CHM 130   Introduction to Christian Ministry 3 credits

Through an exploration of scriptural, theological, historical, and social foundations of Christian ministry, students work to develop a personal philosophy of ministry. In addition, students study and utilize essential leadership skills for effective Christian ministry practice and service.

CHM 140   Engaging God's Mission for the 21st Century 3 credits

Through an exploration of scriptural, theological, historical and social foundations of Christian mission, students work to develop a personal philosophy of mission and outreach based on Lutheran theology. The course traces the mission of God through the Old and New Testaments and shows God’s intent for the Church to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world.

CHM 271   Best Practices for Mission and Ministry 3 credits

Effective ministry requires the thoughtful application of Christian theology in mission and ministry. By rotating topics of theology and practice, students learn to apply Christian theology and best practices in a variety of contemporary mission and ministry settings. Topics may include: Congregational Practices in Mission and Outreach, Community and Neighborhood Outreach, Group Theory and Team Building for Ministry, Leading Change and Transformation in Ministry, and Ministry among Immigrants. The course may be repeated for credit if topics are different.

CHM 272   Using Social Media in Ministry 3 credits

Emerging social media and digital technologies are changing the way organizations---including the local church---reach constituents and communities. How do Christian leaders develop strategies to leverage social media effectively as a tool for communication and outreach? In this course, students will explore available social media tools; develop a strategy for utilizing social media in a healthy way, both personally and organizationally; and learn to evaluate social media effectiveness through case studies and real-world implementation of course learnings. (Prerequisite: CHM 130).

CHM 275   Outdoor Ministry 3 credits

This course focuses on the theology, history, and practice of outdoor ministry as a tool for Christian Education. Through an off-campus retreat, students will experience outdoor ministry first-hand, pairing this practice with course readings, this practice with course readings, discussions, and projects to develop a holistic philosophy of outdoor ministry.(Prerequisite: CHM 130)

CHM 276   Sports Ministry 3 credits

Students will examine the inter-relationships between religion and sports with specific attention to opportunities for Christian witness and outreach through robust sports ministry programs. Students will study and design effective approaches for sports ministry with an emphasis on Christian mentoring to athletes. (Prerequisites: THL 100, THL 200, or THL 206).

CHM 325   Strategic Ministry 3 credits

Christian ministry in diverse and fluid cultures calls for strategic and intentional leadership. Students explore and apply current strategic planning theories, methods and tools to help Christian ministry organizations fulfill their missions within ever-changing communities and cultural contexts. Through case study analysis and projects, students apply organizational change theory to congregations and ministry organizations.

CHM 332   Mission in Context 3 credits

Students study the practice of Christian mission and ministry within different cultural contexts, paying attention to applying principles of biblical interpretation and a Lutheran understanding of Law and Gospel to the design and implementation of ministry experiences. Through applied projects, students develop a commitment to a reflective practice that respects diverse voices and beliefs. (Prerequisites: CHM 130 and CHM 140)

CHM 350   Youth Ministry 3 credits

Youth ministry addresses a vital issue as the Church serves students in congregations and communities during a formative time of life. Grounded in baptismal theology, this course helps students develop skills to lead a relational and Christ-centered ministry for and with youth in a congregation by addressing the theological, cultural, educational, and administrative foundations of youth ministry. (Prerequisite: CHM 130)

CHM 360   Children’s & Family Ministry 3 credits

Children and families are vital, vibrant pieces of the Christian church. This course is designed to help students understand the Biblical, theological, and sociological principles that shape contemporary children’s and family ministry in the church. Current and emerging ministry theories serve as a basis for developing engaging ministry practices, experiences, and programs that help ministers serve their youngest members and those who care for them. (Prerequisite: CHM 130)

CHM 365   Confirmation Ministry 3 credits

Exploring junior and adult confirmation in the Lutheran church, students study effective approaches to confirmation programming. Topics include confirmation history, purpose, possible structures, curriculum options, and more. (Prerequisite: CHM 130)

CHM 375   Adult Ministry 3 credits

Adult learning theory serves as a foundation for the development of adult education programs and experiences. Throughout this course, students explore and apply theories of adult learning, spiritual formation, effective teaching methods, and adult spiritual direction strategies.(Prerequisite: CHM 130)

CHM 381   Practicum in Christian Ministries 1 1 credit

A course for Christian Ministry students to begin on-site involvement and learning with a church work professional in a ministry setting. A primary function of pre-internship field work is preparing students for the fourth-year internship experience. (Prerequisite: Full Admission to the LCMS Church Work Program)

CHM 382   Practicum in Christian Ministries 2 1 credit

A course for Christian Ministry students to continue on-site involvement and learning with a church work professional in a ministry setting. A primary function of pre-internship field work is preparing students for the fourth-year internship work. (Prerequisite: CHM 281)

CHM 402   Foundations for Teaching and Learning 3 credits

Students explore the scriptural, theological and historical role of Christian education within the church. This exploration will equip students to teach the faith across the lifespan through an intentional implementation of Christian educational programs and experiences.(Prerequisite: CHM 130)

CHM 422   Leadership in Ministry 3 credits

Leaders in the Christian church prepare others to serve in their local congregations, communities, and beyond. This course prepares students for ministry leadership as they discover the natures of leadership and followership, along with their connection to the Christian faith. Through reflective practice, applied projects, and leadership research, students will determine their leadership style, increase their leadership capacity, and design experiences to equip and empower volunteers. (Prerequisite: CHM 130)

CHM 481   Practicum in Christian Ministries 3 1 credit

A course for students to develop skills learned during the Christian Ministry Internship through field experience in a Christian ministry setting. A primary function of the post-internship practicum is filling gaps in the student’s education and experience as identified by the student and his/her program director before Synodical placement. (Prerequisite: CHM 382)

CHM 482   Practicum in Christian Ministries 4 1 credit

A course for students to continue developing skills learned during the Christian Ministry Internship through field experience in a Christian ministry setting. A primary function of the post-internship practicum is filling gaps in the student’s education and experience as identified by the student and his/her program director before Synodical placement. (Prerequisite: CHM 481).

CHM 488   Independent Study 1-4 credits

CHM 491   Theory to Action: Capstone in Christian Ministry 3 credits

Students reflect on and formalize their understanding of Christian ministry in the context of their personal identity in Christ, the broader ministry of the Gospel, and their vision of future ministry and personal growth. Students prepare and present a capstone Christian Ministry project.

CHM 498   Commissioned Ministry Internship I 6 credits

The internship provides DCE and DCO students a full-time supervised involvement in the educational or outreach ministries of a cooperating congregation or cross-cultural organization. Emphasis is placed on active leadership in a variety of professional tasks. Students register for CHM 498 in the fall and CHM 499 in the spring to complete the 12-month internship.

CHM 499   Commissioned Ministry Internship II 6 credits

The internship provides DCE and DCO students a full-time supervised involvement in the educational or outreach ministries of a cooperating congregation or cross-cultural organization. Emphasis is placed on active leadership in a variety of professional tasks. Students register for CHM 498 in the fall and CHM 499 in the spring to complete the 12-month internship.