Youth Ministry and Christian Education
Biblical and theological studies department homepage
Minor requirements
CEY 210 - Foundations of Practical Theology
This course examines the issues involved in Practical Theology. We begin
with the biblical / philosophical/theological foundations of ministry, and
move into such practical issues such as discipleship, small groups,
leadership, administration, dealing with difficult issues, and planning
activities. The goal is to equip students to begin formulating a vision for
ministry as they prepare to enter into leadership positions in churches and
other organizations. (4 credits)
CEY 215 - Spiritual Formation, Discipleship and Youth
This course will help students explore what it means to live a Christian
life of faith and discipleship. It will explore the history and practice of
the spiritual disciplines in the context of the ministry of the church. The
purpose of this exploration is to help students learn how to articulate
their own experience of Christian spirituality and faith so they can help
lead and guide young people as they are formed into the likeness of Jesus
Christ.
(4 Credits)
Choose 16 credits:
CEY 310 - Leadership Development
CEY 315 - Philosophy of Adolescent Ministry
An investigation and formulation of a philosophy of ministry to and with
adolescents. Various theoretical issues will be examined which will inform
and assist students in the development of a philosophy which is biblically
grounded, developmentally sensitive, culturally relevant, and theologically
contextualized to the world of contemporary adolescence. (4 credits;
alternate years, consult department) Prerequisite: Junior or senior class standing.
CEY 320 - Teaching and Learning Strategies
CEY 330 - Special Topics in CE/YM
This course provides an opportunity to focus on different topics in a more
specific and in-depth way. The topics will relate to contemporary issues in
either Christian education or youth ministry and adolescent studies. (2 or 4
credits; non-yearly, consult department)
CEY 335x - Theology and Church Ministry
In this course students will explore the identity of the church by
engaging biblical, historical, cultural, and missional perspectives,
grounding the life and ministry of the church in God?s ministry to the world
in Jesus Christ. More specifically, this course will focus on the nature and
role of youth ministry as an expression of this ministry as students are
called to enter into the experiences of young people within contemporary
Western culture. Prerequisite: REL 250. (4 credits; alternate years,
consult department)
CEY 380 - Narrative and Spiritual Formation
CEY 401 - Integrated Field Experience I
The focus of CEY401 and CEY402 is intentional exposure to various aspects of
practical ministry in either Christian education or youth ministry in a
local church or para-church organization, for two consecutive semesters. The
practical experience must be under supervision of an on-site supervisor and
the professor of Christian Education. Weekly seminars for discussion and
reflection on ministry and preparation for the writing of a major paper on
the philosophy of ministry are conducted on campus. (2 credits)
Prerequisites: Senior class standing and permission of instructor.
CEY 402 - Integrated Field Experience II
The focus of CEY401 and CEY402 is intentional exposure to various aspects of
practical ministry in either Christian education or youth ministry in a
local church or para-church organization, for two consecutive semesters. The
practical experience must be under supervision of an on-site supervisor and
the professor of Christian Education. Weekly seminars for discussion and
reflection on ministry and preparation for the writing of a major paper on
the philosophy of ministry are conducted on campus. (2 credits)
Prerequisites: senior class standing and permission of instructor.
BTS 310 - Christian Spirituality
A study of the meaning, purpose and practices of Christian spirituality as
this has been understood in the Christian tradition. The course emphasizes
the practice of spiritual disciplines and the relevance of spirituality in
our contemporary world.
Prerequisite: BTS250. (2 credits)
BTS 350 - Theology and Popular Culture
This course explores the relationship between Christian faith and culture.
It will begin by establishing a biblical and theological approach to
cultural engagement, as well as a brief historical survey of how the
Christian community has engaged issue of faith and culture in different
historical and cultural moments. An important part of this course will be
interdisciplinary exploration of the fields of "cultural theory" and
"popular culture", specifically focusing upon what they have to contribute
to different forms of Christian ministry. Finally, this course will prove
the opportunity for students to begin to articulate what it means to live
faithfully with a diversity of cultural contexts.
Prerequisite: BTS250. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)