and basic competence as preachers.
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
Explores the question, “What does it mean to be a Christian?” Studies selected elements of Christian faith and life and their expression in various Christian traditions. Gives major attention to types of Christian spirituality and to spiritual disciplines including prayer, meditation, journaling, devotional Bible study, confession, and forgiveness.
Relg 132, 133 Formation Seminars I and II (F) . . . . . 1+1 hours
Relg 232, 233 Formation Seminars III and IV (S) . . . . . 1+1 hours
The formation seminars are at the heart of the Pastoral Ministries Program. Through small group experience and individual spiritual direction, students develop in-depth knowledge of themselves, their gifts and relationships. Seminars seek to assist students to grow spiritually and personally, integrating the spiritual, personal, and academic in preparation for pastoral ministry. Spouses are expected to participate.
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 to 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.