Christian Ministry, BS

The Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry prepares students for ministerial leadership. The combination of courses in the areas of biblical studies, theology, Christian history, ministry, and spirituality provide a broad educational experience conducive to understanding and engaging the challenges of ministry life. This broad experience is also designed to help students discern their ministry calling. Opportunities are provided for ministry experience, both within Rochester University’s Campus Ministry and through a variety of internship possibilities. Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue graduate opportunities in Seminary or other graduate programs in theology, and/or a number of different ministry positions. While graduates might pursue jobs in a number of different areas outside of congregations, special attention is given to leading congregations.

Program Learning Outcomes

The following learning outcomes are linked to assignments and activities throughout this program. After completing program requirements,

1. Graduates of the Christian Ministry program lead communities in the understanding and use of Scripture.
   1. Students ground their life and ministry in Scripture through spiritual disciplines related to Scripture.
   2. Students interpret Scripture, demonstrating skill in biblical exegesis.
   3. Students present biblical content to others clearly in both writing and oral forms.
2. Graduates of the Christian Ministry program believe that ministry proceeds from a God-centered identity and calling.
   1. Students evaluate the sources that comprise calling/vocation in Christian ministry.
   2. Students engage practices that cultivate God-centered identity and can pass on these practices to others.
3. Graduates of the Christian Ministry program lead groups in discerning and joining the work of God in the world.
1. Students will be able to articulate a theology of ministry rooted in the realities of the Triune God.
2. Students will be able to distinguish various approaches to congregational change and select the appropriate form of leadership suited to a specific presenting challenge.
3. Students will be able to conceive theological discernment as a collaborative activity that takes place both in Christian community and the world
4. Graduates of the Christian Ministry program understand congregations (or communities of faith) from a variety of perspectives (theological, sociological, anthropological).
1. Students will be able to utilize tools of cultural discovery that disclose meanings in congregational life.
2. Students will be able to recognize and evaluate the uniqueness of each congregation’s context and its potential as a theological source.
3. Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of biblical and theological definitions of the congregation.
4. Students will be able to identify practices of meaning-making within the complexities of congregational life.
5. Graduates of the Christian Ministry program know the importance of the broad themes of the Christian story for contemporary faith communities.
1. Students will be able to assess local or congregational decisions in light of the historical and global meanings of the faith.
2. Students will be able to identify their own ecclesial tradition within the broad historical/theological Christian tradition.
3. Students will able to discover strengths in other ecclesial/theological traditions and religions, critically appropriating beliefs and practices where appropriate.
6. Graduates of the Christian Ministry program build ministry practice around the conviction that God is living and active in the world.
1. Students will able to develop new ministry understandings as they experience contexts other than their own.
2. Students will be able to construct theological understandings as they encounter beliefs and values of others.
3. Students will be able to discover the effectiveness of finding community partners for collaboration in relation to the coming Kingdom of God.

Requirements for the BS in Christian Ministry (Traditional and Accelerated)

General Education Core 38 hours

In the Theological Literacy area of general education, Bible/ministry majors must take REL 1002, REL 1013, and MIN 2513. PSY 2013 is required in the Social and Behavioral Science area. REL 3923 satisfies the Global Studies and Diversity requirement.

Christian Ministry Major 52 hours

BIB 2333	Interpreting the Old Testament	3
BIB 2983	Interpreting the New Testament	3
	BIB 3000 level textual courses, including both Old and New Testament courses	12
BIB 4394	Contemporary Issues in Hermeneutics	4
MIN 1333	The Ministry Life	3
MIN 2613	The Congregation	3
MIN 3523	Practical Issues in Ministry	3
MIN 3613	Pastoral Care	3
MIN 3813	Ministry of the Word	3
MIN 3873	Ministry Internship	3
REL 3923	World Religions	3
THL 2013	Spiritual Formation	3
THL 3793	History and Theology of the Christian Tradition I	3
THL 4003	History and Theology of the Christian Tradition II	3

Electives 30 hours

Total Credit Hours: 120