Year One: Certificate In Community Chaplaincy/ Missions
Completion Requirements:
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Minimum 6 courses in Missions (MIS); may include certain Chaplaincy (CHAP) courses
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Minimum 4 courses in Bible-Theology (BTH)
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Minimum 2 courses in Character Formation (CHF)
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Inclusion of any required courses
Community Missions, Part 1 (MIS)
This course includes an introduction to the concept of community missions and the 5 designated areas of community missionary service: government, commerce, education, local churches, and individuals in need. It includes focused teaching on understanding the dynamics of as well as finding opportunities to serve local government, commerce, and education, three areas of influence at work in every community. Ministering to the local church and individuals in need will be covered in Part 2. (3 cr.)
Mental Health Crisis Counseling (CHAP)
This course is designed to teach how to understand and respond to common presenting mental and emotional ailments such as depression, substance use disorder, PTSD, psychosis, anxiety, aggressive behavior, suicide ideations, trauma, and to those in the midst of a mental health crisis. Includes developing active listening skills, reading body language, assessing danger levels, and responding to most immediate needs with plans for additional support and assistance. (3 cr.)
A Biblical Response to Poverty (MIS)
This course examines the culture and causes of poverty, both past and present; the historical approach to dealing with the poor as found in the Scriptures; and the best proven ways to help those caught in this trap to move forward. Includes learning the impact of education, transportation, generational patterns, and free enterprise on creating opportunities for financial security as well as the Church’s mandate to care for the poor. (3 cr.)
Biblical Foundations (BTH)
This course solidifies basic tenets of the Christian faith, to include the inerrancy of the Bible, creation, original sin, Christ’s atonement, the resurrection, justification, the identity of the Church, final judgment, heaven and hell. Students will also be exposed to variations within the basic Bible beliefs and Christian community. (3 cr.)
The Call to Prayer and Personal Evangelism
This course emphasizes the necessity of developing both a personal and a ministry prayer life as well as the mandate to share our Christian faith freely with those placed in our path. (3 cr.)
Refuse to Be Offended (CHF)
Based on the video series “Bait of Satan” by John Bevere, this course is designed to help students handle the unavoidable offenses encountered in life without developing bitter attitudes or a victim mentality. Also deals with the power of forgiveness and maintaining healthy relationships. (2 cr.)
Community Missions, Part 2 (MIS)
A continuation of Part 1, this course delves into effectively serving the community needs of the local church and individuals who are struggling with difficult circumstances and loss of hope. Students learn how church history plays a role in how local churches relate to each other and their response to community needs. This course also covers “Dealing with Difficult People.”(3 cr.)
Financial Responsibility (MIS)
Based on the book Foundations in Personal Finance by Dave Ramsey, this course deals with learning how to manage money wisely and according to biblical principles. Topics include savings, budgets, debt, charitable giving, insurance, investments, retirement, savings and real estate. (3 cr.)
Principles of Communication (MIS)
This course teaches the most effective way to communicate in a variety of situations with diverse audiences, both orally and in written form. Students learn basic grammar rules and are exposed to various writing styles including MLA, AP, Chicago and APA. Public speaking includes writing and delivering introductions, testimonies and speeches. (3 cr.)
Telling God's Story (BTH)
This course presents an overview of the Old and New Testament from Genesis to Revelation by embedding well-known Bible stories and personalities within the broader context of God’s eternal purposes and plans in HIS story. From this “big picture” vantage point, students will study historical backgrounds, interpretive issues, and theological approaches. (3 cr.)
Hermeneutics (BTH)
This course teaches the theory and methodology of interpreting biblical texts accurately and in context. Following the command in 2 Tim. 2:15 to “handle the Word of God in truth,” students study the principles and methods for interpreting Scriptures correctly so that they may understand and apply it appropriately. (3 cr.)
Cultivating Spiritual Discipline (CHF)
This course introduces students to long-valued spiritual disciplines such as meditation, prayer, fasting, simplicity, fellowship, journaling, chastity, and stewardship. (2 cr.)