Religion, Youth and Children’s Ministry Concentration (BA)

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Federal CIP: 38.0201 Religion/Religious Studies

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Learning Outcomes

The learning outcome objectives for those obtaining the BA in Religion are that students will:

demonstrate spiritual growth and accountability,
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Bible,
demonstrate knowledge of basic theological concepts,
be able to communicate God’s truth in order to make disciples, and
understand human development (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual) and grow in the ability to minister in ways that are developmentally and contextually appropriate.

Ordination

Those preparing for ordination or other ministry credentialing in The Wesleyan Church should consult with their academic advisor to make sure they complete all of the academic requirements for those credentials.

Requirements for Religion, Youth and Children’s Ministry Concentration

Specified Core Curriculum

Students earning a bachelor’s degree must complete all Core Curriculum requirements. The following specific core curriculum course(s) is required.

BIBL 1183 Old Testament for Majors 3 credits
BIBL 1393 New Testament for Majors 3 credits
PSYC 2003 General Psychology 3 credits
RELG 3183 Theology for Ministry I 3 credits
RELG 3393 Theology for Ministry II 3 credits

Major Courses

Completion of major courses requires a minimum grade of C-.

BIBL 4283 Old Testament Exegesis 3 credits
BIBL 4493 New Testament Exegesis 3 credits
RELG 1283 Launching Your Ministry 3 credits
RELG 1993 Spiritual Formation and Discipleship Ministry 3 credits
RELG 2183 History of Christianity 3 credits
RELG 2551 Ministry Practicum I 1 credit
RELG 2893 Foundations for Youth Ministry 3 credits
RELG 3283 Missional Outreach in Cultural Context 3 credits
RELG 2293 History and Practice of The Wesleyan Church 3 credits
OR
RELG 3203 Survey of Christian Denominations 3 credits
RELG 3551 Ministry Practicum II Variable credit (1-3 hours)
RELG 3883 Students, Bible and Culture 3 credits
RELG 3893 Student Events and Leadership 3 credits
RELG 4183 Ministry of Preaching 3 credits
RELG 4383 Ministry of Worship 3 credits
RELG 4551 Ministry Practicum III Variable credit (1-3 hours)

Youth and Children’s Ministry Concentration Courses

Completion of major courses and concentration courses requires a minimum grade of C-.

RELG 1993 Spiritual Formation and Discipleship Ministry 3 credits
RELG 2893 Foundations for Youth Ministry 3 credits
RELG 3883 Students, Bible and Culture 3 credits
RELG 3893 Student Events and Leadership 3 credits

Electives

In addition to core curriculum (40-44 credit hours) and major course requirements, students must complete elective coursework appropriate to their degree. A minimum of 120 credit hours is required for most bachelor’s degrees, including elective coursework. Students are strongly encouraged to work with their advisor to identify courses that complement their program area.

Summary


Core Curriculum Requirements	40-44 hrs.

Major Requirements	39-43 hrs.

Concentration Requirements	12 hrs.

Electives	21-29 hrs.

	Total: 120 hrs.

Optional 3+1 Residency Program

The optional 3+1 residency program provides an opportunity for Christian ministry majors who are seeking a preparatory, three-year, academic experience and a participatory, one-year ministry residency. Students will receive three years of important traditional and foundational training in classes held at the Central campus that may include enrollment in summer semesters. In addition to completion of four online course requirements during their final year of the program, students will gain valuable residential training through immersion in a 12-credit hour ministry residency under the mentorship of experienced practitioners during their final year of the program.