Bethel Seminary
The Center for Transformational Leadership
Ministry Leadership | Preaching and Communication
Focus
Those who aspire to spiritual leadership for the sake of Christ and His kingdom seek an “honorable ambition.” The church of Jesus Christ is in desperate need of men and women who will rise to the challenges and opportunities of leading in the 21st century. A growing cadre of spiritual leaders who share a common commitment to Jesus Christ and a deep concern for the welfare of His church, our world, and the next generation must be identified, equipped, and sent to minister.
The Center for Transformational Leadership seeks to develop men and women who in their years at Bethel Seminary are experiencing transformation in their personal and spiritual lives, and are growing in their ability to lead others to experience a similar transformation. We aim to develop leaders who are catalysts for healthy, substantive, and lasting kingdom change, first in themselves, then in others, in the churches and organizations they lead, in their communities, and ultimately in the world for whom Christ died. The test of transformational leadership is not the development of followers but the reproduction of a new generation of transformational leaders.
Biblical Diversity
We affirm that biblical diversity is a hallmark of healthy, community-building leadership. Monocultural models of leadership are inadequate for the global, multicultural mission of Christ’s church. The world for whom Christ died is ethnically and racially diverse. Therefore, the Center for Transformational Leadership will expose students to multiple models of ministry and spiritual leadership that reflect the global and multicultural focus of the Great Commission.
The Classroom and Beyond
From a purely pedagogical standpoint, spiritual leadership cannot be taught, but nonetheless, it must be learned. Educational experiences must be connected to the real life of the student and to the resources of the larger community. Intimate friendships, authentic sharing, and a deep sense of community must supply the context for educational programs. Toward this end, educational experiences beyond the classroom will be employed to expose students to the biblical theory and practice of spiritual leadership. Supervised ministry, covenant groups, church-based ministry, and opportunities for mentoring relationships with faculty and lay leaders are just a few of the ways that the development of spiritual leaders will be enhanced.
Lifelong Learning
Spiritual leaders are not developed in two or three years according to an academic timetable. The academic program is only the beginning, not the end, of the spiritual leadership development process. The Center for Transformational Leadership is committed to accelerating and continuing this developmental process in the seminary years and beyond.
Course Offerings
The Center for Transformational Leadership includes the areas of discipleship in community; global evangelization and contextual ministry; ministry leadership; preaching and communication; and supervised ministry. Studies in these disciplines will provide the student with the practical ministry skills and biblical framework for transformational ministry in the 21st century.
Interdisciplinary Courses
TL501 (TL100) • Culture and Ministry.
A biblically grounded examination of culture as the context of all ministry.
This course applies understanding of culture to the global mission mandate
of the church, and examines how one’s cultural identity influences spiritual
and personal growth as well as leadership potential. It explores in depth the
issues of sexism and gender, race relations, and the pervasive and insidious
nature of racism. The reconciling power of the gospel to transform the church
into a new community will permeate the course. Required of all students in
all degree programs except M.A.M.F.T. St. Paul and Seminary of the East only. Four
hours.
TL510 (TL110) • Celebrating Diversity and Embracing Unity.
This course is designed to help each person come to grips with
his/her own learned and socially prescribed attitudes and beliefs
concerning “others.” An attempt will be made to develop
together a biblically based and anthropologically informed paradigm
to engage the issues of ethnocentrism and cultural imperialism,
language supremacy, racial bigotry and fear, slavery in its many
forms, gender status and inequalities, degradation of the poor
and powerless, the status of the refugee, the unequal distribution
of goods and resource consumption, and the significance of non-Western
ideologies. The unifying power of God’s redemptive and
reconciling work will permeate the course. Required of all students
in all degree programs except M.A.M.F.T. San Diego only. Four
hours.
TL511 (TL114) • Introduction to Theological Education.
This course orients and prepares students for their work in graduate-level
theological education by focusing on the three aspects of Bethel
Seminary of the East’s model: academic rigor, spiritual
formation, and ministry skill development. Students are assisted
in choosing and forming their mentoring teams through the development
of a Guided Learning Experience. The creation of the first Guided
Learning Experience will prepare students for courses with required
Guided Learning Experiences. Seminary of the East only. Three
hours.
CF501 (CF101) • Introduction to Children’s and Family
Ministry.
This foundational course will present a broad overview of contemporary ministry
to children and families set within the broader educational ministries of the
church. The field of children’s ministry will be analyzed in the context
of cultural trends affecting children, families, and the church. Students will
explore a survey of the history of religious education from Old Testament times
to the present day as well as current theories of ministry to children and families.
These experiences will guide the students in developing a biblical philosophy
of ministry to children and families. Four hours.
CF502 (CF102) • Development Across the Life Cycle.
This course is a study of the life stages and age-level characteristics
of children through adults. Students will develop an understanding
of physical, mental, emotional, social, moral, and spiritual
characteristics of individuals across the human life cycle. Application
of the course content will be made as students assess the age-level
appropriateness of specific ministries in their local contexts. Four
hours.
CF622 (CF122) • Advocacy for Special Needs Children and
Families.
This course is designed to give students exposure to multiple avenues
of advocacy within the church, family, community, and global contexts.
Students will explore, discuss, and evaluate the literature, current
practices, key leaders, and potential new ways of advocating for
children in a variety of settings. Particular attention will be
given to ways to advocate for children with many different kinds
of special needs. Four hours.
CF651DE (CF131DE) • Curriculum Development and Assessment.
This course is a study of the basic concepts that undergird learning
theory, curriculum development, and curriculum assessment in
children’s and family ministry. It is designed to provide
a foundation for understanding the teaching-learning process,
the process of curriculum planning, curriculum evaluation, and
writing of curriculum materials. Four hours.
CF652 (CF132) • Creativity and Models of Content Delivery.
This course explores planning, implementing, and evaluating teaching/learning
experiences. The areas of creativity, learning styles, brain-based
learning, and multiple intelligences will be investigated through
reading, discussion, classroom experiences, and student-led teaching
opportunities. Students will present in class, be videotaped,
and receive peer review and instructor feedback. Evaluation is
a key component of this course, both self-evaluation and peer
review. Prerequisites: CF501 and CF651. Four hours.
CF661 (CF141) • Dynamics of Staffing and Leadership.
This course explores the essence of Christian leadership development
and its influence on staff dynamics. Leadership emergence theory,
grounded in the comparative study of life histories of biblical,
historical, and contemporary leaders, forms the basis of analysis.
This course will also address the development of effective ministry
staff relationships in the local church. Four hours.
CF662DE (CF142DE) • Children’s and Family Ministry
Administration.
This course explores the many facets of the administrative process
within the context of a staff ministry position. Administration
may be viewed as bringing the resources of an organization together
in such a way as to maximize working relationships of people and
programs for the benefit of both the organization and the individuals
who comprise it. Students will be encouraged to examine the biblical
bases for visionary leadership and the practical skills of creating
and maintaining healthy programs for children and families. Four
hours.
The goal of Christian education is presenting all people mature in Christ (Col. 1:28). This task is accomplished by equipping competent leaders who will pass on the faith to the various people groups, cultures, and generations within their spheres of influence. Sadly, however, the great biblical and theological truths of Scripture can appear as dead stories and pharisaical traditions in the hands of an unskilled communicator. But when the message is embodied in a Spirit-filled, captivating teacher, like Christ, the Bible comes alive and people are changed. Thus, studies in Christian education are designed to help ministers become effective orchestrators of learning in their faith communities.
Objectives:
Study in Discipleship in Community enables students to:
- develop a biblical/theological framework for discipleship in community;
- appreciate different program models of educational ministry;
- design an effective structure for directing volunteer services;
- develop a process for building dynamic ministry teams; and
- cultivate personal teaching skills and small group leadership abilities.
DC501 (DC101) • Discipleship in Community.
This course introduces students to the biblical and
theological foundations for discipleship in the faith
community, including the role of the Holy Spirit
in teaching. Philosophy and models of ministry are
considered. Participants develop an understanding
of missional and programmatic emphases in ministry
to children, youth, and adults. Learning styles and
instructional methods are studied. Building a network
of effective ministry teams is a primary focus. Students
gain a vision and enthusiasm for the teaching-shepherding
possibilities within any congregation. Formerly entitled “Educational
Ministry of the Church.” Four hours. Seminary
of the East course includes a Guided Learning Experience. Four
hours.
DC513 (DC113) • Transformational Leadership.
An overview and analysis of issues critical to effectiveness
in a variety of ministry leadership roles. A common
emphasis on personal issues for the leader and leadership
dynamics will be combined with an emphasis on the
particular concerns of pastors, youth ministers,
Christian education leaders, parachurch agency workers,
and leaders in cross-cultural settings. (Cognate
credit with TL513 and ML513.) Four hours.
DC661 (DC141) • Team Leadership.
This course offers an overview of the knowledge, skills,
and abilities necessary for sustained success in
team leadership. The Bible, contemporary literature,
and congregational studies are drawn together to
inform the student’s leadership awareness.
Principles and practices for attracting, developing,
and maintaining high-performance ministry teams are
examined. Special emphasis is given to identifying
and discussing the critical knowledge, skills, and
abilities required for sustained success in a team-based,
entrepreneurial organizational setting. (Cognate
credit with ML661.) Four hours.
DC622 (DC122) • Advocacy for Special Needs
Children and Families.
This course is designed to give students exposure to
multiple avenues of advocacy within the church, family,
community, and global contexts. Students will explore,
discuss, and evaluate the literature, current practices,
key leaders, and potential new ways of advocating for
children in a variety of settings. Particular attention
will be given to ways to advocate for children with
many different kinds of special needs. (Cognate credit
with CF622.) Four hours.
DC635 (DC235) • Foundations of Youth Ministry.
A philosophy of ministry to young people and their
families is developed. The needs and characteristics
of youth and methods of relating to them for purposes
of Christian commitment and growth are presented.
Family context is studied to understand youth and
develop a holistic approach toward ministry. Four
hours.
DC636 (DC236) • Communicating the Gospel
to Teens.
A study of the communication process as it relates
to teenagers. Strategies to communicate the gospel,
evangelize, and nurture faith in teenagers are discussed.
Effective proclamation and teaching techniques will
be studied. Four hours.
DC651DE (DC131DE) • Curriculum Development
and Assessment.
This course is a study of the basic concepts that undergird
learning theory, curriculum development, and curriculum
assessment in children’s and family ministry.
It is designed to provide a foundation for understanding
the teaching-learning process, the process of curriculum
planning, curriculum evaluation, and writing of curriculum
materials. (Cognate credit with CF651DE.) Four hours.
DC654 (DC254) • Camp Program Experience.
One-half course. Responsibility for leadership in a
camp program, under the supervision of a faculty
member, in conjunction with an on-site supervisor.
Two hours.
DC704 (DC204) • Professional Development
in Ministry.
Focuses on key issues and resources essential to the
practice of effective ministry. The integrative seminar
will assist participants in becoming students of themselves,
the church, and the culture. Personal growth areas
include clarifying ministry values and priorities,
serving out of one’s uniqueness, maintaining
adequate reserves, the art of listening, handling criticism,
serving through seasons of ministry, and designing
a personal development plan. Professional growth areas
include building healthy congregations, understanding
cultural trends, implementing change, navigating ministry
transitions, and designing a professional plan. Four
hours.
DC705 (DC205) • Personal and Ministry Development.
This course focuses on key issues and resources essential
to the practice of effective ministry. The integrative
seminar will assist participants in becoming students
of themselves, the church, and the culture. Personal
growth areas include clarifying ministry values and
priorities, serving out of one’s uniqueness,
maintaining adequate reserves, the art of listening,
handling criticism, serving through seasons of ministry,
and designing a personal development plan. Professional
growth areas include building healthy congregations,
understanding cultural trends, implementing change,
navigating ministry transitions, and designing a
professional plan. (This course is required of all
M.A.C.E., M.A.C.E.-Y.L., and M.Div.-C.E. majors,
and should be taken during the student’s senior
year. Cognate credit with ML705.) Four hours.
DC710 (DC210) • Pastoral Care of Youth.
Investigation is made into the function of the pastor
in relation to counseling with youth. Social and
psychological factors in adolescence will be studied.
Problems to be considered are youth culture, youth
identity crises, drug abuse, adolescent rebellion,
evangelism, vocational guidance, sex education, and
parent-child conflict. The role of the pastor and
the church in ministering to youth and their families
will be stressed. (Cognate credit with PC710.) Offered
alternate years. Four hours.
DC712 (DC212) • Teaching for Transformation.
Effective teaching is studied from the perspective
of the learner, including motivational factors, needs,
learning styles, life-stage, and personal development.
Analysis of the role of the teacher as the orchestrator
of the teaching-learning process includes character,
beliefs, lesson design, communication strategies,
and teaching style. Course methodologies include
readings, discussions, analysis of classroom teaching
(via video), live observations, compressed video,
focus groups, guest practitioners, and practice teaching. Four
hours.
DC738 (DC238) • The Complete Disciple.
Discusses discipleship within the context of a consistent
and thorough biblical theology. Students will develop
a biblical rationale for the divinely designed process
of spiritual growth as well as an understanding and
motivation to spur the process along. Teachings concerning
the person and work of Jesus Christ will be investigated
as significant truths for the daily walk of Christ’s
disciples. Four hours.
DC741 (DC240) • Ministering to Adults.
This course is an examination of adult developmental
life cycles (including transitions), with attention
given to specific ways the congregation can minister
to adults in each life stage. Students conduct contextual
studies on particular areas of adult programming
such as ministry to singles, ministry to women, and
ministry to senior adults. The impact of motivation
and learning theory on the improvement of instruction
and learner achievement is considered. Models of
effective church and parachurch programs to adults
are studied. Adult ministry plans, both developmental
and functional, are developed. Four hours.
DC742 (DC242) • Ministering to Families.
Students will study the sociology of the family with
special concentration on the problems of the contemporary
American family. Problems such as mobility, divorce,
unemployment, and changing sexual ethics will be
discussed. New forms of the family will be studied
in light of the Scriptures. Church ministries to
various styles of family life will be developed and
analyzed. Students will seek to answer the question
of how the church can meet the needs of families
in the 21st century. (Cognate credit with PC742.) Four
hours.
DC743 (DC243) • Ministering with and to Senior
Adults.
An overview of the characteristics of life after typical
retirement age will provide the basis for exploring
ministry to senior adults. Biblical and psychological
foundations for communicating and ministering to senior
adults will be described and analyzed. The course will
address the challenge of providing meaningful involvement,
learning, and ministry within the church and larger
community. Four hours.
DC744 (DC244) • Ministries of Women in the
Church.
Through reading, class discussion, interaction with
guest practitioners, and careful personal study, this
course will explore issues and ministry opportunities
for women in church leadership. San Diego only. Four
hours.
DC745 (DC245) • Family Systems.
This course will discuss basic family dynamics (such
as intimacy, communication, power, and shame) with
special emphasis given to examining those dynamics
from the family system and family development theoretical
perspectives. Relevant family topics (health, sexuality,
spirituality, abuse, compulsive behavior, and divorce)
will be addressed with opportunities for students
to apply theoretical principles to real-life family
situations. Special attention will be given to families’ interactions
with the institutional church and ways in which pastors
can minister more effectively to a broad range of
families. (Cognate credit with PC745.) Four hours.
DC746 (DC251) • Small Groups in the Church.
Establishing healthy cell groups in local churches
is the focus of this course. Specific congregational
approaches are examined, including 3-C and meta-church
models. The roles of study groups, support groups,
and service groups are considered. The course also
explores group development theory and its appropriate
application to small groups in the church and other
Christian organizations. It provides an opportunity
for students to analyze their own styles of working
with groups and to enhance their communication and
leadership skills through direct group work in class
and in a church setting. Life cycles of groups and
their role within the congregation are studied. (Cognate
credit with PC746.) Four hours.
DC748 (DC248) • Family-Based Youth Ministries.
Focuses on a model of church youth ministry that appreciates
the role of parents and family systems on the spiritual
growth and character development of adolescents.
(Cognate credit with PC748.) Four hours.
DC270 • Independent Study in Christian Education.
Research and study by arrangement with the professor.
(Permission is required.)
The study of global missions is a multicultural task aimed at bringing glory to God and our Lord Jesus Christ by accepting the call to reconcile people of all ethnic communities to faith in Jesus Christ. Our studies are rooted in the Old and New Testament calling of the people of God and current movements in world evangelism. Our opportunities are greater than ever for preparing church planters around the world with a vision to disciple leaders from every people, language, and nation as we start with the challenges of reconciliation and diversity here in the United States for the cause of world evangelism. While the study of world missions has its roots in European frames of reference, we recognize the growing importance of emerging leaders from the many cultures of American cities and from around the world. We are called to disciple people in the context of their home cultures.
Objectives:
Studies in global and contextual ministries will enable students to:
- come to terms with the biblical mandate to disciple people of every nation and to lead them into maturity in Jesus Christ as our Lord requires;
- grow in awareness of the current movements of people to Christ in North America and around the world, with an appreciation of the diversity of God’s ways among us;
- appreciate and critically evaluate the effectiveness of various strategies in starting and growing healthy, prevailing churches in suburban and urban contexts;
- grow in our ability to make use of the enormous potential for global discipleship of our growing communities of culturally diverse peoples in North America;
- develop leadership skills and gifts required for the ministry of reconciliation in changing cultural contexts; and
- develop skills in discipleship evangelism for ministry at home and around the world.
GC501 (GC101) • Introduction to Global and Contextual
Ministry.
The biblical basis, operational strategy, and local and global
challenges to the mission of the church will be studied. Basic
issues, strategies, programs, and models for discipling people
of other cultures will be discussed. Four hours. Seminary
of the East course includes a Guided Learning Experience.
GC502 (GC102) • Introduction to Global and Contextual
Ministry.
One-half course. This course studies the biblical basis, operational
strategy, and the mission of the church in the world. Not open
to M.Div. students. Two hours.
GC503 (GC103) • Evangelism and Missions.
This course will lay a biblical foundation for the mission of the
church in the world, as well as for a biblical theology and practice
of evangelism. The goal of this course is to empower participants
to develop and implement effective, Spirit-directed, and biblically
based strategies to reach lost people and to make disciples of
all who believe among all the peoples of the world. Prerequisite:
ML513. Four hours.
GC505 (GC105) • Evangelism for Discipleship.
This course introduces the biblical basis and contemporary approaches
to discipleship and evangelism. Students will begin formulating
a working theology to inform their practice. Field and classroom
exercises will be provided to aid students in the practice of
evangelism. Three or Four hours.
GC515 (GC105SE) • Evangelism and Church Growth.
This course examines the methods and principles of evangelism,
leadership development, church growth, church planting, and church
renewal for churches in the American Northeast. Topics include
explaining the gospel in an accurate, culturally sensitive manner;
using tools to diagnose a congregation’s growth potential
and barriers; and identifying significant cultural factors in
the people groups of the Northeastern United States that influence
their receptivity to the gospel. Includes a Guided Learning Experience.
Seminary of the East only. Four hours.
GC602 (GC220) • Street Culture, the Poor and Urban Ministry.
This course will explore the current problems of urban society
and the challenges these realities present to churches. A review
of past and present responses to urban society by the church
will be considered with a view toward developing strategies for
the present and future. The course is intended for all interested
in formulating a theology of ministry and not solely for those
interested in urban ministry. Four hours.
GC603 (GC221) • Compassionate Urban Ministry.
This course introduces participants to multidimensional factors
that influence the quality of life among the poor. Students will
examine the circumstances surrounding individual children, youth,
and families for the purpose of formulating a pastoral response.
An emphasis is placed upon the root causes of problems and helps
prepare students to address conditions such as homelessness,
family violence, substance abuse, and unemployment. Four hours.
GC610 (GC201) • Cross-Cultural Communication.
This course will examine the dynamics of the communication process
and the ways in which various cultures, audience segments, or
value orientations condition the interpretation of different
symbol systems. Each student will select a culture or subculture
to evaluate its most dominant worldview components and the approaches
to church work that are most likely to be effective in that setting. Four
hours.
GC611 (GC202) • Christianity in Culture.
Culture is studied to help those serving in various ministry contexts
to identify the distinctives of culture and Christian heritage,
to distinguish the secular aspects of heritage from the distinctly
Christian elements, and to know when to hold firm or to be flexible
when providing pastoral care for people of other generations
or cultures. Prerequisites: GC501 and GC610. Four hours.
GC651 (GC212) • World Religions.
A study of world religions (including Judaism, Islam, Buddhism,
and Hispanic Catholicism) that provide structures of belief and
meaning for vast numbers of people in America and globally. The
goal is to develop understandings and sensitivities that will
enable us to represent Christ more attractively and communicate
His gospel more intelligibly to adherents of these faiths. (Cognate
credit with TS702.) Four hours.
GC656 (GC256) • Understanding Cults.
The history, beliefs, and methods of the major American cults,
such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormonism, Christian Science,
etc., and a comparison of their teachings and those of Scripture.
San Diego only. Four hours.
GC661 (GC215) • Facilitating Community Development.
This course is designed to familiarize students with the principles
for developing a holistic approach to community development.
The idea of “Christian community development” or “transformational
development” as a contemporary approach to Christian ministry
is discussed in relationship to an urban context. Economic versus
relational faith-based models in ministry related to family life,
housing, job training, business/economic development, and public
health interventions are explored. Students in this course examine
community development concepts and models that enable ministry
leaders to facilitate community development in a diverse environment. Four
hours.
GC662 (GC216) • Creating Faith-Based Organizations.
The aim of this course is to familiarize participants with the
non-profit world and increase their ability to organize and develop
a faith-based organization (FBO). Participants explore the distinctive
nature of FBOs in order to understand how to apply best practices
for Christian ministry. Relevant issues on incorporation and
tax-exempt status processes under the internal revenue code are
discussed. Participants learn what it takes to sustain effective
ongoing operations through board development, planning, fundraising,
and sustainability strategies. Four hours.
GC663 (GC217) • Effective Ministry Planning and Development.
This course goes beyond teaching students the fundamentals of a
program planning process. It helps students gain insight about
planning as a systematic process for ministry development. The
course involves students analyzing and synthesizing information
from the initial point of a spiritual discernment process to
theological reflection. Specific program planning skills, protocols,
and methodologies for church-based and/or agency-based ministry
are learned. Students learn to understand their ministry context
and the problem, design components and processes, and strategically
appropriate resources to bring about positive change. Four
hours.
GC671 (GC219) • Cross-Cultural Experience.
Each student in the Master of Arts or Master of Divinity degree
programs with a concentration in missions will be required to
participate in a cross-cultural experience, usually in the summer.
This will be arranged in cooperation with the missions professor.
In preparation for the experience, the student will do an in-depth
study of the area in which the experience will occur. Four
hours.
GC702 (GC218) • Implementing Change Strategies in Ministry.
This course equips students to develop and implement macro- and
micro-level change strategies in a ministry context. Students
learn the dynamics of systems/policy change and community organizing
principles for methods that can lead to change. Students also
learn to design a process that can lead to organizational and
individual change. This course is designed to increase the student’s
ability to engage the church as a community change agent while
attending to the transformational needs of the participants.
Theories and models for change include environmental change strategies,
community organizing and mobilization, and stages of change theory. Four
hours.
GC703 (GC211) • Religion in Anthropological Perspective.
A study of the basic roles of religion in a society, including
its role as explanation system and means of social regulation.
Study will include the interaction of religious theory, practices,
worldview, and patterns of cultural organization. The general
impact of Christianity upon the development of Western society
will be studied. The course will also provide a foundation for
planning evangelistic strategy and church planting in other cultures. Four
hours.
GC708 (GC208) • History of World Missions.
A survey of the missionary movements on the major continents with
special emphasis on biographies, types of mission field, and
missionary strategy. (Cognate credit with HS708.) Four hours.
GC714 (GC205) • Theology of Global Mission.
The biblical basis of missions will be examined. Factors that affect
the task of missions will be biblically and theologically critiqued,
such as the nature of evangelism and salvation, development and
evangelism, homogeneous unit churches, and Third World theologians. Four
hours.
GC715 (GC213) • Contemporary Mission Problems.
An analysis of the anthropological, sociological, and political
problems facing overseas missionaries, together with possible
solutions. Special consideration will be given to nationalism,
communism, the indigenous church and the missionary, and new
forms of missionary strategy. Four hours.
GC235 • Discipleship in Action.
A consideration of the mission of the church with a view to equipping
the whole body of Christ for the work of service. Particular
attention will be paid to current literature and practical models
in the areas of church renewal, ministry of the laity and the
making of disciples. The student will be encouraged to formulate
specific strategies for enabling local congregations to identify
their life and ministry beyond the walls of the church building.
San Diego only. Four hours.
GC730 (GC230) • The Gospel in Context: Exploring Models
Old and New.
This is a seminar-style course evaluating the theology and practice
of discipleship evangelism in significant periods and cultures.
The goal of the course is to enlarge the student’s understanding
and ability in the art of contextualization through relevant exercises
of reflection and application. Each participant will develop a
proposal for advancing the gospel in a specific contemporary context. Four
hours.
GC732 (GC232) • Starting New Churches.
A definition of the need for starting new churches as a valid approach
to winning unchurched people in America as well as unreached
people groups around the world. A theological rationale, overarching
strategies for congregations, plus specific tools and techniques
are combined to provide resources for pastors of small churches
or churches in transition, as well as those who want to start
new churches. (Cognate credit with ML732.) Four hours.
GC734 (GC233) • Evangelism through the Local Church.
A definition of the need for starting new churches as a valid approach
to winning unchurched people in America as well as unreached
people groups around the world. A theological rationale, overarching
strategies for congregations, plus specific tools and techniques
are combined to provide resources for pastors of small churches
or churches in transition, as well as those who want to start
new churches. San Diego only. Four hours.
GC736 (GC264) • Global Theology.
This survey course will investigate the theological traditions
developing around the world as the body of Christ grows on all
continents. Class presentations will touch on theological voices
from major regions of the world with reference to the issues
in the culture. Students will have the opportunity to specialize
in the thought of a region or of an author of their choice. (Cognate
credit with TS736.) Four hours.
GC740 (GC240) • Studies in Church Growth.
A biblical and theological assessment of church growth writings
for the purpose of assessing, developing, renewing, or starting
spiritually healthy and growing churches so that under the leading
of the Holy Spirit we may be more faithful and effective in carrying
out the Great Commission in this country and around the world.
Students will be able to focus on large, small, American, or
international models of growth and specific assessment instruments. Four
hours.
GC670 (GC270) • Independent Study in Global Evangelism.
Research and study by arrangement with the professor. (Permission
is required.)
Studies in ministry leadership are designed to provide an exposure to and an understanding of pastoral ministry and transformational leadership in the varied social contexts and forms of the church, missions agencies, and parachurch. Attention is given to theory and practice in the Christian worker’s implementation of spiritual leadership through worship, church governance, discipleship, evangelism, and service activities of the church.
Objectives:
Studies in the ministry leadership program enable students to:
- critically examine the theory and practice of transformational leadership in a variety of ministry and cultural settings;
- manifest a growing appreciation for one’s capacity to provide transformational leadership;
- develop the leadership, management, and ministry skills required for effective service in and through the local church and/or mission agencies;
- identify the resources to facilitate one’s lifelong development as a spiritual leader;
- effectively implement a variety of leadership tools and processes for organizational leadership, including strategic planning, decision making, congregational analysis, team building, conflict management, and organizational change; and
- implement leadership practices that contribute to the healthy, sustained growth of the local church and/or mission agencies.
Core Courses
ML504 (ML104) • Worship/Dynamics of Christian Worship.
A study in the biblical and theological foundations of worship,
the nature and meaning of worship, and the many aspects involved
in the practice of worship. Consideration will be given to worship
patterns, structures, forms, rituals, standards, and the planning
and leadership of worship. At Seminary of the East, this course
includes a Guided Learning Experience. Four hours.
ML510 (ML110) • Ministry Practice and Polity.
Information concerning the various responsibilities expected of
church leaders will be discussed. Observations and participation
in a variety of pastoral functions will be explored as well as
discussion of approaches to church finances and budgeting. Ministry
practices will be dealt with in light of the different polity
systems represented. San Diego only. Four hours.
ML511 (PM114) • Introduction to Theological Education.
This course orients and prepares students for their work in graduate-level
theological education by focusing on the three aspects of Bethel
Seminary of the East’s model: academic rigor, spiritual
formation, and ministry skill development. Students are assisted
in choosing and forming their mentoring teams through the development
of a Guided Learning Experience. The creation of the first Guided
Learning Experience will prepare students for courses with required
Guided Learning Experiences. Seminary of the East only. Three
hours.
ML513 (ML113) • Transformational Leadership.
An overview and analysis of issues critical to effectiveness in
a variety of ministry leadership roles. A common emphasis on
personal issues for the leader and leadership dynamics will be
combined with an emphasis on the particular concerns of pastors,
youth ministers, Christian education leaders, parachurch agency
workers, and leaders in cross-cultural settings. (Cognate credit
with TL513 and DC513.) Four hours.
ML550A, B, C (ML115) • Theology and Christian Community.
Working under the supervision of a mentor, students are given opportunities
for the integration of biblical and theological principles within
the context of Christian ministry. Specific ministry activities
are delineated in a learning contract after identifying each
student’s specific developmental goals. (For SemPM students
beginning with Mod F. Cognate credit with TS550A, B, C.) Four
hours.
ML602 (ML114) • Ministry Leadership Foundations.
This course explores the nature of Christian leadership development
and its importance for enhancing the establishment of ministry
foundations in the life of the transformational leader. Leadership
emergence theory, a theory grounded in the comparative study
of many life histories of biblical, historical, and contemporary
leaders, forms the basis of analysis. Individual concepts embedded
in leadership emergence theory are examined with a view toward
understanding one’s own shaping as a transformational leader. Four
hours.
1. Leadership
ML551DE-ML557DE (ML151DE-ML157DE) • Mentored Leadership
Development.
The Mentored Leadership Development (MLD) courses are uniquely
designed experiences for InMinistry students. Each MLD course and
sequence of courses is tailored to a particular degree program.
The focus of MLD course work is on facilitating students as they
integrate the seminary learning experience into their ministry
contexts. Through a process of self-examination, developmental
assessment, facilitated mentoring, group supervision, and reflection,
students will demonstrate the capacity for practical application
of learning outcomes from the Three Centers learning philosophy.
The MLD courses are the InMinistry reflections of a traditional
supervised ministry experience in that they assist students in
achieving their developmental goals in an active ministry context.
MLD courses are three-quarter long experiences offered in three
segments (A, B, and C), each one quarter in length. The courses
are completed at a distance, facilitated by a Bethel instructor.
When possible, students will meet as a cohort with the instructor
during intensive visits; the instructor is also available for individual
consultation during the intensive and via phone or email throughout
the school year. M.A.C.F.M.: ML551, ML552DE. M.A.C.T.: ML555, 556,
and 567DE. MATL: ML551, 552, 553DE-ML571, 572, 573DE. M.Div.: ML581,
582, 583DE-ML591, 592, 593DE. InMinistry only.
ML610 (ML120) • Communication and Organizational Leadership.
This course is designed to address the essential elements of leadership
communication. A model for leadership communication will be presented,
and students will be challenged to process a wide range of material
related to the foundations of leadership communication, organizational
culture, organizational conflict, and organizational change.
(Cognate credit with CP610.) Four hours.
ML622 (ML122) • Measurement-Based Leadership.
This course will introduce the student to a biblical theology of
stewardship, along with a process for living out and enhancing
one’s stewardship of kingdom resources and leadership opportunities.
Specifically, the student will learn a process for designing
effective tools by which he or she can measure, evaluate, and
improve the health and performance of the individual leader in
the context of team-based ministries, local congregations, and/or
ministry organizations. Special emphasis will be placed on demonstrating
measurement strategies and processes required for obtaining meaningful
feedback. Four hours.
ML650 (ML130) • Self Leadership.
This course will address the personal and spiritual development
of the transformational leader. The student will practice the
spiritual disciplines (prayer, meditation, Scripture reading,
etc.) required for a life and ministry typified by spiritual
power, godly wisdom, and the ability to discern the movement
of God’s Spirit in one’s life and leadership. This
course will place an emphasis on self-understanding and the identification
and appreciation of one’s life direction through the use
of the spiritual disciplines, rigorous personal reflection, and
disciplined personal assessment. Four hours.
ML661 (ML141) • Team Leadership.
This course offers an overview of the knowledge, skills, and abilities
necessary for sustained success in team leadership. The Bible,
contemporary literature, and congregational studies are drawn
together to inform the student’s leadership awareness.
Principles and practices for attracting, developing, and maintaining
high-performance ministry teams are examined. Special emphasis
is given to identifying and discussing the critical knowledge,
skills, and abilities required for sustained success in a team-based,
entrepreneurial organizational setting. Four hours.
ML675 (ML259) • Presbyterian Polity.
Designed to give the student a theological, historical, practical,
and pragmatic understanding of how things happen within the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.). It also is designed to prepare students to pass
the Polity Section that is part of the ordination examination
for the ministry of Word and Sacrament. Four hours.
ML676 (ML256) • Reformed Worship and Sacraments.
An introduction to the history, tradition and structure of Reformed
Worship. The course will answer questions, give practical applications,
and consider the meaning and observance of the sacraments. (Congnate
credit with HS676 and TS676.) Four hours.
ML679 (ML255) • Liturgy, Music, and the Arts in the Anglican
Tradition.
Studies the historical, theological and biblical understanding
and tradition of worship as practiced in the Episcopal Church,
a part of the Anglican communion. This course will seek to clarify
the content, structure, and style of worship. Four hours.
ML702 (ML202) • Church Management.
Provides insights and skills in management by formation of objectives,
goal setting, budget building, stewardship programs, communication
among staff (volunteer and professional), management of time,
and related matters arising from the needs of the participants. Four
hours.
ML705 (ML205) • Personal and Ministry Development.
This course focuses on key issues and resources essential to the
practice of effective ministry. This integrative seminar will
assist participants in becoming students of themselves, the church,
and the culture. Personal growth areas include clarifying ministry
values and priorities, serving out of one’s uniqueness,
maintaining adequate reserves, the art of listening, handling
criticism, serving through seasons of ministry, and designing
a personal development plan. Professional growth areas include
building healthy congregations, understanding cultural trends,
implementing change, navigating ministry transitions, and designing
a professional plan. (Cognate credit with DC705.) Four hours.
ML732 (ML232) • Starting New Churches.
A definition of the need for starting new churches as a valid approach
to winning unchurched people in America as well as unreached
people groups around the world. A theological rationale, overarching
strategies for congregations, plus specific tools and techniques
are combined to provide resources for pastors of small churches
or churches in transition, as well as those who want to start
new churches. (Cognate credit with GC732.) Four hours.
ML791 (ML261) • Case Studies in Transformational Leadership.
This course provides students the opportunity for integrative reflection
on the biblical foundations, contemporary research, and historical
and contemporary practice of transformational, serving leadership.
The course will focus on biblical, historical, and contemporary
case studies of transformational leadership as it is expressed
in a variety of cultural and community contexts. Prerequisites:
ML513, TL501, HS501, NT501 (or NT551), OT501 (or OT551), TS501,
either SP500, SP502 or SP505, and a minimum of three ML concentration
courses. Four hours.
ML792 (ML260) • Senior Integrative Seminar.
This final, integrative seminar offers the student a summative
experience of the formal curriculum, assessments, and mentored
leadership experience of the M.A. in Transformational Leadership
program. The course will provide students the opportunity to
review, reflect, and integrate the curriculum from each of the
previous courses. Four hours.
2. Analysis/Strategy Building
ML712 (ML212) • Solving Ministry Problems.
An application of the case method to church problems. This course
will explore and analyze a variety of ministry problems ranging
from staff conflicts to doctrinal disputes. Attention also will
be given to the use of cases as a means of congregational education.
Offered alternate years in St. Paul. Four hours.
ML720 (ML210) • Congregational Systems.
A study of the local church as an organism and organization. Each
congregation is unique in identity, context, process, and program.
Effective ministry requires a full and accurate interpretation
of church life. This course develops basic approaches, methods,
and tools for analysis of a congregation. A model for church
health provides a basis for the creation of ministry strategy
and problem solutions. (Cognate credit with DC720.) Offered alternate
years in St. Paul. Four hours.
3. Contextual Studies
ML601 (ML220) • Street Culture, the Poor and Urban Ministry.
An exploration of the current problems of urban society and the
challenges these realities present to the church. Field experiences
in urban churches will provide the context for both problem analysis
and strategy building. (Cognate credit with GC601.) Four hours.
4. Research
ML670 (ML270) • Independent Study in Ministry Leadership.
Research and study by arrangement with the professor. (Permission
is required.)
The
transformational leader serves and ministers under the authority
of the Word of God. The leader handles accurately the word of truth
(II Timothy 3:16), manifesting a hermeneutically sound, theologically
astute, and historically informed understanding and presentation
of the New Testament and Old Testament. The leader is able to apply
the Word of God with a view to its relevance to contemporary cultures
and to all facets of leading God’s people. Studies in preaching
are designed to lay the foundation for a lifetime of effective
expository preaching. The Word of God is living and active (Hebrews
4:12). As such, it must be communicated with a view to sound biblical
exegesis, as well as addressing contemporary people dealing in
the context of life’s issues and concerns. The effective
transformational leader possesses the ability to communicate the
Word of God in a manner that produces lasting and healthy change
at personal, interpersonal, organizational, community, and global
levels. This includes preaching, teaching, small groups, and one-to-one
communication of biblical truth.
Objectives:
Studies in preaching will enable students to:
- effectively communicate the Word of God to contemporary people and cultures;
- effectively prepare, communicate, and evaluate a variety of types and styles of sermons, with emphasis given to the expository approach to preaching;
- effectively communicate the Word of God in a variety of life situations; and
- effectively communicate the Word of God to a racially and culturally diverse world.
CP501 (CP101) • Introduction to Preaching.
CP511 (CP101SE) • Homiletics I: Introduction to Preaching.
A basic course in the principles of biblical preaching and sermon
construction designed to introduce students to the purpose, nature,
types, and techniques of preparing for and communicating the
Word of God to contemporary people and society. Particular attention
will be given to one basic structural pattern in sermon preparation
that will become foundational for a varied approach to preaching.
The expository approach to preaching is emphasized. This course
is designed for second-year students and assumes a basic understanding
of biblical interpretation and exegetical methods. CP501: St.
Paul and San Diego. CP511: Seminary of the East only. Four
hours. Seminary of the East course includes a Guided Learning
Experience.
CP551 (CP102) • Preaching Practicum.
One-half course credit is given for each of the two laboratory
experiences in Practicum A and Practicum B. Section A will deal
with deductive preaching and B with inductive preaching. Students
will preach at least twice during each of the two quarters. CP501
is a prerequisite for Practicum A. Both CP501 and Practicum A
are prerequisites for entrance into Practicum B.Two hours each.
CP561 (CP102SE) • Homiletics II: Variety in Biblical
Preaching.
Students expand on their work from CP101 and will broaden their
experience in the preparation and delivery of expository sermons.
Students will prepare and deliver sermons using several different
methodologies based on Scripture texts from a variety of biblical
genres—narrative, prophecy, poetry, etc. Includes a Guided
Learning Experience. Prerequisite: CP511. Seminary of the East
only. Four hours.
CP501 and CP551 are prerequisites for any advanced work in preaching.
CP562 (CP103) • Homiletics III: Preaching Sermons for
Varied Occasions.
This course involves gaining additional experience in the preparation
and delivery of biblically based sermons. It gives students practice
in preaching an expository sermon that is evangelistic in nature.
It provides instruction in the preparation of special occasion
sermons and the opportunity to gain the experience necessary for
conducting weddings, funerals, and other ceremonies of the church.
Includes a Guided Learning Experience. Seminary of the East only. Four
hours.
CP610 (CP120) • Communication and Organizational Leadership.
This course is designed to address the essential elements of leadership
communication. A model for leadership communication will be presented,
and students will be challenged to process a wide range of material
related to the foundations of leadership communication, organizational
culture, organizational conflict, and organizational change.
(Cognate credit with ML610.) Four hours.
CP707 (CP207) • Biographical Preaching and Dramatic Monologues.
The purpose of this course is to aid the student in seeing the
values and understanding the methods by which the Bible characters
and personalities of the Christian tradition may become the basis
for effective life-situation preaching that is relevant to the
needs of contemporary people. Four hours.
CP708 (CP208) • Evangelistic Preaching.
Designed to assist the student in the task of evangelistic preaching.
A theoretical base for this important dimension of biblical proclamation
will be studied. The content of the gospel message, use of the
public invitation, and the role of follow-up will be examined. Four
hours.
CP712 (CP204) • Preaching on Life Situations.
This course includes the use of the biblical sermon in preaching
to both the expected and unexpected life situations. Attention
will be given to the issues, nature, and personal factors involved
in these life situations that affect the sermon’s approach
and application of the biblical message. Each student will preach
a minimum of two sermons. Four hours.
CP721 (CP221) • Improving Sermonic Delivery.
There will be a concentration on the delivery aspect of sermonic
communication. Theory and practice aim to sharpen vocal and bodily
expression. Consideration also will be given to the public reading
of Scripture. San Diego only. Four hours.
CP741 (CP210) • Expository Preaching from the Old Testament.
A study will be made of the sources of specific sermon themes in
representative genre of the Old Testament. Special attention
will be given to their development into expository sermons. Each
student will preach a minimum of two sermons. Four hours.
CP742 (CP212) • Expository Preaching from the New Testament.
A study will be conducted of the hermeneutical issues related to
the arranging of representative genre of New Testament materials
for preaching. Special attention will be given to their development
into expository sermons. Each student will preach a minimum of
two sermons. Four hours.
CP670 (CP270) • Independent Study in Preaching.
Research and study by arrangement with the professor. (Permission
is required.)
The Bethel Seminary Catalog is provided online as a convenience for those who desire course information in electronic form. The printed version of the Bethel Seminary catalog is the official version, and it will be treated as the document of record in all seminary business.