Program Goals & Objectives

RELIGIOUS HERITAGE: To provide students with in-depth (graduate-level) studies in the religious heritage of the Christian Church.

General Objectives

Demonstrate understanding of Scripture and its contemporary application to Church and society
Demonstrate appreciation for the role of Scripture in Christian ministry, as well as in personal and spiritual formation, and in living the Christian life
Demonstrate ability to interpret and use Scripture appropriately and effectively in ministry
Demonstrate understanding of the foundational tenets of Christian faith as set forth in the Apostolic and Nicene Creeds
Demonstrate acquaintance with the broader heritage of the Christian tradition, as well as the specific character and contribution of particular Christian traditions and communities
Demonstrate awareness of the theological issues and challenges that have faced the Church down through history to the present day
Demonstrate ability to formulate and articulate one’s own religious beliefs, in conversation with the traditions of the historic Church as well as contemporary theologians

CULTURAL CONTEXT: To provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the cultural context of ministry, throughout the history of the Church as well as in the 21^st century.

General Objectives

Demonstrate acquaintance with the cultural realities and structures within which the Church, throughout history, has carried out its mission in the world
Demonstrate awareness of the ways religious traditions both transcend and find unique expression in particular social and cultural settings
Demonstrate understanding of contemporary cultural and social issues and their significance for ministry
Demonstrate ability to analyze cultural contexts and to develop appropriate and effective strategies for ministry within local communities
Demonstrate appreciation for the wide variety of religious traditions and for the gender, ethnic, and culture diversity present in the contemporary social context
Demonstrate understanding of the global character of the Church in the 21^st century and its implications for local congregations and communities

PERSONAL AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION: To provide opportunities that nurture students’ personal and spiritual development.

General Objectives

Demonstrate growth in one’s personal relationship with God and the development of a spiritually-disciplined life
Demonstrate developing sensitivity to God’s active presence in one’s own life, the lives of others, and the world
Demonstrate growth in personal formation, emotional maturity, and moral integrity
Demonstrate deepening acceptance and love of others, compassion, and forgiveness
Demonstrate concern for and ability to relate openly to other people, especially in regard to personal and spiritual matters
Demonstrate deepening confidence and courage to be a public witness for Christ and the Gospel, in both religious and secular communities, even in the face of opposition

MINISTERIAL AND PUBLIC LEADERSHIP: To provide experiences that help students to integrate theory with practice and to cultivate their capacity for leadership within the Church.

General Objectives

Demonstrate a deepening awareness of Christian ministry as a divine vocation in Church and society, and one’s particular calling in contemporary ministry
Demonstrate effective use of supervision and consultation in developing and improving ministerial skills
Demonstrate ability to interrelate theological, cultural, and experiential learning, and to apply academic learning in the practice of ministry
Demonstrate awareness of and commitment to the work, values, and ethics of ministry as a profession
Demonstrate ability to be self-initiating and self-evaluative and to apply a positive use of one’s self (as created by God) in ministry to other persons
Demonstrate ability to use computer technology as a tool for ministry in the 21^st century
Demonstrate capacity for leadership in both ecclesial and public contexts