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Undergraduate Academic Policies and Information
Graduate Academic Policies and Information
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Christian Formation and Ministry
M.A. in Christian Formation and Ministry Laboratory/Internship Experiences
Coordinator David Setran Chair Barrett McRay Price-LeBar Professor of Christian Education, Donald E. Ratcliff Scripture Press Professor of Christian Formation & Ministry, James C. Wilhoit Associate Professors May, Schwanda Internship Coordinator and Adjunct Instructor Haase Part-time and Adjunct Professors & Instructors Root, Ribbe, Sveen, Little, Waterman
M.A. in Christian Formation and Ministry
The Christian Formation and Ministry Department offers the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Christian Formation and Ministry. The purpose of the degree is to develop academically grounded, spiritually whole, and practically skilled ministers of the Gospel who are prepared to build up the Church in a changing world. The Master’s program in Christian Formation and Ministry prepares students to foster the development, growth, nurture, and wholeness of Christians in a wide array of ministry settings. Our department is convinced that the individual well prepared for ministry will possess a strong liberal arts foundation in ministry-relevant disciplines, a growing capacity to effectively link theory and practice in concrete ministry settings, and a purposeful participation in an ongoing process of personal spiritual formation. Through these various avenues, students work to develop an integrated philosophy of formation and ministry that is biblically and theologically grounded, academically informed, and relevant to the needs of a changing world. Our hope and goal is that our students will become wise and compassionate servants of Christ who are: Academically grounded in that they.… · Possess a strong biblical/ theological basis for formation and ministry. · Understand and appreciate the historical and philosophical antecedents of Christian formation and ministry. · Can recognize, evaluate, and attend to the diverse cultural, social, psychological, and spiritual contexts of formation and ministry. · Develop a critical understanding of the educational and spiritual processes by which people grow in personal and corporate settings.
Spiritually whole in that they are… · Committed to an ongoing life of discipleship and spiritual growth as the foundation of effective ministry. · Committed both personally and corporately to work for God’s global Kingdom purposes through the universal and local Church. · Developing an awareness of their gifts, passions, and calling in ministry.
Practically skilled in that they… · Teach effectively and handle Scripture wisely with an eye to integrate theory into creative practice. · Propose compassionate ministry approaches that promote a thoughtful concern for the interior life and help bear burdens with the wounded. · Communicate well orally and in writing in culturally diverse settings. · Promote strong interpersonal relationships in ministry teams. · Research humbly and consistently.
The program is designed for the "reflective practitioner" because it promotes a continual dialogue between foundational principles and pressing ministry concerns. As such, it is useful for anyone interested in facilitating spiritual formation in others, particularly those working in church and parachurch contexts, student development settings, camps, and missions. Because of the value placed upon collaboration and the richness and diversity of faculty and students, there is a significant emphasis on the development of a vibrant learning community. In addition, students participate in spiritual formation courses that facilitate personal and corporate spiritual and character development as well as the discernment of ministry calling in the context of this community. While all of the courses are designed to reflect broad ministry concerns, students are encouraged to pursue their particular ministry interests throughout the program. Beyond the core requirements, students are given ample freedom to select personalized ministry emphases through the selection of ministry-related courses and open electives in areas of perceived need. Examples of some of these informal emphases include age-specific ministries (children’s ministry, youth ministry, college and young adult ministry, adult ministry), teaching and learning, discipleship and small group ministries, care and counseling ministries, camping ministries, marriage and family ministries, prison ministry, and women’s ministries. As students proceed through the program, they can select courses in consultation with a faculty member that best suit their own particular passions and needs. The selection of a focused area of interest will facilitate the desired interaction between theory and practice in the student’s course work.
Students can participate in internship programs in ministry settings that reflect their interests and career goals. The department has internship programs that involve the student in practical hands-on experience, as well as guided reflection and evaluation. Internships are designed primarily for students who have minimal professional experience prior to entrance into the Christian Formation and Ministry program. Outdoor Ministry Emphasis: HoneyRock, Wheaton’s Northwoods campus offers a graduate emphasis in outdoor ministry. Students can choose up to 10 hours from a list of six courses listed below covering all aspects of ministry in an outdoor, camp or adventure ministry environment. These courses can be taken modularly at various points during the year or as part of an internship experience if desired. Through HoneyRock, the department is able to offer a variety of experiences in educational program design, leadership, administration, and interpersonal relationships. Though many people come to study at HoneyRock because of vocational interests in Christian camp programming, persons with other vocational interests will also profit greatly from the laboratory and internship experiences available through Wheaton’s Northwoods campus.
Admission to the Christian Formation and Ministry graduate program is open both to those who are currently involved in ministry and to those who are preparing for future ministry. Admission does not require a specific undergraduate major or a prescribed set of courses, but students are expected to possess a basic knowledge of the Bible and proficiency in written and spoken English. Since this program is aimed at preparing students for Christian ministry, continued enrollment in the degree program requires that students exhibit the presence of essential ministry skills and dispositions, as well as demonstrate a commitment to growth in Christian virtues. At the time of acceptance into the program, the department will notify the student if there are course deficiencies which need to be met. Requirements for the Christian Formation and Ministry program leading to a Master of Arts degree consist of the successful completion of 40 semester hours, a comprehensive examination, and a capstone project or internship. Required courses include CFM 512, 513, 514, 515, 516, 521, 522, 523, 681. Students are also required to complete the theological studies requirement which consists of CFM 512 plus a 4-hour course from the Category I listing in the Graduate School section of this catalog. Students are also required to complete ten additional elective hours and a two-credit final project which may be either a thesis/applied thesis (698), creative project (692), or internship (696). The electives are to be taken in a particular ministry focus related to the student's interests and goals. Six elective credits must be taken within the Christian Formation and Ministry Department. The remaining four hours may be taken either within the department or from supporting graduate programs. Up to four hours may be taken through independent study courses. With the exception of the graduate integrative seminar (CFM 681), courses taken on a pass/fail basis may not be applied to the degree requirements. For courses offered only on a pass/fail basis, two hours of pass/fail credit may be applied to the degree with approval of the department chair. An option available to students is to take ministry elective courses in the summer at HoneyRock, Wheaton’s Northwoods campus. CFM 511. Theological Foundations of Ministry. An overview of theological doctrines and frameworks with attention given to the development of the major traditions of the historical and contemporary church. The course considers the direct relationship between theology and the practice of ministry. CFM 512. Bible in Ministry. This course acquaints students with the formative nature and power of Scripture. It explores the principles and practices of using Scripture in ministry through reading, study, devotion, and meditation in personal, small groups and teaching, and related ministries of the church. (2) CFM 513. History and Philosophy of Ministry. Helps students become more informed and effective ministers through the analysis of ministry and educational philosophies that have guided the church throughout its history. Provides a framework within which to formulate a biblically and historically informed philosophy of ministry. CFM 514. Culture and Ministry. Explores foundational cultural issues from a Christian, socio-cultural perspective. Provides opportunities for students to cultivate theory and practice of ministry in the multicultural American society, as well as the Church around the world. Includes an introduction to the theory and practice of qualitative research methodologies as they relate to Christian formation and ministry. CFM 515. Nature and Development of Persons. An introduction to biblical, historical, and theological understandings of the nature of persons and the integration of relevant psychological and sociological understandings of human development. In addition, students will be encouraged to consider the application of these foundations to the contemporary work of Christian formation and ministry. (2) CFM 516. Formational Teaching. Promotes Christian growth through educational planning and evaluation, building on the philosophical foundations of CFM 513 History and Philosophy of Ministry. Methods of teaching, curriculum design, and character of the teacher are considered. CFM 521. Spiritual Formation I: Personal Formation. An introduction to personal spiritual formation, including spiritual health and the practice of spiritual disciplines. Includes an off-site weekend retreat as well as a preliminary focus on possible topics for the capstone project. Fee: $30 (2) CFM 522. Spiritual Formation II: History and Traditions. This course traces some of the dominant themes of Christian spirituality. Through biblical, theological, and historical study, we will examine how various individuals and movements have experienced and sought to nurture their relationship with the Triune God. Particular attention is paid to developing the skills of discernment for reading these primary sources. Prerequisite: CFM 521. (2) CFM 523. Spiritual Formation III: Leadership. Introduction to issues of ministry leadership, including organizational theory, ethics, conflict management, and personal concerns for integrity and spiritual health. Prerequisites: CFM 521. (2) CFM 531. Curriculum Development for Ministry. Focuses on advanced curriculum design and development for ministry purposes, and the roles of learning environments and experiences in facilitating spiritual growth for learners of all ages. Includes practical components integral to these issues. Prerequisites: CFM 516. (2) CFM 532. Discipleship and Small Groups. This course guides students in growing in the principles and practices of being a disciple of Jesus with a special emphasis on the usage of small groups for making disciples. (2) CFM 533. Prayer. Provides a theory-based examination of prayer, especially within the historic evangelical faith. (2) CFM 534. Care and Counsel in Ministry. An introduction to the basic concepts and skills involved in care and counsel within ministry contexts including an overview of the historic ministry of soul care, biblical foundations for care in ministry, major categories of human suffering, and rudimentary person-to-person helping skills. This course is designed to enable those in ministry to help individuals and families understand and deal with contemporary issues—e.g., divorce, grief, suicide, conflict, etc. CFM 535. Healing Ministries. Introduces the Christian ministry of divine healing. The course surveys the biblical basis of this ministry and traces the healing ministry in the history of the church. (2) CFM 536. Women in Ministry. Explores the biblical and theological viewpoints of women in ministry and provides a historical overview of the work of women in the church during the New Testament era and forward. A personal philosophy for ministry to women will be formulated. Fee: $85 (2) CFM 537. Holy Spirit and Ministry. Explores the Person and work of the Holy Spirit as revealed in Scripture and as understood by the historic church and its people from Acts to the present with concern for the work of the Holy Spirit within Christian Formation. (2) CFM 538. Spirituality. An examination of Christian spirituality with particular attention given to its implications for psychological and pastoral care. (2) CFM 541. Urban Ministry with Children and Families. Explores the unique demographic, contextual, economic, and ecological factors of the urban setting that impact urban churches and parachurch organizations as they minister to children and families. Attention is given to the current issues and challenges of urban ministry in order to understand ways to equip and support parents in differing family contexts. This course seeks to discern ways in which the Gospel is a long-term transforming source for urban families. Prerequisite: CFM 513, CFM 514. Fee $30 (2) CFM 542x. Ministry Research and Evaluation. (See CE 462). (2) CFM 611. Family Ministry. An examination of the nature of marital and family relationships in preparation for students in ministry to understand these dynamics in their own families, in the families of those to whom they minister, and the impact of these on their ability to be effective ministers. The course concludes with a consideration of church as the family of God. (2) CFM 621. Children’s Ministry. Examines the nature and spirituality of children in light of biblical, theological, and developmental perspectives. Analyzes current ministry practices in light of cultural trends. Also focuses on the faith experiences of children. CFM 631. Youth Ministry. This course is an overview of theory and praxis in Youth Ministry. Attention will be given to biblical and theological foundations of youth ministry, philosophies and models of youth ministry, issues in adolescent development, considerations of contemporary youth cultures, issues of diversity in ministry to youth, global issues in youth ministry, youth ministry as a profession, and the calling of a youth minister. CFM 641. College and Young Adult Ministry. Explores the theories and practices of ministry directed toward college students and young adults. Emphasizes the developmental and cultural dynamics of the young adult years and the practical implications of a biblical philosophy of discipleship for identity development, character education, worldview construction, and spiritual formation. The course is relevant for anyone ministering to college students and/or young adults in the local church or in a college/university context. CFM 651. Adult Ministries. Examines the principles and methods of adult ministry in the church with particular attention given to non-formal education. Explores the nature of defining, developing, and evaluating educational experiences in non-formal settings with an eye for their unique ministry contributions. (2) CFM 681. Integrative Seminar. Integrates the various concepts from final semester students' programs into a unified whole, providing interaction with other students and the opportunity to write and critique the writing of others. Includes completion of the written comprehensive examinations and concludes with a weekend learning experience with the department's graduating students and faculty members. A cumulative group learning experience for the M.A. program. Prerequisite: candidacy status. Fee: $130 (2) CFM 692. Creative Project. (2) CFM 694. Current Issues in Christian Formation and Ministry. Provides opportunity for advanced students to study collectively some topic or concept in greater depth, or to explore a specialized topic and its relationship to an understanding and practice of Christian Formation and Ministry. Topics will vary and will be determined by department faculty members. (2) CFM 695. Independent Study. Focuses on field or library research according to individual interests and competencies in Christian Formation and Ministry. (1-4) CFM 696. Internship. Provides advanced students the opportunity to have a better understanding of ministry theory and practice by working and studying alongside a competent, authorized professional in Christian ministry. Includes a summative paper of reflection and analysis of the learning that occurred and its significance for future ministry (due semester after internship). (2) CFM 698. Applied Thesis/Thesis. (2) CFM 699. Final Project Continuation. (0) CFM 562. Wilderness Learning Seminar. Includes the role of facilitative leadership, group process, challenging experiences, and decision-making responsibility in promoting Christian maturity; the theory of such learning and its applications to various ministry settings (wilderness, urban, family, church, residential programs). Offered at HoneyRock. CFM 563. The Church and Outdoor Ministry. Studying the mission and nature of the Church and how the temporary system can be utilized to impact renewal and development in the Church. Overview of the historical and theological expressions of the church. Special emphasis is placed on the church/parachurch dynamic. Study of the biblical principles of renewal, hospitality, and service. Students will apply learning to the development, leading, support, and evaluation of short-term retreat experiences for a variety of churches and groups. Offered in the summer at HoneyRock. CFM 564. Adventure Challenge Education. Applies theories and principles of leadership and experiential education to programs and groups utilizing ropes courses, team initiatives, climbing, and other outdoor adventure activities. Allows students to develop, lead, and evaluate short-term adventure education experiences for a variety of groups. Course offered at HoneyRock. (2-4) CFM 662. Theology and Practice of Outdoor Ministry. The exploration of educational principles and theological perspectives related to outdoor ministry. Various approaches and program planning models of outdoor ministry will be discussed. Various principles and skills necessary for leadership and practice in outdoor ministry. Special emphasis placed on application of these theories and principles to cross-cultural ministry settings. Offered in the summer at HoneyRock. CFM 663. Leadership Development in Outdoor Ministry. Advanced outdoor ministry course that seeks to apply previous course work through providing supervisory leadership of a significant area of a camp ministry. Various applications will be studied, including ministries to children, teens, young adults, and families. Principles, competencies and dynamics of leadership, and leadership development will be applied. Special emphasis is placed on using outdoor ministries to develop leaders for the church and society worldwide. Offered in the summer at HoneyRock. CFM 664. Wilderness Programming and Leadership. Emphasizes the uniqueness of the wilderness classroom and teaches students to utilize extensive wilderness expeditions to draw others to Jesus Christ. At the conclusion of a five-week training phase, the culminating learning experience is 3-4 weeks of supervised leadership with teenagers. Course offered in the summer at HoneyRock. Courses Offered through the Institute for Prison Ministries (Billy Graham Center):
CFM 501. Introduction to Correctional Ministries. This course will provide an overview of ministry to offenders and their families and the biblically-based role of the Church in that effort. In addition, the course will examine the basic structure and functions of the criminal justice system and the cultural distinctives that govern it. The primary focus will be on the multiple ministry opportunities present in each of the various phases of the criminal justice system—presentencing, long-term incarceration, and reentry. (3) CFM 502. Dynamics of Working with Offenders. This course will examine the common characteristics of offenders, the specialized approaches to ministering within a correctional facility, and the biblical corollaries for transformation as they pertain to offenders. Special attention will be given to the psycho-sociological factors that contribute to criminality, as well as to ways institutional conditions damage family structures, add to the pains of incarceration, and impair successful reentry. Students will examine possible solutions for overcoming these deficits and helping inmates prepare for a return to their communities. (3) CFM 503. Leadership and Spiritual Formation of Offenders. This course is designed for those in correctional ministry to develop personal leadership, be effective witnesses and be equipped to encourage others to grow in their faith as followers of Christ. (3) CFM 504. Foundations of Correctional Chaplaincy. An overview of correctional chaplaincy as it functions in jails and prisons. The course will examine the history of correctional chaplaincy, the special skills and abilities the professional chaplain must possess, the critical dimensions of the multiple roles a chaplain assumes, and the constitutional mandates that govern the delivery of religious services in an institutional setting. Special focus will be placed on the chaplains as “agents of change,” the “ministry of presence,” on effective volunteer management, and the development of individualized ministry plans. (3) CFM 505. Foundations of Offender Reentry. This course will provide participants knowledge of the biblical foundation for reentry ministry and reentry statistics that will help them describe the issues, barriers, and challenges to successful ex-offender reentry. The course will also describe the phases and key principles of reentry with emphasis on making decisions related to practical planning for your ministry along with the reality of the collaborative nature of individuals, churches, organizations, and the community to assist the ex-offender with reentry. (3) CFM 506. Correctional Ministries Program Development and Evaluation. This course equips those who work in correctional ministries plan, administrate and provide learning experiences that help offenders/ex-offenders develop life skills, transform their thinking and encounter the person of God and the truths of His Word. (3) CFM 507. Organizational Administration for Non-profit Correctional Ministries. This course provides an overview of the principles and practices for leading and managing a not-for-profit organization. Topics introduced will include leadership, ethics, strategic planning, operating policies, board governance, human relations, marketing, fundraising, financial management, collaborative partnerships, and program evaluation as they relate to non-profit correctional organizations. Each topic will be approached from a biblical perspective. (3) CFM 508. Care and Counseling in Correctional Ministry. This course provides an introduction to the unique challenges and strategies involved in care and counseling within a correctional setting as presented by correctional staff, the incarcerated and the families of offenders. Focus will be given to an introductory knowledge of the problems of human suffering, biblical foundations for care in ministry, rudimentary person-to-person helping skills, as well as general counseling theories and techniques applicable to the correctional setting. Consideration will be given to ethical issues, knowing one’s limits of competence and knowledge, and of when and to whom one should refer. Attention will be given to issues of diversity and their implications for the utility of the concepts of this course where possible. (3) CFM 509. Case Management and Mentoring Offenders. The course will examine theories and practices in case management and mentoring for successful reentry of offenders. Assessment and program development will be discussed. Opportunities for role play and application will be utilized. (3) CFM 593. Correctional Ministry Capstone Project. The Capstone Project requires critical evaluation of important issues in the field of correctional ministry and the integration of both theory and practice. The project is planned and conducted under the supervision of the Capstone Advisor and includes both a written and oral evaluation. (3) CFM 598. Spiritual Mentor. A core component of the correctional ministry courses program is a spiritual mentor relationship from the student’s church. The purpose is to provide support, accountability and connection with the local church. The role of the spiritual mentor is to focus on the student’s spiritual formation and serve somewhat as a spiritual director. Graded: pass/fail. (0) Revision Date: May 1, 2009
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