Discipleship and Ministry Leadership

Faculty

Emily Dean, BS, MDiv, ThM, PhD
Assistant Professor of Ministry to Women, occupying the
Barbara O'Chester Chair of Women's Ministry;
Director of Women's Academic Programs and Organizations

Jody Dean, BA, MDiv, ThM, PhD
Professor of Christian Education, occupying the John T. Sisemore Chair of Christian Education;
Director, Doctor of Education Program; Director, Doctor of Educational Ministries Program;
Faculty Coordinator for Media Services

Dorothy E. "Beth" Masters, BA, MDiv, ThM, PhD
Associate Professor of Collegiate Ministry (Ministry-Based)

J. David Odom, BS, MARE, PhD
Professor of Student Ministry; Director of Youth Ministry Institute

Donna B. Peavey, BS, MRE, ThM, PhD
Professor of Christian Education

Degree Programs in Discipleship and Ministry Leadership

Degree programs available in Discipleship and Ministry Leadership include the Master of Arts in Christian Education, the Master of Arts in Discipleship, Master of Arts in Ministry to Women and the Master of Divinity with Specializations in Christian Education, Collegiate Ministry, Christian Leadership and Women's Ministry.

Individualized Learning Experiences

The following list represents courses offered in the Discipleship and Ministry Leadership area. This list does not contain specific information regarding the session and time of offering. Specific information will be made available to the student by the Registrar’s Office prior to registration.

Each academic area of study in the Discipleship and Ministry Leadership program will afford the student an opportunity for individualized study in a one- on-one environment with the academic faculty member. The selection of an ILE begins with a discussion by the student with the appropriate academic professor. Forms for application may be obtained in the Church Ministry Division office. A common course description for these learning experiences is given below.

6190/6290/6390 Clinical Field Project (1, 2, or 3 hours)
A practical learning experience that involves the student, an academic professor, and an approved on-site facilitator. Only one Field Project may be allowed per degree. Prior to the regular registration cycle for the semester, the student will petition to the appropriate professor of the academic discipline for the conduct of the project. The application will include the scope of the project, the credentials of the proposed on-site facilitator, and the anticipated results of the project. The faculty member will establish the criteria for the completion of the project. The clinical field project will require a minimum of two faculty-to-student meetings. When possible those meetings will include the on-site facilitator. Evaluation and grade, while integrating the report of the facilitator, will be the responsibility of the academic faculty member.

6191/6291/6391 Independent Directed Study [Advanced] (1, 2, or 3 hours)
A learning experience that allows the student to research and explore an academic venue not covered by an academic course in the current catalog. Students will follow the guidelines established in the Seminary Admissions and Academic Policy section of the current Catalog. Independent Directed Studies include reading, writing, and research projects done under the direction of a seminary faculty member. With appropriate approval, the independent study course may be taken in lieu of a required or elective course for the degree. A single independent study will be allowed per degree and/ or concentration. Evaluation and grading of the independent study will be the responsibility of the professor with which the contract was established.

6192/6292/6392 Special Topics (1, 2, or 3 hours)
This learning experience melds the opportunity to attend a seminar, retreat, professional meeting, or other extra-curricular activity related to a specific discipline of study. Prior to the regular registration cycle for the semester, the student will petition to the appropriate professor of the academic discipline for the attendance to the event. The application will include the scope of the event, the title, place, leadership, and other pertinent information to inform the professor about the relevance of the event to the curriculum of study the student is pursuing. Prior to the event the professor will establish the expected pre- and post-event academic requirements. The faculty member will establish the criteria for the completion of the project. The special topics event will require a minimum of two faculty-to-student meetings. The evaluation of the student’s involvement in the event will be the responsibility of the academic professor who established the criteria for attendance.

Description of Courses

Adult Ministry Leadership

CEAD6351 Ministry with Young Adults (3 hours)
A study is made of young adults and consideration is given to sociological, psychological and religious factors contributing to their development. Needs of young adults are considered, and possible approaches to ministry to this age are surveyed.

CEAD6355 Leading Family Ministry (3 hours)
In this course, the Southern Baptist program of Family Ministry is studied and analyzed. Subjects dealt with include the scope and biblical basis of family ministry, premarital education, and education for family living, including marriage enrichment and parent education. The relationships of family ministry to the total educational programs of churches are studied, methods are discussed, and resources are identified.

CEAD6356 Leading Adult Ministry (3 hours)
This course highlights the need for aggressive leadership in the adult education program of the church. Areas of work requiring special attention are identified, and practical suggestions for accomplishing desired objectives are explored. The roles of church staff and lay leadership are defined. Principles of leadership and interpersonal relationships with adults are considered.

CEAD6358 Ministry with Older Adults (3 hours)
The characteristics and needs of older adults are a primary part of this study. Possible programs churches may use in ministry with aging persons are considered.

CEAD6190/6290/6390 Clinical Field Project in Adult Ministry Leadership (1, 2, or 3 hours)
CEAD6191/6291/6391 Independent Directed Study in Adult Ministry Leadership [Advanced] (1, 2, or 3 hours)
CEAD6192/6292/6392 Special Topics in Adult Ministry Leadership (1, 2, or 3 hours)

Children’s Ministry Leadership

CECH6321 Child Development (3 hours)
A study is made of the human growth developmental process of children birth through eleven years. Physical, mental, social-emotional, moral, and spiritual characteristics are identified and related to implications for parents and teachers. Developmental theories are explored, and observations are made of young children.

CECH6333 Leading Children’s Ministry (3 hours)
In this course the role of the children’s minister in planning and facilitating ministries for children and families will be examined.

CECH6335 Children and the Christian Faith (3 hours)
In this course the student is exposed to approaches for developing ministries for children and parents, which will better equip the child to experience and respond to God at his or her own level of understanding.

CECH6337 Ministering to Children in Crisis (3 hours)
During the course of this class the student will identify and explore issues which create crisis conditions in the life of today’s children and youth. Students will create a ministry intervention plan to respond to crises such as death, divorce, chronic or terminal illness, bullying, abuse, neglect, and violence.

CECH6190/6290/6390 Clinical Field Project in Children’s Ministry Leadership (1, 2, or 3 hours)
CECH6191/6291/6391 Independent Directed Study in Children’s Ministry Leadership [Advanced] (1, 2, or 3 hours)
CECH6192/6292/6392 Special Topics in Children’s Ministry Leadership (1, 2, or 3 hours)

Church Recreation and Wellness

CERW6370 Total Wellness and the Minister (3 hours)
The student will learn how to accomplish personal wellness. He is led to consider how physical well-being exerts a positive influence upon the mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of his life. The cardiovascular-respiratory system is monitored to determine physical fitness. Individual ‘conferences’ with the professor and on-line group discussions are conducted in order to provide continuous evaluative information from the class members.

CERW6371 Lifespan Recreation (3 hours)
The functions of recreation and sports ministry as well as its practices are studied. Attention is given to compiling recreational materials and planning various types of programs.

CERW6375 Intentional Sports Ministry (3 hours)
This course is designed to help church leaders understand the value of using recreation, specifically sports, as a part of their ministry paradigm. Special attention will be given to the rationale and mechanics of organizing, administering, and implementing a sports evangelism program (e.g., Upward Sports’ basketball, soccer, flag football, and cheerleading). This will include the elements of recruiting volunteers, intentional spiritual development and evangelism, coach and referee training, and participant development.

CERW6190/6290/6390 Clinical Field Project in Church Recreation/Wellness (1, 2, or 3 hours)
CERW6191/6291/6391 Independent Directed Study in Church Recreation/Wellness [Advanced] (1, 2, or 3 hours)
CERW6192/6292/6392 Special Topics in Church Recreation (1, 2, or 3 hours)

Collegiate Ministry Leadership

CECM6343 Youth and College Culture (3 hours)
Personal and social problems of younger and older adolescents in the United States are studied. Students will analyze various components of the youth and college cultures with the goal of developing a biblically and theological sound ministry strategy. The resources for guiding youth and college students are examined with special emphasis on the home, church, and campus ministry. Can also be taken as CEYH6343.

CECM6350 Leading College Ministry (3 hours)
This course is designed to focus on the practical elements of college ministry and the day to day activities related to leading a college ministry. The course will spend time exploring church-based, campus-based, collegiate churches, and hybrid models of ministry as well as leading staff and volunteers, vital relationships, event planning, self-care, and transitioning students out of college.

CECM6352 Campus-Based Collegiate Ministry (3 hours)
This course is designed to focus on the work of the director of Baptist Collegiate Ministries. The qualifications, preparation, commitment, relationships, and responsibilities are considered. Basic principles underlying program development, leadership training, and administration of staff, student center and budget are explored.

CECM6353 The History and Philosophy of Collegiate Ministry (3 hours)
This course is designed for students primarily who are specializing in the area of collegiate ministry. The history and philosophy of collegiate ministry are investigated with particular attention to ministry by and for Southern Baptists. The rationale behind the ministry to collegiate students is explored, along with significant historical milestones. The basic contexts of ministry to collegiate students are introduced. Other emphases include parachurch ministry, revivals and spiritual awakening among college students, and the future of ministry for college students. Further attention is given to ministry to the families of collegiate students.

CECM6354 Guiding Collegians in Their Faith Pilgrimage (3 hours)
The course is designed to provide students with training to lead college students in their pilgrimage of faith development. This is a study of the dynamics and universal human experience of faith pilgrimage, which are peculiar to college students. Since faith is best expressed in the context of religion, the study will investigate Scripture, theology, ethical teachings, and developmental psychology in the framework of the identity processes of later adolescents. Attention will be given to elements of personal faith, trusting relationships, and cognitive growth in and through the family, church, and campus groups.

CECM6358 Church-Based Collegiate Ministry (3 hours)
An in-depth look at collegiate ministry which is based in the local church, including examination of church polity, relationships with local campuses and/or campus ministers, ministry to “away” students, and securing for ministry.

CECM6660 Collegiate Ministry Track Praxis - Semester I (6 hours)
CECM6661 Collegiate Ministry Track Praxis - Semester II (6 hours)
The purpose of these courses is to provide the student an opportunity for two semester-length studies in a practicum environment in collegiate ministry and to assist in professional development for MDiv Collegiate Ministry Track students.

CECM6190/6290/6390 Clinical Field Project in Collegiate Ministry Leadership (1, 2, or 3 hours)
CECM6191/6291/6391 Independent Directed Study in Collegiate Ministry Leadership [Advanced] (1, 2, or 3 hours)
CECM6192/6292/6392 Special Topics in Collegiate Ministry Leadership (1, 2, or 3 hours)

Discipleship

DISC5300 Discipleship and Spiritual Formation (3 hours)
Students will be equipped for leading a biblical discipleship ministry by exploring a variety of personal and churchwide discipleship principles, methods and approaches. They will develop skills for evaluating and applying discipleship models as part of a contextual disciple making strategy to fulfill the Great Commission. Course is available in a mentoring format.

DISC5371 Disciple Making through Small Group Ministry (3 hours)
The purpose of this course is to engage students in a comprehensive look at strategies, principles, aims, and procedures that facilitate qualitative and quantitative growth of the church (disciple making) through a small group ministry. Students will develop skills in assessing, planning, organizing, leading, and evaluation of the ministry of a church which utilizes a small group strategy. Course is available in a mentoring format.

DISC5399 Special Event: Conference (3 hours)
The purpose of this course is to expose students to a variety of topics specific to disciple making and leader training. Conferences will be selected on their capacity to support the disciple making competency. Particular attention will be given to evangelism approaches, discipleship strategies, ministry contexts and leadership development. Travel arrangements and conference expenses will be the responsibility of the individual student unless special accommodations are made by the faculty instructor.

DISC6300 Lifespan Discipleship (3 hours)
Students will examine discipleship through the lens of developmental stages across the lifespan–birth through older adult. Methodology will involve course readings, class discussion, and related course assignments. Emphasis is given to application in the local church context. There are no prerequisites for this course, though it is recommended the student first complete CEEF6306 Lifespan Development.

DISC6190/6290/6390 Clinical Field Project in Discipleship (1, 2, or 3 hours)
DISC6191/6291/6391 Independent Directed Study in Discipleship [Advanced] (1, 2, or 3 hours)
DISC6192/6292/6392 Special Topics in Discipleship (1, 2, or 3 hours)

Educational Foundations

CEEF6300 Historical Foundations of Christian Education (3 hours)
A study is made of the historical personalities whose thought and work have shaped our understanding of Christian education ministry in the past. An emphasis is given to the emerging concepts which will shape our understanding of Christian education ministry in the future.

CEEF6301 Foundations of Christian Education (3 hours)
This course is a study of educational philosophies and historical movements which have influenced Christian education because of their respective responses to the metaphysical, epistemological, and axiological questions. The study provides an investigation into the historical framework and contemporary influence of philosophies and educational theories on Christian education ministry.

CEEF6302 Foundations in Educational Psychology (3 hours)
The purpose of this course is to engage students in a comprehensive examination of educational psychology. Special attention is devoted to concepts which describe principles of teaching, theories of learning, motivational psychology, and instructional objectives. The study provides for an analysis of representative expressions of the teaching-learning transaction as they focus on the ministry of Christian education.

CEEF6303 Ministry of Teaching (3 hours)
Students will be expected to learn basic skills in classroom management, curriculum development and instructional methods for ethical living and teaching. Students will demonstrate an understanding and ability to manage a positive teaching experience. Students will evaluate and design curriculum for discipleship and Christian living. Variances due to age levels and learning domains will be considered. Students will also research ethical issues relevant for the church and ministry leaders. Recommend Prerequisites: CEEF6301 Foundations of Christian Education, CEEF6310 Teaching the Bible.

CEEF6306 Lifespan Development (3 hours)
In this course students will explore the different stages of human life through course readings, a service learning project, and by writing a developmental biography. Emphasis is given to the application of subject knowledge to ministry contexts.

CEEF6310 Teaching the Bible (3 hours)
Students in this course will be equipped to guide others through Bible study, fostering ongoing learning and spiritual growth. Through lecture, discussion, and learning activities, they will become aware of the foundational elements of biblical instruction and the spiritual, intellectual, and exegetical preparation that teaching the Bible requires.

CEEF6311 Teaching Practicum (3 hours)
This course involves the development and presentation of teaching plans by the members of the class as well as the video-recording and evaluation of presentations for the purpose of critical analysis of lesson content and objectives, teacher and student learning styles, audience-appropriate methods, and the teaching-learning outcomes. Prerequisite: CEEF6310 Teaching the Bible. Course is available in a mentoring format.

CEEF6600 Christian Education Proficiency Seminar (6 hours)
Students will be expected to read foundational textbooks in the field of Christian Education, synthesize the required reading and communicate the results through written, oral and visual presentations. Four major areas will be studied: historical and philosophical foundations, church leadership and administration, teaching and learning, lifespan development and discipleship. Students will enhance research and writing skills as preparation for doctoral studies. PhD and EdD entrance exam preparation is included in the seminar. This seminar is available only to students who are doing leveling work in preparation for doctoral studies.

CEEF6190/6290/6390 Clinical Field Project in Educational Foundations (1, 2, or 3 hours)
CEEF6191/6291/6391 Independent Directed Study in Educational Foundations [Advanced] (1, 2, or 3 hours)
CEEF6192/6292/6392 Special Topics in Educational Foundations (1, 2, or 3 hours)

Leadership and Administration

CEAM5333 Christian Ministry (3 hours)
The purpose of this course is to aid students in developing competency in personal ministry through a study of the theological, philosophical, and practical aspects of Christian ministry. This course is intended for students who do not have a ministry calling as LEAD pastors, chaplains, or church planters. Thus, the course is designed to help students develop skills in Christian ministry to people in various settings and situations.

CEAM6308 Organizational and Risk Management in Ministry (3 hours)
This course provides an overview of organizational management in the ministry of the local church and Christian organization. Students will review and evaluate critical areas of risk management such as: personnel risk management, property risk administration, financial and fiduciary risk, and general congregational and program risk management. Issues of safety, security, insurance and legal mandates placed on religious non-profit organizations will be discussed.

CEAM6314 Leading Team-Based Ministry (3 hours)
This course is designed to be an analysis of servant leader roles and ministry team dynamics in a multiple-staff ministry in the local church. Course is available in a mentoring format.

CEAM6317 Church Business Administration (3 hours)
A study of requisite management and church administration skills to effectively and efficiently direct the ministry programs and activities of the local church and similar denominational organizations. Consideration is given primarily to the practical functional areas of church business administration. Prerequisite: CEAM6320 Church Leadership and Administration.

CEAM6320 Church Leadership and Administration (3 hours)
This course will focus on a study of the servant leadership model as a basis for personal concepts of church and Christian ministry. By combining the requisite skills for a Biblical concept of church administration, the student will explore appropriate models and formulate their personal leadership and administration style for Christian ministry. Course is available in a mentoring format.

CEAM6321 Using Technology in the Work of the Church (3 hours)
A study of the significant effect that technology has impacted the church and Christian organizations in the manner in which they interact with the community and conduct their business. The course will include a study of the computer and attendant equipment and software in the life and work of the church. Emphasis will be placed upon the various types of social and communication devices as well as how emerging technology can be used successfully in the conduct of effective worship, educational, ministerial, and administrative ministry.

CEAM6190/6290/6390 Clinical Field Project in Leadership and Administration (1, 2, or 3 hours)
CEAM6191/6291/6391 Independent Directed Study in Leadership and Administration [Advanced] (1, 2, or 3 hours)
CEAM6192/6292/6392 Special Topics in Leadership and Administration (1, 2, or 3 hours)

Mentoring

CMEN6300/6600 Mentoring in Discipleship Ministry (3 or 6 hours)
Mentees will engage in a mentorship in one of the following Christian education ministry areas in a local church under the supervision of an approved mentor: administration, adult ministry, children’s ministry, collegiate ministry, discipleship, youth ministry. The mentee cohort will participate in online learning units as determined by the professor. Students may enroll in this course twice.

Additional courses may be taken in the mentoring format. Those courses may be found in their respective program sections of this catalog and are designated by the phrase “Also can be taken in a mentoring format” (additionally, the courses are identified with the mark in the MDiv specializations and other degrees).

Statistics

CEST6300 Introduction to Educational Research and Statistics (3 hours)
Students will explore the nature of science as a way of knowing, the scientific method as a means of collecting real-world data in the process of solving problems in church ministries, and statistics as the means of analyzing the meaning of measurements. Students will learn to use quantitative methods to improve leadership and enhance educational, evangelistic, and administrative programs in the local church and related ministries. Successful completion of this course is foundational for doctoral level research and analysis.

CEST6301 Advanced Educational Research and Statistics (3 hours)
This course integrates a quantitative research project with an investigation of multiple regression analysis, multiple discriminant analysis, MANOVA, and factor analysis. Specific attention is given to methods of research, experimental control, validity, behavioral assessment, instrumentation and measurement techniques, sampling techniques, questionnaire strategies, research proposals, and report development. Prerequisite: CEST6300 Introduction to Educational Research and Statistics.

Women’s Ministry Leadership

CEWM5360 Foundations in Ministry to Women (3 hours)
This course is designed to provide the understanding and skills necessary to begin and implement ministry to women in the local church. Special attention will be given to the purpose, philosophy, planning, programming, and potential leader development of ministry to women.

CEWM5369 Teaching and Writing Ministry for Women (3 hours)
This course is designed to develop strategies for designing and writing Bible studies for both personal and group use in order to increase knowledge and application of God’s Word. Students will examine methodologies for studying and teaching the Bible to women through the local church.

CEWM5370 Emerging Generations in Ministry to Women (3 hours)
This course is designed to discuss approaches specific to reaching teen girls and young adult women, examine the biblical teachings about the responsibility of older women teaching younger women, and develop strategies for outreach and discipleship of women in emerging generations.

CEWM5382 Women From a Biblical Perspective (3 hours)
This course is designed to provide an amplified and comprehensive study of women from a biblical perspective. Biblical principles will be applied to life relationships in the home, church, and world.

CEWM5386 Intercultural Missions and Ministry to Women (3 hours)
The purpose of this course is to lead students into a greater understanding of their cultures and the cultures of the people around them in order to equip them to lead others to a deeper relationship with God and others to whom they minister. Students will examine strategies for missions involvement on an individual and group basis among women through the church.

CEWM5388 Women in Ministry Leadership (3 hours)
This course is designed to explore vocational calling and leadership opportunities for women in ministry. Students will examine practical as well as biblical and theological matters regarding ministry preparation and development of leadership skills, particularly as they relate to women in ministry leadership.

CEWM6365 Contemporary Context of Ministry to Women (3 hours)
This course is designed to explore in detail issues associated with ministry to women in the 21st century. Attention will be given to current trends, leadership concerns, and other items related to ministry to women as a profession.

CEWM6375 Mentoring in Ministry to Women (3 hours)
This course is designed to explore, in detail, issues associated with women’s ministry in the 21st century. Attention will be given to current trends, leadership concerns, and other items related to women’s ministry as a profession or ongoing volunteer commitment. Prerequisite: CEWM5360 Foundations in Ministry to Women.

CEWM6190/6290/6390 Clinical Field Project in Women’s Ministry Leadership(1, 2, or 3 hours)
CEWM6191/6291/6391 Independent Directed Study in Women’s Ministry Leadership [Advanced] (1, 2, or 3 hours)
CEWM6192/6292/6392 Special Topics in Women’s Ministry Leadership (1, 2, or 3 hours)

Youth Ministry Leadership

CEYH5344 Leading Youth Ministry (3 hours)
The focus of this course is to help church leaders plan, coordinate, lead, and evaluate youth ministry in a local church. Students will learn to develop a biblical philosophy of youth ministry and how to organize youth ministry in the church. Emphasis will be given to ministry with students, parents, and adult volunteers. Additional study will include the various roles of the youth minister as a staff member, family member, community leader. Special attention will also be given to relational discipleship in student ministry.

CEYH5398 Youth Ministry Leadership Conference (3 hours)
Students will comprehend and value the changing discipline of youth ministry through attendance at a special event or national conference. Guest speakers who are experts in the field of youth ministry will address topics within the discipline of youth ministry. Students will interact with presenters through question and answer times, debriefings, discussions, and suggestions for implementation in the local church.

CEYH6337 Ministering to Youth in Crisis (3 hours)
During the course of this class the student will identify and explore issues which create crisis conditions in the life of today’s children and youth. Students will create a ministry intervention plan to respond to crises such as death, divorce, chronic or terminal illness, bullying, abuse, neglect, and violence.

CEYH6341 Understanding Contemporary Adolescents (3 hours)
A study is made of the developmental characteristics of adolescence, including the physical, emotional, social, intellectual, religious, and moral.

CEYH6342 Communication and Evangelism for Youth Audiences (3 hours)
Students learn about principles of preaching and audience analysis via lecture and dialogue. During the course, students prepare age and attention span-appropriate messages for youth audiences. Students “preach” the message to the class and, on completion, they are evaluated by fellow students. The content of this course includes audience analysis, sermon preparation and storyboarding, delivery techniques, and evaluation.

CEYH6343 Youth and College Culture (3 hours)
Personal and social problems of younger and older adolescents in the United States are studied. Students will analyze various components of the youth and college cultures with the goal of developing a biblically and theological sound ministry strategy. The resources for guiding youth and college students are examined with special emphasis on the home, church, and campus ministry. Can also be taken as CECM6343.

CEYH6357 Leadership Development in Youth Ministry (3 hours)
The purpose of this course is to equip leaders in the use of youth discipleship resources focused on leadership development. Training youth to be godly leaders is essential in effective youth ministry. Students will examine the biblical concept of leadership, Jesus’ example of servant leadership, and the application of those principles in life and ministry.

CEYH6360 Disciple Making with Youth and Families (3 hours)
Discipleship is one of the tasks identified by Jesus in the Great Commission. However, in local churches the difficulty in finding a “time slot” to offer a program for discipleship has been one of several challenges in fulfilling the task to make disciples. This course takes a fresh look at the biblical role of discipleship for the purpose of equipping students to creatively explore ways to address the purpose of disciple making as Jesus commanded. Students will explore the biblical content of discipleship, the biblical mandate for discipleship, and possible contemporary expressions of “doing” discipleship in the church. Specific attention is given to the equipping of families of students to disciple teenagers within the context of the family.

CEYH6190/6290/6390 Clinical Field Project in Youth Ministry Leadership (1, 2, or 3 hours)
CEYH6191/6291/6391 Independent Directed Study in Youth Ministry Leadership [Advanced] (1, 2, or 3 hours)
CEYH6192/6292/6392 Special Topics in Youth Ministry Leadership (1, 2, or 3 hours)