2025-2026 Graduate Catalog
Perkins School of Theology: Course Descriptions
|
|
Perkins School of Theology
Bible
-
BB 7320 - The Holy Spirit in a Biblical Perspective
Credits: 3
An analysis of pneumatology – a study of the Holy Spirit – in the Hebrew Bible, the literature of early Judaism, and the New Testament, with an eye toward contemporary relevance. Prerequisites: NT 6300 and OT 6300 . -
BB 7321 - Topics in Bible and Politics
Credits: 3
Examination of the sociopolitical matrix in which biblical writings came into being and critical reflection on the use of the Bible in politics. Prerequisites: NT 6300 and OT 6300 . -
BB 7330 - Disability Studies, the Bible, and Theology
Credits: 3
An exploration of the intersection of disability studies, biblical studies, and theology to equip students with a nuanced approach to disability in contemporary culture, biblical interpretation, and theological construction. Prerequisites: NT 6300 and OT 6300 . -
BB 8315 - Biblical Exegesis from a Hispanic Perspective
Credits: 3
An interpretation of Old and New Testament passages in terms of the cultural and historical situation of Hispanic peoples in the United States. Prerequisites: NT 6300 and OT 6300 . -
BB 8321 - The Bible in a Global Context
Credits: 3
A focused study of biblical hermeneutics in a cultural context different from the students’ own, on-site in a region usually outside the U.S. or Europe, with attention given to the role of theological reflection in an environment affected by globalization in all its dimensions. Includes reading assignments and a daylong orientation before travel and a debriefing afterward. The specific topic varies with each offering. May be repeated for additional academic credit when topics vary. In accordance with the decision of the Perkins Faculty this course will be offered pass/fail if the student chooses. Prerequisites: NT 6300 and OT 6300 . -
BB 8329 - Immigration, the Bible, and Practical Theology
Credits: 3
A biblical and theological exploration of contemporary debates, in church and society, surrounding immigration and the calls for policy reform, with special attention to implications for preaching, teaching, and public praxis. Prerequisites: HX 6300 , MT 6300 , NT 6300 , and OT 6300 . -
BB 8330 - Black/Africana Perspectives on the Bible
Credits: 3
An exploration of the variety of approaches used by Black/Africana biblical scholars to explore scripture and the reception history of the Bible in Black/Africana arts and letters. Prerequisites: NT 6300 and OT 6300 . -
BB 8345 - Ethics of Biblical Interpretation
Credits: 3
An examination of the hermeneutical issues that are involved when Scripture is employed as a guide for Christian ethics. After a consideration of some recent, representative proposals and models, a few selected topics will be explored. Prerequisites: NT 6300 and OT 6300 and MT 6300 .
Christian Education
-
CE 7304 - The Church’s Educational Ministry
Credits: 3
An introduction to the church’s educational ministry, with attention given to the biblical/theological, psychological, and philosophical foundations of Christian education. Covers the planning, administering, supervising, and evaluating of a local church program. Also, ministry with children, youth, adults, the aging, and singles. Includes lectures, case studies, roleplaying, simulations, workshops, and other experiential procedures. -
CE 8301 - Teaching the Bible in the Local Church
Credits: 3
An examination and practice of a variety of approaches to the study of the Bible with youth and adults in the local church. -
CE 8320 - Ministry with Children
Credits: 3
A consideration of the church’s educational ministry with children, including developmental theory, the nature of teaching, and comprehensive planning for ministry with children. -
CE 8330 - Youth Ministry
Credits: 3
A consideration of the church’s educational ministry with youth, including the observation of or participation with young people. -
CE 8332 - Speed Dating Spirituality: Ministry with Young Adults
Credits: 3
A critical exploration of the intersection between popular culture and the spiritual beliefs, values, and practices of young people ages 18-30 from diverse social contexts. -
CE 8338 - Emancipatory Educational Ministry with Adolescent Girls
Credits: 3
An interdisciplinary inquiry of the experiences of teenage girls, focusing on the impact of race, class, and gender oppression. Feminist, womanist, and mujerista perspectives inform the construction of a critical educational ministry with teenage girls in the church. -
CE 8375 - Spiritual Formation in the Church
Credits: 3
An exploration of a variety of historic and contemporary practices that support and guide Christian formation and spirituality in a pluralistic world. Special attention is given to leadership of small groups in the congregation, and to the interrelationship between spirituality and justice.
Christian Worship
-
WO 6313 - Introduction to Christian Worship
Credits: 3
An introduction to the history and theology of Christian worship. Attention is given to the identification and function of prayer, praise, proclamation, and sacramental action. Students develop a practical theology of worship and gain experience in constructing and leading worship. -
WO 8313 - The Church Year
Credits: 3
A historical and practical study of the witness of the church year to the Christian faith. Prerequisite: WO 6313 . -
WO 8316 - Font, Table, and Mission: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
Credits: 3
Biblical, historical, theological, and praxis reflection on baptism, the Holy Eucharist, and their interrelationship. Attention is given to leadership roles among the priesthood of all believers, along with the formational and missional dynamics related to these sacraments. Prerequisite: WO 6313 . -
WO 8317 - The Daily Prayer of Christians
Credits: 3
A study of the historical development of Christian daily worship, with particular attention to its use as a school of Christian spiritual formation. Allows students to examine historical documents and contemporary revision of the daily office and to consider the theological significance and pastoral possibilities of daily prayer. Prerequisite: WO 6313 . -
WO 8318 - Worship in A Global Perspective
Credits: 3
A study of worship resources (e.g., prayers, stories, litanies, music) from Asia, Africa, Spanish-speaking countries of Central and South America, Native American cultures, and global ecumenical movements such as the Taizé Community of France and the Iona Community of Scotland. May be taught as an overview course on campus or as a focused, on-site study of a particular tradition off campus. Prerequisite: WO 6313 . -
WO 8324 - Issues in Liturgical Theology and Practice
Credits: 3
A critical examination of the complex juxtaposition of Christian ritual practices and theology, with attention paid to specific historical and contemporary praxis within cultures and discussion of pathways to reform. Prerequisite: WO 6313 . -
WO 8349 - Advanced Sacramental Praxis
Credits: 3
A critical examination of sacramental praxis, with a focus on the implications for ecclesiology, formation, and mission. Includes pathways to reform. Prerequisite: WO 6313 . -
WO 8355 - Preaching and Worship in Life’s Transitions
Credits: 3
A historical, theological, and practical reflection on Christian weddings, funerals, healing rites, and related occasional services. Attention is given to the pastor’s critical role in preaching and leading these rites and services, both within particular contexts and in consideration of the church’s ongoing work of developing and reforming such rites. Prerequisites: PR 6300 , WO 6313 .
Christianity and Society
-
XS 6320 - Social Innovation: Creating World Changers
Credits: 3
Encourages students to think dynamically about social action and their role as global citizens. Course projects and exercises provide a unique opportunity for the development of idea generation and innovative plans to address social problems. -
XS 6321 - Social Innovation II: From Idea to Organization
Credits: 3
Explores the discourses and practices necessary to move beyond an idea to do good toward the development of a sustainable socially innovative or non-profit endeavor. Topics examined include board development and governance; strategic planning and budgeting; branding and communication strategy; and staff and volunteer recruitment and development. -
XS 6322 - Social Innovation III: Funding, Donors, and Financing for The Social Good
Credits: 3
Examines the financial communication practices necessary to fund organizations that work for the social good. Explores traditional donor and development models as well as Mission Related Financing and impact investing. Prerequisites: XS 6320 and XS 6321 . -
XS 7302 - Issues in Urban Ministry
Credits: 3
Examines ministry issues in urban multicultural contexts, with emphasis on the connections among theories of urbanization, the reality of urban life, and the praxis of ministry. -
XS 7303 - Medical Music Therapy and Spiritual Care
Credits: 3
Offers an in-depth exploration of the role that music in therapy and spiritual care plays in the hospital setting, including end of life; ways in which music can be used to address spirituality, spiritual needs, and well-being within the therapeutic context; and the impact that co-treating between music therapists and spiritual care workers can have on patient care. Provides an overview of medical terminology and population needs and explores cultural and ethical issues, professional scope of practice, boundaries and contraindications, and issues in self-care. -
XS 7320 - Social Entrepreneurship and Stewardship in the Faith-Based Organization
Credits: 3
Focuses on the unique nonprofit strategic communication, management and funding demands of the 21st century church and faith-based organizational leader. Ideal for students interested in creating or serving in innovative, responsive, and fiscally sound religious based contexts. Topics explored will cover strategic planning, branding, power and influence, staff and volunteer management and communication, and stewardship and donor relations. -
XS 7321 - Social Entrepreneurship, Capitalism and the Wesleyan Tradition
Credits: 3
Explores the extraordinary contributions of John Wesley, Wilbur Wilberforce, and the Clapham Sect to our contemporary understandings of money, philanthropy, and capitalism. Examines the practices of the Clapham Sect in Victorian England and explores current developments in social innovation, entrepreneurship, and the challenge of funding nontraditional community-based ministries in the 21st century. -
XS 8302 - Race Relations and the Church
Credits: 3
An examination of race relations in the U.S., with a focus on the role of the church in intergroup relations. Surveys the basic theories of race relations, identifies current intergroup dynamics, and explores implications for ministry. Addresses the experiences of African-American, Hispanic, Anglo-American, Asian, and Native American populations as they interact. -
XS 8321 - Witness and Ministry in a Global Context
Credits: 3
A focused study of Christian witness and ministry in a cultural context, on-site in a region usually outside the U.S., with attention given to the role of theological reflection in an environment affected by globalization in all its dimensions. Includes reading assignments and a daylong orientation before the course begins and a debriefing after the travel portion of the course. In accordance with the decision of the Perkins Faculty this course will be offered pass/fail if the student chooses. Prerequisites: HX 6300 , HX 6305, or HX 6306; and NT 6300 , NT 6301, NT 6302, OT 6300 , OT 6301, or OT 6302. Prerequisite or corequisite: MT 6300 or XS 6310. -
XS 8326 - Broad-based Community Organizing: Holiness and Politics in the Church
Credits: 3
An examination of the principles and practices of ministers and churches in shaping the political life of their communities. Explores why and how churches organize, and teaches the art of organizing. -
XS 8331 - Health Care/Holy Care
Credits: 3
A high impact/in-depth engagement with people from a variety of social locations within the faith-based healthcare community of the Houston Methodist Hospital. In this immersion course, students concentrate on doing pastoral care “in the moment.” Drawing on theological theory, students take what they have learned and apply a theology of care to a variety of human needs and crisis situations. -
XS 8332 - Contemporary Issues in Urban Ministry
Credits: 3
A study of urban poverty, racism, crime, youth gangs, housing, education, immigration, policies, politics, and economics. Attention is given to the cultural and religious values reflected in the inner city as positive resources for urban revitalization. Offers a single topic focus during each term. May be repeated for academic credit. -
XS 8339 - Christian Ministry in a Multicultural Society
Credits: 3
A historical, theological, and ethical examination of the foundations for ministry in a diverse and pluralistic society to assist students in developing Christian ministry models in a multicultural and/or pluralistic society. -
XS 8345 - Issues in Faith, Feminism, and Public Policy
Credits: 3
An examination of economic and social policy issues that affect the lives of women and girls and inform the ecclesiology, skills, and strategies of leaders for shaping local, state, and federal public policy. -
XS 8350 - Social Mission of the Church
Credits: 3
Theological reflection and social analysis of the church and society – their structures, processes, and interactions as related to the church’s mission and roles in society. Attention is given to social and moral reflection, and to the exploration of action strategies as the church discerns its task in society.
Church Administration
-
CA 6320 - Business and Professional Communication
Credits: 3
Emphasizes the role that communication plays in recruiting and selecting project team members, motivating employees, and making a project team productive. -
CA 7013 - United Methodist Polity
Credits: 1.5
A study of the Methodist Church and its historical emphases, structure, polity, discipline, and leadership. Special attention is given to the United Methodist Church today. -
CA 7315 - Baptist History and Polity
Credits: 3
A study of Baptist origins, development, principles, controversies, polity, and current trends with emphasis on Baptists in the United States. -
CA 8317 - The Theology and Practice of Stewardship
Credits: 3
Examines a range of issues related to the theology and practice of stewardship, including the ways theology informs church stewardship programs and fundraising. -
CA 8319 - Dynamics of Pastoral Leadership
Credits: 3
A study of the nature and function of pastoral leadership in a local church setting.
Church Music
-
CM 8021 - Supervised Practicum
Credits: 0
First of a four-course sequence required of all M.S.M. students. The practicum provides professional field supervision in music and ministry during the first 2 years of study, and requires completing a church music project and other agreed-upon activities during the last spring term. Includes a final evaluation with supervisors and the M.S.M. director and Practicum Committee. -
CM 8022 - Supervised Practicum
Credits: 0
Second of a four-course sequence required of all M.S.M. students. The practicum provides professional field supervision in music and ministry during the first 2 years of study, and requires completing a church music project and other agreed-upon activities during the last spring term. Includes a final evaluation with supervisors and the M.S.M. director and Practicum Committee. -
CM 8023 - Supervised Practicum
Credits: 0
Third of a four-course sequence required of all M.S.M. students. The practicum provides professional field supervision in music and ministry during the first 2 years of study, and requires completing a church music project and other agreed-upon activities during the last spring term. Includes a final evaluation with supervisors and the M.S.M. director and Practicum Committee. -
CM 8025 - Supervised Practicum
Credits: 0
Fourth of a four-course sequence required of all M.S.M. students. The practicum provides professional field supervision in music and ministry during the first 2 years of study, and requires completing a church music project and other agreed-upon activities during the last spring term. Includes a final evaluation with supervisors and the M.S.M. director and Practicum Committee. -
CM 8106 - Handbells and Worship
Credits: 1
A comprehensive study of the techniques of English handbell ringing and the pedagogy of handbell choir directing. Includes the use of handbells and handbell repertoire in a liturgical setting. Other Perkins and Meadows students by permission. -
CM 8107 - Youth Choir and the Church
Credits: 1
A comprehensive study of the philosophy and techniques for working with church youth choirs, including recruiting, touring, and building effective groups. Also, vocal development and literature, and work with changing voices. Other Perkins and Meadows students by permission. -
CM 8108 - Cantoring in Worship
Credits: 1
A course on leading congregational singing in a variety of styles, including psalmody, African-American song, Taizé prayer, and global music. Includes issues of basic vocal pedagogy. -
CM 8120 - Supervised Practicum
Credits: 1
An ongoing practical development and professional leadership workshop for students. Includes ensemble practice with the Seminary Singers that supports and enriches the worship life of Perkins School of Theology and SMU, as well as other aspects of church music repertoire and practical skills. M.S.M. students and church music minor students are required to participate. Other Perkins students by permission. -
CM 8121 - Practicum in Worship Arts
Credits: 1
The design and implementation of a worship arts experience in the student’s church, in the community, or at Perkins Chapel, drawing upon local resources. Required for the M.S.M. with a concentration in worship arts. Prerequisite: CM 8321 , CM 8322 , and CM 8323 . -
CM 8124 - Music Ministry with Children
Credits: 1
Designed for musicians and educators interested in developing a church music-education program for children ages 3-12. Includes vocal development and literature, children’s choir curricula, music reading skills, children in worship, and music in the church school. Music reading skills are helpful but not necessary. M.Div. students by permission. -
CM 8140 - Practicum in Keyboards
Credits: 1
The student plans, coordinates, and presents worship in Perkins Chapel during community worship or another appropriate worship setting, applying keyboard and improvisational in liturgy. Prerequisite or corequisite: WO 6313 . -
CM 8201 - Instruction in Conducting
Credits: 2
Specialized instruction in choral conducting for M.S.M. students who have not been admitted to the choral conducting concentration. -
CM 8202 - Instruction in Conducting
Credits: 2
A three-term sequence of specialized instruction in church music conducting required for M.S.M. students with a performance concentration in choral conducting. The course includes specialized class and private instruction and a repertoire lab. -
CM 8240 - Keyboards in Ensemble
Credits: 2
Students form ensembles of four-five musicians and lead, plan, coordinate, and present worship in Perkins Chapel or another appropriate worship setting, applying keyboard and improvisational in liturgy. Prerequisite: CM 8140 . Prerequisite or corequisite: WO 6313 . -
CM 8300 - Thesis in Sacred Music
Credits: 3
A summative research paper on an aspect of sacred music approved by the thesis adviser. Available to all M.S.M. students. Required for the M.S.M. with a concentration in liturgical musicology. Usually taken in the student’s final term. Prerequisites or corequisites: CM 8330 , CM 8331 , CM 8332 . -
CM 8321 - Seminar in Worship Arts I
Credits: 3
An introduction to the history and role of arts in worship from the perspective of ritual and performance studies. WO 6313 is recommended. Other Perkins and Meadows students by permission. -
CM 8322 - Seminar in Worship Arts II
Credits: 3
An introduction to the history and role of arts in worship from the perspective of theological aesthetics. WO 6313 is recommended. Other Perkins and Meadows students by permission. -
CM 8323 - Seminar in Worship Arts III
Credits: 3
An introduction to the history and role of arts in worship from the perspective of liturgical studies and liturgical theology. WO 6313 is recommended. Other Perkins and Meadows students by permission. -
CM 8330 - Congregational Song History and Theology (Hymnology)
Credits: 3
A survey of the history, theology, and practice of congregational song. Special attention is given to understanding the connection between congregational music making and theologizing in church music. Students engage with various styles of music employed in Christian singing. Other Perkins and Meadows students by permission. -
CM 8332 - Music Genres of Western Christianity
Credits: 3
A study of the history and development of musical genres used throughout Western church music history. Genres include Western chant, early polyphony, Mass, requiem Mass, Lutheran church cantata, passion, oratorio, Anglican anthem and service, and motet. The course connects the historical narrative of the church to historically relevant genres of Western church music. Other Perkins and Meadows students by permission. (*updated* 10/29/24) -
CM 8348 - Theological Perspectives in Music
Credits: 3
An examination of a musical repertory or issue contextualized in the theological worldview that informs it. Students probe issues such as the relation of music to text, the influence of theology on music theory, aesthetics, intersections between style and theology, and the implications of historical context for the contemporary experience of music. Prerequisites: HX 6300 , MT 6300 , MUHI 6335 , NT 6300 , and OT 6300 . Other Perkins students by permission. -
CM 8349 - The Hymn: Word and Music
Credits: 3
A study of the role of music in worship from historical, theological, and cultural perspectives, focusing primarily on congregational song. Students attend a variety of worship experiences and analyze the various ritual contexts. Does not require reading music or a knowledge of music. Recommended: WO 6313 . -
CM 9309 - Integrative Seminar and Strategic Planning in Contexts of Change and Transitions
Credits: 3
Offers students a case study approach where theological knowledge, tools for leadership, and strategic planning for community are employed for contextual analysis in order to implement desirable goals, manage organizational complexities, and provide a vision coherent with a Christian vision. -
CM 9344 - Music in Worship and Renewal
Credits: 3
Focuses on recent trends and resources in music and worship in order to gain a historical perspective and greater understanding of the nature and role of congregational song in worship and ways to improve congregational singing. Required of all DPM students. -
CM 9350 - Ecclesiology, Community, and Models of Leadership
Credits: 3
An examination of the contemporary and theological foundations, strategies, and manifestations of Christian ecclesiologies and ministerial vocation and leadership. Attention is given to models of ministerial leadership at church level as well as non-parish models of response to the social environment. -
CM 9379 - Models of Leadership, Social Institutions, and Community Engagement
Credits: 3
Focuses on the characteristics and strategic planning of organizational leaders in churches and/or non-profit organizations who develop social and self-sustaining programs for congregations and communities. -
CM 9380 - Vocation, Leadership, and Community
Credits: 3
Using a Practical Theology framework, this course explores the theological meanings and intersections between vocation, leadership, and community. Particular emphasis is given to the relationship between gospel and vocation, leadership and practices of ministry, and community and the world. Required of all DPM students. -
CM 9398 - Doctor of Pastoral Music Thesis
Credits: 3
Building upon the project practicum, the written project thesis is a contribution to the understanding and practice of pastoral music ministry through the completion of a doctoral-level thesis. Taken during the student’s fourth year of the program. Required of all DPM students. -
CM 9696 - Doctor of Pastoral Music Practicum
Credits: 6
A course focusing on thesis formulation during which the student prepares a research prospectus that engages the student’s social location with ramifications for the broader church. The student selects a thesis committee and drafts the thesis Introduction and first chapter. Taken during the student’s third year of the program. Required of all D.P.M. students.
Doctor of Ministry
-
DM 9302 - Ministry in the Black Church
Credits: 3
Explores the ministry of the black church. Examines the underlying theological rationale and its practical implications for ministry in the black church from the perspective of cultural pluralism in the black experience. Includes an experience in the context of the black church. -
DM 9309 - Integrative Seminar and Strategic Planning in Contexts of Change and Transitions
Credits: 3
Offers students a case study approach where theological knowledge, tools for leadership, and strategic planning for community are employed for contextual analysis in order to implement desirable goals, manage organizational complexities, and provide a vision coherent with a Christian vision. -
DM 9321 - Witness and Ministry in Context
Credits: 3
A focused study of Christian witness and ministry in a cultural context, on-site within a region, with attention given to the role of theological reflection in an environment affected by globalization in all its dimensions. Includes reading assignments and a daylong orientation before the course begins and a debriefing after the travel portion of the course. -
DM 9347 - Contextual Analysis
Credits: 3
An examination of the contexts and strategies appropriate for understanding the relationships between congregations and communities. Attention is also given to broader national and global forces operating in specific settings. Explores and equips students with tools to analyze and interpret church/community structures and situations in light of the immediate context and regional and global trends. -
DM 9350 - Ecclesiology, Community, and Models of Leadership
Credits: 3
An examination of the contemporary and theological foundations, strategies, and manifestations of Christian ecclesiologies and ministerial vocation and leadership. Attention is given to models of ministerial leadership at church level as well as non-parish models of response to the social environment. -
DM 9359 - Vocation, Leadership, and Bible in Contexts
Credits: 3
Examines the interpretations of selected biblical traditions that offer meanings of vocation, leadership roles, and community character for contexts of ministry. -
DM 9369 - Leadership and Vocation in Church and Community: A Theological/Historical Exploration
Credits: 3
Considers themes and figures in the Christian tradition that provide students with the rich experiences of theological and ecclesial understandings of Christian vocation and leadership in context with the church and communities. -
DM 9370 - The Person and Role of a Leader in Ministry
Credits: 3
An integrative approach that provides emotional and cultural competence assessment for personal and professional issues in ministry. Enables a clear sense of self in respect to emotional and cultural dynamics. Equips leaders with effective communication skills to enhance practices of ministry for organizational settings. -
DM 9375 - Advanced Sacramental Praxis
Credits: 3
A critical examination of sacramental praxis, with particular attention given to implications for ecclesiology, formation, and mission. Also covers pathways to reform. -
DM 9379 - Models of Leadership, Social Institutions, and Community Engagement
Credits: 3
Focuses on the characteristics and strategic planning of organizational leaders in churches and/or non-profit organizations who develop social and self-sustaining programs for congregations and communities. -
DM 9381 - Font, Table, and Mission: Baptism and the Lord’S Supper
Credits: 3
Biblical, historical, theological, and praxis reflection on baptism, the Holy Eucharist, and their interrelationship. Attention is given to leadership roles among the priesthood of all believers, along with the formational and missional dynamics related to these sacraments.
Evangelism
-
EV 7307 - The Theory and Practice of Evangelism
Credits: 3
A study of the theological, biblical, historical, and practical foundations of evangelism in order to develop effective strategies of evangelism in the local church and other ministry contexts. -
EV 8308 - Ministry of Evangelism
Credits: 3
The role of the minister in equipping the local congregation for evangelism. Theological foundations and practical strategies are presented in evaluative studies of contemporary models; also considered are particular contexts such as the inner city, varying residential patterns, places of work, education, and recreation. -
EV 8310 - Issues in Evangelism
Credits: 3
An examination of various issues in the theory and practice of evangelism, such as postmodernism, evangelism and the emerging church, feminism and evangelism, evangelism and spiritual direction, and evangelism and popular culture.
General Ministries
-
MN 7026 - Ministry in the Hispanic Church
Credits: 1.5
Introduces the practice of ministry in the Hispanic church. Topics include the Hispanic community in the contexts of Bible reading, the role of the church, mission strategy, leadership, and the dominant culture. Offers methodological tools and practice that allow students to be ready to participate with Hispanics in team-developing ministries. -
MN 7310 - Spirituality and Christian Ministry
Credits: 3
An exploration of forms of spiritual practice for those engaged in Christian ministry, with a focus on contemplative prayer toward integrating personal, social, and ecological dimensions of the Gospel message. -
MN 7311 - Prayer and Spirituality
Credits: 3
Explores various traditions of Christian prayer and spiritual life, the relationship between prayer and everyday life, and various forms of spiritual practice and discipline appropriate to people of differing temperaments and life circumstances. -
MN 7316 - Music and Arts in the Church
Credits: 3
A study of the role of music and additional arts in worship and other ministries of the church. After an introduction to aesthetic and theological foundations, students participate in hands-on workshops that explore specific art forms, including dance, drama, visual arts, and music. The class also covers acoustics for worship. -
MN 7320 - Ministry in the Black/Africana Church
Credits: 3
A course designed for all students interested in knowing more about the ministry of the Black/Africana church. Examines the underlying theological rationale and its practical implications for ministry in the Black/Africana church from the perspective of cultural pluralism in the Black/Africana experience. Includes an experience in the context of the Black/Africana church. -
MN 7323 - Survey of Christian Spirituality
Credits: 3
A study of the biblical roots, historical grounding, theological implications, and contemporary context of Christian spirituality and formation in light of God’s action in creation. Students appropriate an integrated and reflective praxis of spirituality for leadership in their context of ministry. Emphasis is given to the formative possibilities of preaching, worship, pastoral care, and mission. -
MN 7324 - Issues in Liturgical Theology and Practice
Credits: 3
A critical examination of the complex juxtaposition of Christian ritual practices and theology, with attention paid to specific historical and contemporary praxis within cultures and discussion of pathways to reform. -
MN 7326 - Ministry in the Hispanic Church
Credits: 3
Introduces the practice of ministry in the Hispanic church. Topics include the Hispanic community in the contexts of Bible reading, the role of the church, mission strategy, leadership, and the dominant culture. Offers methodological tools and practice that allow students to be ready to participate with Hispanics in team-developing ministries. -
MN 7329 - Issues in Practical Theology
Credits: 3
A practical theological inquiry into the church’s contemporary engagement in the ancient faith practice of remembering the poor. Includes theological-ethical considerations and examination of best practices. -
MN 7361 - Christian Ministry in an AI Age: Generative AI in the Theory and Practice of Congregational Life.
Credits: 3
An interdisciplinary exploration of how AI technology relates to Christian ministry. (*updated* 12/4/2025; effective spring 2026) -
MN 8329 - Immigration, the Bible, and Practical Theology
Credits: 3
A biblical and theological exploration of contemporary debates in church and society surrounding immigration and the calls for policy reform, with special attention to implications for preaching, teaching, and public praxis.
Greek Language
-
GR 7300 - Greek I
Credits: 3
An introduction to the fundamentals of the grammar and syntax of Koine Greek. -
GR 7301 - Greek II
Credits: 3
A continuation of GR 7300 , with extensive reading in a variety of New Testament writings and with special attention to the syntax of Koine Greek, as well as to the tools, methods, and skills needed for exegesis. -
GR 7302 - Greek Exegesis
Credits: 3
Translation and exegesis of a selected letter from the Pauline corpus. Prerequisites: GR 7300 , GR 7301 or equivalent.
Page: 1
| 2
| 3
|