Christian Ministries (CM)
CM 172 Introduction to Ministry - 3 Hours
An introduction to the purposes, challenges, and scope of various types of ministries and ministry programs, with particular focus made in those areas in which we offer emphases. Personal contact and interaction with ministry leaders will seek to enlarge the vision of students for how ministry can be carried out. Delivery mode: online, Wisconsin Prison Initiative, and online.
CM 175 Foundations of Youth Ministry - 3 Hours
An exploration of biblical, educational, and philosophical foundations of youth ministry. Current youth culture and developmental needs of adolescents will be examined in light of these foundations. Students will be required to develop a personal theory of ministering to youth through biblical education, personal evangelism, and relational discipleship. Delivery mode: online.
CM 181 Spiritual Formation - 3 Hours
This course explores the theoretical and practical aspects of Christian spiritual development. Special attention is given to understanding and participating in the spiritual disciplines - both personal and corporate. Prerequisites: BI 101 and BI 111. Delivery mode: Wisconsin Prison Initiative.
CM 201 Survey of Christian Education - 3 Hours
An introductory overview of the church's involvement in education, including the history, aims, methods, and principal agencies of Christian Education. Delivery mode: online.
CM 215 Foundations of Children's Ministry - 3 Hours
A study of the elements involved in building effective children's and family ministries. In addition to the development of skills in curriculum evaluation, creative programming, and ministry training, students will be exposed to and interact with a variety of local children's ministry models. Delivery mode: online.
CM 235 Introduction to Chaplaincy - 3 Hours
This course provides an overview of the nature and history of institutional ministry. Students examine the biblical and theological foundations of chaplaincy and review the various organizations and settings that typically receive chaplain services (e.g., healthcare, military, correctional, workplace, industrial, university, residential facilities, public safety, sports, disaster relief). Additionally, this course explores leadership principles that contribute to success in chaplaincy as well as specialized skills in caregiving, pastoral ministry, and emotional/spiritual counseling support. The objective is to develop a basic understanding of how institutional gospel ministry makes a difference in governmental, non-profit, and corporate communities.
CM 250 Topics in Christian Ministries: - 1-3 Hours
Selected topics in Christian Ministry not taught under specific course title. May be repeated for credit if topic differs. Delivery mode: online.
CM 260 Introduction to Intercultural Ministry - 3 Hours
An introduction to the challenging opportunities and possibilities of involvement in intercultural ministries with specific emphasis placed on Christian missionary endeavors from historical, theological, and cultural perspectives. Students will be challenged to consider their individual roles in the global community. Delivery mode: online.
CM 280 Psychological and Sociological Foundations of Family - 3 Hours
This course draws upon understandings of family from a range of social science perspectives and interacts with the related topics from a Christian integrative perspective. The disciplines of family process, psychology, and sociology reveal strengths and weaknesses that can be observed in healthy and unhealthy examples of this basic unit of society. Students will be challenged to wrestle with societal issues across time and into the present concerning the most intimate of human relationships. Offered online as scheduled. Delivery mode: online.
CM 315 Principles of Family Ministry - 3 Hours
This course centers on the ministry to children and their families. Focus will be on the theological foundations of the family, understanding the current cultural trends, which affect families, and developing effective ministry strategies with contemporary families in the context of local church and parachurch ministries. Delivery mode: online.
CM 320 Principles of Ministry Programming - 3 Hours
A study of the elements and skills necessary in the design and development of effective programming for discipling ministries. Students are exposed to local ministry models and contemporary ministry principles. Delivery mode: online.
CM 321 Theology and Practice of Evangelism - 3 Hours
A study of the theology and methodology of evangelism with particular emphasis on the gospel message and the biblical reasons for doing evangelism. Prerequisites: BI 101 and BI 111. Delivery mode: online and Wisconsin Prison Initiative.
CM 331 Theology and Practice of Discipleship - 3 Hours
A study of the theology and methodology of discipleship with particular emphasis on mentoring younger Christians in the faith. Delivery mode: Wisconsin Prison Initiative.
CM 335 Strategies for Discipling Ministries - 3 Hours
A study of biblical principles and practical models of Christian discipleship. Emphasis is on theoretical and experiential exploration of methods of small-group discipling ministries. Delivery mode: online.
CM 340 Principles of Relational Youth Ministry - 3 Hours
A study of effective communication with contemporary adolescents designed to enhance students' understanding and ability to build significant relationships with youth. Specific areas to be addressed include evangelistic contact ministry and paraprofessional counseling in response to adolescent issues. Course should not be taken if CM 342 has already been taken. Delivery mode: online.
CM 342 Relational Skills for Ministry - 3 Hours
This theoretical and skill development course will be a study of effective communication within a ministry context. A basis will be established for understanding human communication, contact ministry, crisis management, and paraprofessional counseling. Specific focus will be given to legal issues, opportunities as well as limitations of the minister, and empowering others toward positive life change. Delivery mode: online.
CM 345 Ministry Internship - 2-4 Hours
This course is designed to build upon earlier Integrated Field Experiences. Total units for internships (including all Integrated Field Experiences) may not total more than 7 units. Delivery mode: remote.
CM 350 Topics in Christian Education - 1-3 Hours
Selected topics in Christian Education not taught under specific course title. May be repeated for credit if topic differs. Delivery mode: online.
CM 372X Nonprofit Management - 3 Hours
This course covers the theories and principles unique to managing ministries and not-for-profit social services organizations. Special emphasis is placed on the recruitment and management of volunteers and on effective development and utilization of volunteer boards of directors. Cross-listed with BUS 372X. Delivery mode: online.
CM 375X Foundations of Christian Counseling - 3 Hours
Principles and techniques of counseling in ministry settings with a focus on counselor characteristics, problem-management skills, common counseling problems, multicultural dynamics, and various issues involved in the counseling process. Special emphasis is placed on the unique contribution of biblical truths to counseling. Cross-listed with PSY 375X. Delivery mode: Wisconsin Prison Initiative and online.
CM 400 Principles of Adult Ministry - 3 Hours
Designed to help students understand and appreciate the psychological and sociological characteristics of adults and develop a philosophy of adult ministry. Students engage in research and discussion of various phases of adult responsibility, ministry and problems in the local church, society and home. Delivery mode: online.
CM 420 Ministry Leadership - 2 Hours
This course seeks to integrate the students' ministry experiences with leadership training. Students will focus on understanding the biblical concept of leadership, assessing leadership style and skills, examining principles of team building and team management in discipling ministries. The course also examines issues that leaders commonly confront in churches and organizations. Delivery mode: online.
CM 450 Independent Study - 1-4 Hours
Research and specialized studies designed to meet the needs of individual students. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.