Prerequisite: RTCH 500

The Digital Age has created an interconnected network of overlapping communities that is blurring the historic distinction between physical and digital. Given the evidence for the existence of these networked realities and their counterparts in the natural world, what is our theological and biblical response? This course provides students an opportunity to formulate an emerging theology of networks through which the Spirit of God works to minister to his people.

Offered: Resident and Online

Prerequisite: RTCH 500

Given the changing landscape of ministry that is moving from embodied to embedded, we need a biblical model of spiritual formation that encompasses all possible ministry contexts. This course presents a biblical-ecological model of spiritual formation that identifies God’s design for growth in all the spheres over which he presides as Lord.

Offered: Resident and Online

Prerequisite: RTCH 500

Is physical presence a requirement for authentic Christian community? This course examines the debate between those who advocate incarnated community and those who argue that Christian community is unconstrained by time and place because of the omnipresent ministry of the Holy Spirit. Attention is given to the biblical and theological concept of the communion of the saints and its significance for the creation and formation of online communities of faith.

Offered: Resident and Online

Prerequisite: RTCH 500

Martin Luther transformed Europe and eventually the world by taking his innovative theological beliefs and tethering them to an innovative technology; the printing press. Ministry leaders have a similar opportunity because of the technological innovations available to those who live in the Digital Age. This course provides a structured examination of the current digital landscape and a practical model for digital ministry in the 21st century.

Offered: Resident and Online

Offered: Resident

Offered: Resident and Online

This course explores the necessary skills and competencies for leading next generation ministry. It will introduce current and developing models in response to current cultural issues in the context of local church ministry.

Offered: Online

This course explores the cultural trends and issues impacting the current generation of children, adolescents, and their families. Current and developing trends will be evaluated from theological and sociological perspectives in the context of local church ministry.

Offered: Online

This course focuses on the nature and mandate of the Great Commission and with specific application to next generation ministry. It will guide students in developing effective and insightful models for making disciples among children and adolescents in partnership with their families and connected to the larger mission of the local church.

Offered: Online

Resident Prerequisite: APOL 500 and CHHI 510 and DSMN 500 and EVAN 525 and GLST 650 and HOMI 500 and LEAD 510 and NBST 515 and NBST 610 and OBST 515 and PACO 500 and RTCH 500 and THEO 525 and THEO 650

This course will require students to resource knowledge acquired from the entirety of coursework completed in the MDIV degree program. The core competencies and knowledge from each major area of the degree will be resourced in a comprehensive project that outlines a broad understanding in divinity.

Registration Restrictions: Must have completed 50 hours of the program which will include all Core Courses

Offered: Resident and Online

Prerequisite: APOL 500 and CHHI 510 and DSMN 500 and EVAN 525 and GLST 650 and HOMI 500 and LEAD 510 and NBST 515 and NBST 610 and OBST 515 and PACO 500 and RTCH 500 and THEO 525 and THEO 650

In order to complete this internship, students must be currently working and/or serving in a local church. The church, mentor, and nature of involvement must be approved beforehand by the professor. Internship involves supervised work in an applied ministry setting. Students continue to apply, adapt, and improve their skills in specialized ministry situations. Students work under the supervision of a qualified church leader. Students must complete a minimum of 150 hours of internship approved by the professor.

Registration Restrictions: Must have completed 24 hours of coursework

Offered: Resident and Online