Church Planting Course Descriptions
PT 5150 Introduction to Church Planting in North America
This course will provide the student with an overview of the theology, theory, and practice of a church-planting ministry. Special attention will be given to a model of evangelism for church planting, to the Pauline cycle, and to contemporary models of church planting. A preliminary assessment component for church planters is also included. Cross-list as ME 5150. Three hours.
ME 8230 Global Church Planting (for urban or intercultural contexts)
An examination of the theological foundations, models, methods, and strategies of planting indigenous churches in a wide range of cultural contexts. Factors for establishing and promoting healthy church planting movements are also considered. Special attention is given to cultural factors, the role of the missionary, evangelism, development, multiplication and avoidance of dependency. Offered annually. Three hours.
PT 6155 Advanced Church Planting
Students will investigate church planting from a practitioner's point of view. Particular attention will be given to leadership styles and skills, recruitment and training of leaders, and the integration of church growth principles with the practice of church planting. Prerequisite: PT 5150. Cross-list as ME 6155. Two hours.
PT 6000 Church Planting Boot Camp (preparation for a specific plant)
Topics selected deal with significant issues related to pastoral theology. One to three hours.
ME 8235 Advancing Indigenous Churches (for intercultural contexts)
A comprehensive survey of the theological and sociological factors which promote the growth, maturity and reproduction of local congregations and indigenous movements. Special emphasis is placed on cross-cultural church ministry and emerging churches. Approaches to church growth theory and practice, developmental models, local leadership, church-mission relations and contextualization are examined and evaluated. Cross-list as PT 726, DME 726. Three hours.
EM 5210 Christian Leadership
Consideration of the nature and responsibilities of leadership for church and Christian ministry organizations. Case studies will be used to assist participants in applying leadership theory to practice. Two or three hours.
ME 5175 Evangelistic Bible Study
This course anticipates the desire of many Christians who want to share Christ with friends or neighbors in an informal setting. Whether the student sees the prospect of planting a church, holding a Bible discussion in a university resident facility, or simply getting friends and acquaintances together to focus on contemporary issues, this course will fill those expectations. Using the inductive method of investigating the biblical text, the student will be enriched with the truth and relevance of Gospel narratives, as well as experience the joy of discovering the freshness of the gospel in the context of group interaction. Credit students only, no auditors. Cross-list as NT 617. Three hours.
ME 6963 Principles of Discipleship
A practicum with attention given to the way Christian disciples are developed, with practical guidelines for implementing discipleship, both as a personal lifestyle and within the context of the local church. Prerequisite: must have completed at least six semester hours. Cross-list as EM 720. Three hours.
PT 7848 Ministry of the Urban Church
Through the lens of a biblical understanding of the church and its purposes, this course will examine the urban environment, with focused attention on the central city, the poor and ethnic/minority communities as a context for ministry. The special needs in these contexts will be examined and related to the ministry challenge of the local church. The ministry task of the local church will in turn be examined in terms of the pastoral leadership role, including the personal dimensions of the minister's life and preparation, as well as the actual practice of ministry. Two hours.
ES 7815 Change, Power, Conflict
A study of the process of change, power, and conflict management particularly as it pertains to Christian contexts in ministry. Three hours.
EM 7260 Small Group Process in Ministry
An examination of the biblical and theological foundations of small group ministry, types of small groups and their place in church growth and ministry, small group dynamics, and leadership development. Three hours.