Children’s Ministry

• History of Ancient Israel

  A study of the Old Testament historical books Genesis through Joshua focusing on chronological history. The course includes summaries and introductions to the various books, questions over the text, and information about the redemptive plan of God to save the world. Students will learn the facts of the text through lecture, discussions, assigned reading, and projects.

• Life of Christ

  Semester one covers the beginnings of the gospel up through the first year of ministry. It concentrates on the birth narratives, early Judean ministry, and early Galilean ministry. Major sermons: Jesus’ deity and credentials (John 5) and the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Students will concentrate on learning Jesus’ primary identity and proclamation of the kingdom.

• Romans

  An exegetical study of Paul’s letter to the Romans based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, theological, and pastoral insights from both the Greek and English texts with special emphasis on the nature of the gospel of salvation in Christ and its impact on the shape of Christian communities in the first-century and today. Students will learn the purposes and arguments of Romans as well as the details of key texts and their theological and pastoral implications.

• Principles of Interpretation

  A study of the universal principles of interpretation as applied to interpreting language. Students will learn how to accurately interpret and apply the Bible.

• Essentials of Christian Mission and Culture

  Studies fundamental areas of missions. Surveying world needs, tracing missions throughout Scripture, and studying the overview of the many roles of mission work around the world. Students develop both a broad and biblical perspective on missions. Lecture, media, reading, and discussion.

• Principles of Discipleship and Evangelism

  This course is a critical examination of evangelism and discipleship as one continuous development of the spiritual life. Students will be given models, strategies, and biblical examples that both individuals and churches can use to help people grow to become fully devoted followers of Jesus. The class will include lecture, discussion, case studies, and course assignments.

Children's Ministry Program Descriptions and Outcomes

• Program Descriptions

  This program equips students to design and lead educational programs for children (birth-age 13) and their families in church and parachurch ministries. Students will be trained in issues of faith development in children, creating age-appropriate lesson materials, and equipping volunteers for service. Upon completion, students will possess the skills to develop and administer a children’s ministry program and serve as a children’s minister/director or in other ministry roles.

• Program Outcomes

  Students completing the BA in Children’s Ministry will be able to:

  1. Articulate a philosophy of children’s ministry consistent with biblical principles and an understanding of childhood development.

  2. Effectively and correctly teach the Bible to children in creative and age-appropriate ways.

  3. Recruit, train, and encourage volunteers to serve in a children’s ministry.

  4. Create and administer an effective and contextualized children’s ministry program for a church or parachurch organization.

  5. Equip parents to educate their children in scripture and assess their spiritual development.

  6. Design and implement a child-safe environment and plan for children’s ministry.

  7. Serve on a ministry team, demonstrating awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses as a leader, team member.