DOCTORAL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

BUSI 801 - Pastoral Perspectives on Business
This course provides advanced insights into the unique business challenges encountered within pastoral ministry. Topics covered include stewardship and accountability, managing benevolence and outreach, conducting board and business meetings, strategic budgeting, overseeing church facilities, effective fundraising, addressing human resource concerns, and handling salaries, tithes, and offerings. Guided by the biblical principle of faithful stewardship (1 Peter 4:10, NIV), this course equips pastors to manage church resources with wisdom and integrity.

CMIN 801 - Advanced Church Ministries
This course explores the dynamic interactions between pastoral leadership and diverse church ministries, highlighting the integral roles and functions within the ecclesiastical community. Key focus areas include ministry to children, youth, worship and music, singles, Christian education, small groups, missions, senior adults, prayer, and outreach initiatives. Rooted in the biblical model of the Church as one body with many parts (1 Corinthians 12:12, NIV), this course prepares students to effectively lead and integrate various ministries within the church.

CMIN 802 - Critical Issues for Pastors in Ministry
This course examines significant social challenges that pastors encounter in modern ministry, focusing on topics such as religion, racism, sexual identity, politics, relativism, the death penalty, stem cell research, abortion, assisted suicide, and immigration. It aims to equip students with the critical tools and perspectives to navigate these issues effectively within their pastoral roles. Guided by the biblical command to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15, NIV), this course empowers pastors to address contemporary issues with wisdom and compassion.

CMIN 803 - Personal and Spiritual Wellness
This course provides pastors with the tools necessary to attain and sustain balance across various aspects of life, including social, physical, emotional, personal, environmental, intellectual, vocational, spiritual, financial, and relational dimensions. It is designed to foster a comprehensive approach to wellness that integrates personal health and spiritual fulfillment. Rooted in the biblical principle of honoring God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NIV), this course equips pastors to lead lives of holistic wellness that reflect their calling.

COMM 701 - Preaching to 21st Century Audiences
This course equips pastoral students with the skills to powerfully deliver God’s Word to contemporary congregations across diverse contexts. It covers the principles of biblical preaching, strategies for engaging communication, selecting themes, rigorous study methods, message organization, narrative techniques, visual aids, audience engagement, effective conclusions, and eliciting responses. Inspired by Paul’s charge to preach the word (2 Timothy 4:2, NIV), this course prepares students to communicate the Gospel effectively in the modern world.

COMM 702 - World Religions and Cults
This course examines the core tenets of predominant non-Christian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Islam, focusing on their distinctive understandings of fundamental human dilemmas and their proposed resolutions. It also considers the rise and development of new religious movements and sects, assessing their doctrines and practices. Rooted in the biblical call to contend for the faith (Jude 1:3, NIV), this course equips students to engage with and understand other belief systems while standing firm in their Christian faith.

COUN 801 - Pastoral Perspectives on Counseling
This course explores the nuanced challenges that pastors encounter in counseling, such as determining the commitment level, duration, and counseling methods appropriate for different issues. It covers key topics, including the discernment process for referrals to professional counselors, integrating scriptural wisdom, fostering hope and accountability, providing advice and assignments, and effective strategies for concluding counseling engagements. Guided by the biblical mandate to counsel with wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 20:5, NIV), this course equips pastors to offer compassionate and effective counseling.

LEAD 801 - Pastoral Leadership
This course explores church leadership principles and their practical application for pastoral figures within a ministry context. It covers a spectrum of topics, including the definition of pastoral leadership, emulating Jesus' leadership model, fostering discipleship and mentoring, articulating vision, setting objectives, cultivating teams, strategizing for church growth, navigating transitions, gleaning insights from errors, and embodying servanthood through exemplary conduct. Inspired by Christ’s example of servant leadership (Mark 10:45, NIV), this course prepares pastors to lead with humility and purpose.

LEAD 802 - Theological Foundations of Leadership
This course comprehensively explores leadership principles rooted in theological insights. Students will analyze the intersections of faith, ethics, and effective leadership practices through in-depth study and assignments, offering a unique opportunity to develop a strong foundation in leadership that is deeply informed by theological perspectives. Rooted in the biblical call to lead with integrity and godliness (1 Timothy 3:1-7, NIV), this course equips students to integrate theology and leadership meaningfully.

LEAD 803 - Church Leadership Theory and Practice
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of effective leadership within a religious context. Through insightful assignments and in-depth analysis, students will explore various theories and strategies for guiding and nurturing congregations. Inspired by the biblical principle of shepherding God’s flock with care (1 Peter 5:2, NIV), this course equips students with practical tools for leading their churches effectively.

LEAD 804 - Leading Through Conflict and Crisis
This course explores effective strategies for navigating and leading during conflict and crisis within a ministry context. Topics include conflict resolution, crisis management, and developing strong leadership skills. Rooted in the biblical principle of being peacemakers (Matthew 5:9, NIV), this course equips pastors to lead their congregations through challenging times with wisdom and grace.

LEAD 805 - Contextual Leadership in Ministry
This course examines the intersection of leadership principles and their practical application within churches and communities. It includes strategies for effective engagement, collaboration, and transformational leadership, emphasizing the role of faith-based organizations in addressing social challenges. Guided by the biblical call to serve the community and seek its welfare (Jeremiah 29:7, NIV), this course prepares students to lead in contextually relevant and impactful ways.

LEAD 806 - Reflective Practice and Discernment in Leadership
This course explores the art of thoughtful self-examination and decision-making within leadership roles. Through insightful discussions and real-world scenarios, students will develop the skills to critically assess their leadership practices and make informed choices aligning with their values and organizational goals. Rooted in the biblical principle of seeking wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 2:6, NIV), this course equips leaders to cultivate a reflective mindset and implement effective strategies for discernment in their leadership journey.

READ 701 - Readings in Contemporary Christianity
This course engages students with three seminal textbooks to explore diverse perspectives on current theological and practical challenges in Christianity. Participants are expected to thoroughly read each text and compose a comprehensive 15-20 page analysis, discussing the principal arguments of the book and their relevance to real-world ministry and life experiences. Guided by the biblical principle of studying diligently (2 Timothy 2:15, NIV), this course prepares students to engage deeply with contemporary Christian thought and practice.

RESEARCH 801 - Doctoral Research Project - (9 hours)
This course provides doctoral candidates with a comprehensive framework for designing and conducting a substantial research project. Over the span of nine credit hours, students will engage deeply with their chosen topics, develop sophisticated research methodologies, and contribute original findings to their field of study. Rooted in the biblical principle of seeking wisdom and knowledge (Proverbs 4:7, NIV), this course prepares students to contribute meaningfully to academic and ministry-related research.