Youth Ministry and Christian Formation
The major in Christian education and youth ministry is designed to give you optimal learning in Christian ministry. You will take required courses in both Christian education and youth ministry and then elective courses that best suit your interests. The purpose of the major is to equip you for entry-level positions in a local church or para-church organization in either Christian education or youth ministry. The major also prepares you for graduate studies in one or both of these areas. At the end of the program, you will be equipped to examine different areas of ministry, articulate a basic philosophy of educational or youth ministry, and develop your abilities in Christian leadership.
To help fulfill this goal, three primary areas of study are required. First, you will be exposed to the theory and practice of Christian education and youth ministry. Second, you will be academically and spiritually grounded through a foundation of courses in biblical and theological studies. And, third, you will be exposed to broader areas that influence ministry through courses in the social sciences.
The Christian education and youth ministry major affords opportunities for immediate employment, although graduate studies are encouraged if you are seeking a career in either Christian education or youth ministry.
Biblical and theological studies department homepage
Major requirements
CEY 210 - Foundations of Practical Theology
No course description available.
CEY 215 - Spiritual Formation, Discipleship and Youth
No course description available.
CEY 401 - Integrated Field Experience I
No course description available.
CEY 402 - Integrated Field Experience II
No course description available.
REL 472SR - Bible, Theology and Vocation: Exploring Texts and Contexts
No course description available.
Electives:
CEY 310 - Leadership Development
No course description available.
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
No course description available.
CEY 330 - Special Topics in CE/YM
No course description available.
CEY 335x - Theology and Church Ministry
No course description available.
CEY 380 - Narrative and Spiritual Formation
No course description available.
Cognate Requirements:
BTS 310 - Christian Spirituality
(2 credits) 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.
BTS 328WI - Biblical Interpretation and Theology
(4 credits) (Writing intensive) An examination of the past and present methods and proposals for Biblical Interpretation and Biblical Theology. The course will analyze and critique various models for hermeneutics and theological interpretation and also assist students in constructing exegetical methods that are biblically based, theologically informed and culturally relevant. In this Writing Intensive course for Religion and CE/YM majors, students will develop research and writing skills that will benefit them in a variety of vocational paths within the field of religion. Prerequisite: BTS150.
BTS 350 - Theology and Popular Culture
(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) 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.
Choose one course:
PSY 221SS - Developmental Psychology: Childhood
(4 credits ) (NWCore option under Self and Society) This course explores the development of the child from the prenatal period into adolescence. Children's physical, cognitive, emotional, personality, social, moral and faith development is examined. Psychological research methods for studying children are covered.
PSY 224 - Developmental Psychology: Adolescence
(4 credits) Adolescents experience many changes in a few short years as they transition from childhood to adulthood. This course explores the major psychological issues and theories in adolescent development with emphasis on cognitive development, self-concept, peer relationships and sexuality, among others.
PSY 225 - Developmental Psychology: Adulthood
(4 credits) This course explores psychological issues and theories in normal adult development, with emphasis on cognitive, social and personality functioning from young adulthood to old age.
Electives:
BTS 260 - Christian Ethics
(2 credits, offered at the discretion of the department, consult department) A biblically based, theologically and historically informed study of both personal and social moral issues from a Christian perspective.
BTS 290 - Christian Witness and Community Development
(4 credits) A general overview of the biblical-theological foundations and historical context of whole Christian mission, with special emphasis upon modern cross-cultural mission theories, international and community development, and the theory and practice of restorative justice. Prerequisite: BTS250 or permission of instructor.
BTS 294 - Introduction to Christian Missions
No course description available.
BTS 317 - Topics in Old Testament Studies
(2 credits) A study of a single book or larger section of the Old Testament or a current area of critical inquiry concerning the Old Testament. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, the Pentateuch, the Historical Writings, the Prophets, and the Poetic and Wisdom books. Prerequisites: BTS150 and sophomore class standing.
Note: May be taken more than once provided a different topic is studied.
BTS 322 - Topics in New Testament Studies
(2 credits) A study of a single book or larger section of the New Testament or a current area of critical inquiry concerning the New Testament. Possible topics include the Synoptic Gospels, the Book of Acts, the Johannine Literature, the Epistolary Literature, and the Apocalypse. Prerequisite: BTS150 and sophomore class standing.
Note: May be taken more than once provided a different topic is studied.
BTS 370 - Calvin and Calvinism
(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) A study of John Calvin's INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, as well as a survey of other varieties of Reformed theology, including later Calvinism. Prerequisite: BTS250.
BTS 375 - Topics in Theology
(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) A study of one or more standard areas of theology, (such as the doctrines of
Revelation, God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, Humanity, Salvation, the Church, and Last Things) from a classical as well as a contemporary perspective. Prerequisites: BTS150 and BTS250.
Note: The course may be repeated for credit provided a different topic is studied.
BTS 382 - Religion in America
(4 credits) Focusing on the Christian tradition, this course will examine the individual, institutions, movements and faith traditions which have shaped and contributed to the American religious experience. To understand both the variety of and unity within the pluralist religious landscape, the course will seek to evaluate the interrelationship between religion and the broader social, cultural and political aspects of the American experience.
BTS 385 - Topics in Religion
(2-4 credits; alternate years, consult department) A study of an interdisciplinary area of religion, not sufficiently covered
by other courses, in response to student or faculty interests. Prerequisite: BTS250 or permission of instructor.
Note: This course may be repeated for credit provided a different topic is studied.
BTS 390CC - World Religions
(4 credits) (NWCore option under Cross-Cultural Engagement) The major religions of the world are examined in the light of the Christian faith. This course emphasizes the interaction of religion and culture with a view to cross-cultural understanding. In-depth research into a specific topic related to world religions is required.
Total credits required: 48-52
Recommended courses:
Students with Youth Ministry interest should take:
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.
PSY 224 - Developmental Psychology: Adolescence
(4 credits) Adolescents experience many changes in a few short years as they transition from childhood to adulthood. This course explores the major psychological issues and theories in adolescent development with emphasis on cognitive development, self-concept, peer relationships and sexuality, among others.
Students with Christian Education interest should take:
CEY 320 - Teaching and Learning Strategies
No course description available.
CEY 380 - Narrative and Spiritual Formation
No course description available.
Recommended cognates:
KIN 345 - Outdoor Recreation
(2 credits; non-yearly, consult department) Knowledge and skill in outdoor recreation activities including backpacking, camping, climbing, hiking and orienteering. Safety rules, survival and compass/ map reading are emphasized. Prerequisite: sophomore class standing.
MUS 115AE - Music of the Church
(3 credits) (NWCore option under Aesthetic Experience) This course provides an introduction to the fascinating and frustrating
history of how Christians have used, created, manipulated, or avoided music in their worship of God. Although each of us comes from our own denominational, geographical, and cultural backgrounds, we will seek to understand the whole historical sweep of Christian church music, as well as our own place in that history.
THE 305 - Story and Worship
(4 credits, alternate years, consult department) Christian worship, at its core, is remembering the story of God. This includes biblical stories, personal narratives, the Liturgical Year, church history (global and local), and the story journey of each worship service. This course asks why the church must tell its stories and provides specific tools for including stories within worship. This course is not primarily focused on storytelling as drama, but the role of the dramatic arts will not be overlooked. Students will be invited to seriously consider that the ancient Hebrew people had a dramatic anthology, and the class will examine together practical tools for restaging those biblical works for contemporary culture.
