Studies in Ministry Courses [219-320]

[219-320] [322-440] [490-555]

STMI-219. Introduction to Preaching. 3 crs. Designed as a construction, content and form analysis of preaching. Introduces the contemporary sermon as an event within historical perspective and sociological context. Offers maximum opportunity for research-action in anticipation of the progressive development and refinement of homiletical skills.

STMI-220. Religious Personality and Pastoral Care. 3 crs. Explores historical definitions and functions of pastoral care and contemporary imperatives.

STMI-221. Introduction to Pastoral Care. 3 crs. Study of types of pastoral counseling using case presentations, audio and video tapes, verbatim, and typescripts.

STMI-222. Pastoral Care: Practicum. 3 crs.

STMI-223. Pastoral Marriage Counseling. 3 crs. Seminar exploring the techniques of counseling individuals preparing for marriage.

STMI-226. Religious Personality and Pastoral Psychotherapy. 3 crs. A Study of theories and counselling.

STMI-228. Pastoral Care and the Elderly. 2 crs.

STMI-230. Minister as Educator. 3 crs. Seminar examining how the pastor/minister sets the tone and atmosphere for the educational program of the local churches and how the pastor works with volunteers in adult, youth, and church school education.

STMI-235. Religious Education and the Church Year. 3 crs. Examines the theology and design of the liturgical calendar. The seasons of the Christian Year will be explored as well as how to recognize, practice and celebrate the seasons with all ages in the faith community.

STMI-240. Clinical Pastoral Education: Basic Unit. 4 crs. Offers clinical pastoral training in institutional settings (e.g. hospitals) either full-time or extended part-time. Prereqs.: STMI-221 and STMI-222.

STMI-250. The First Pastorate. 2 crs. A practical course designed to help ministers prepare for their first position as pastor or to deal more effectively with the issues in their current positions. Addresses a wide range of issues in the areas of administration, worship and program development, pastoral care, and personal concerns. Resource persons share experiences in their first churches. Primarily for students who have not pastored and for students who have pastored for less than three years.

STMI-300 Religious Education Instructional Research and Development. 3 crs. Seminar: The Black Perspective offers a self-directed team approach to instructional development. Instructional modules will form the basis for the development of a learning activity packet appropriate for use in intergenerational church settings. These modules will focus upon the unique experiences of blacks in America.

STMI-303. History and Philosophy of Religious Education. 3 crs. Introduction to religious education from the early church to the present, emphasizing the implications of naturalism, idealism, pragmatism, and existentialism.

STMI-305. Ministry to New and Small Churches. 3 crs. The small-membership church outnumbers all other Protestant churches. Most seminary graduates begin their ministry in small-membership churches. Thus, this course will examine the life in the small-membership church and the kinds of programs one can develop to maximize the effectiveness of the ministry of the congregation. An outline will be developed on organizing a new church. the lecture-discussion method will be used with opportunities to share experiences from readings, reports, practioners, etc.

STMI-310. Curriculum Development for the Local Black Church. 3 crs. Examines, develops, and translates traditional educational material of the various denominations for use in black churches.

STMI-313. Teaching Methods for the Church. 3 crs. Explores a variety of teaching methods which can be useful in the local church setting. Tools for evaluating the educational needs of persons within the are church examined. Practical concerns are highlighted which focus on the context in which teaching takes place.

STMI-315. Educational Ministries with Youth. 3 crs. Explores the dynamics of urban life that contribute to the formation of healthy or unhealthy youth, with emphasis on sensitizing congregational leadership to creative methods.

STMI-318. Initiating Persons into the Christian Faith: Issues in New Member Orientation. 2 crs. Focuses on educational issues surrounding the process of Christian initiation including historical issues, faith development, and socialization.

STMI-320. Women in Ministry. 3 crs. An historical and sociological treatment of the American woman and institutional change. The historical, biblical and philosophical underpinnings of sexist attitudes discussed.