Department of Practical Theology

MIN 108, Christian Life, Faith, and Ministry, 3 Units

The theological, educational, and social bases for ministry and service are examined. An analysis of the church's responsibility and methods for carrying out the ministry mandate of Jesus is emphasized. Meets the General Education Requirement: Christian Life, Faith, Ministry. 

MIN 206, Introduction to Practical Theology, 3 Units

This course introduces students to practical theology methods for integrating Christian faith with the attitudes and activities of contemporary society. Students examine contemporary practices in various aspects of life and learn how to develop uniquely Christian positions and actions using various approaches associated with practical theology. Special emphasis is given to training students in processes that equip them to discern Christian responses and initiatives in the midst of a rapidly changing global environment.

MIN 300, Writing 3: Culture and Ministry, 3 Units

This course helps students understand the interplay between cultural awareness and effective ministry. Cultural forces are constantly shifting so emphasis is placed on ethnographic principles and practices as valuable to a minister in order to effectively engage people in various contexts. It will also invest considerable time inside and outside the classroom into enhancing students' written communication as an invaluable tool for expressing their ideas clearly and in a convincing fashion in contemporary cultural contexts. Meets the General Education Requirement: Writing 3: Writing in the Disciplines. 

Prerequisite: MINC 200 or MINY 203, Writing 2 requirement, Junior Standing & GPA 2.5

MIN 301, Adolescent Development in Family Ministry, 3 Units

This course equips students to integrate practical theology and adolescent developmental theory to empower church communities in cultivating ministry to adolescents and their families toward lifelong flourishing and faith commitment. Emphasis is placed on gaining an understanding of current research in adolescent developmental psychology while considering its implications in contemporary family ministry models.

Prerequisite: MINC 200 or MINY 203; WRIT 200 or MIN 206; and completed General Education Humanities: Social Sciences requirement, junior or senior standing, or department consent.

MIN 336, Family Development and Ministry, 3 Units

This course equips students to design and apply practical theology methods and programs that empower the family. Specific focus is placed upon the family in its cultural setting, and the development needs of various family members at particular stages of life.

Prerequisite: WRIT 200 or MIN 206 and PSYC 290 or completed Humanities: Social Science General Education requirement.

MIN 350, Mentoring and Small Groups, 3 Units

The theology and practice of mentoring and small group involvement is studied in the context of relational discipleship and spiritual formation. Topics for study include leadership, group formation, group dynamics, small group models and purpose, program development, the range of mentoring possibilities, communication models, and models for spiritual transformation.

Prerequisite: MINC 200 or MINY 203 and WRIT 200 or MIN 206

MIN 401, Christian Ministry Internship I, 3 Units

This course develops a student's ability to blend Christian theology and Christian practice by integrating classroom learning, hands-on practice, spiritual formation, mentoring, and critical reflection on the practice of the Christian faith. Course work covers: biblical and theological foundations of Christian practice, the context in which the Christian faith is to be practiced, and the dynamic relationship between the two. Students are required to serve an average minimum of 6 hours per week in hands-on field experience. Students must also participate in small groups for reflection, mentoring, and spiritual formation.

Prerequisite: WRIT 200 or MIN 206, MIN 300, THEO 200, two General Education UBBL courses, and GPA 2.5.

MIN 402, Christian Ministry Internship II, 3 Units

This course is a continuation of the first semester and has a similar format in terms of classroom experience, field experience, and small groups. It further develops a student's ability to blend Christian theology and ministry by utilizing a method of reflecting theologically on the practice of Christian faith and facilitating the ability to clearly state and defend one's own theology for Christian ministry. Students are required to serve an average minimum of 8 hours per week in hands-on field experience.

Prerequisite: MIN 401

MIN 417, The Art of Leadership, 3 Units

This course teaches students to critically integrate Christian theology with best leadership practices in church ministry and non-profit ministry environments. The course equips students to create actions and practices that have a positive, transformative Christian impact in the lives of those we serve and those who serve with us. Students will learn to develop these actions and practices in their internships.

Prerequisite: GPA 2.5, WRIT 200 or MIN 206, THEO 200, two General Education UBBL courses.

Corequisite: MIN 401

MIN 495, Topics in Ministry, 3 Units

This course engages in a focused and intensive study of particular topics of direct relevance and urgency in the practice of Christian ministry and youth ministry. Topics vary from semester to semester, and this course may be taken more than once as topics change.

MIN 496, Senior Seminar: Church and Society, 3 Units

Students use practical theology methods learned in class to create an integrated Christian response to a contemporary social issue. It considers the ethical, spiritual, and community causes and impacts of social issues and teaches students to develop informed Christian responses to them. This course is taught in a seminar format that includes major papers developed over the course of the semester, leading class discussions, and a presentation. Meets the General Education Requirement: Integrative and Applied Learning. 

Prerequisite: Senior standing, Writing 3, and completion of the majority of the units required from the Biblical, Theological, and Philosophical Formation category in General Education.

MINC 105, Introduction to Global Vision, 1 Unit

Students are exposed to opportunities for Christian service abroad while gaining an overview of the present progress of the Great Commission. Does not count toward the Christian ministries major.

MINC 110, Introduction to Intercultural Christian Ministries, 3 Units

Students are exposed to intercultural Christian service opportunities while gaining an overview of the present progress of the Great Commission. Requires participation in spring or summer short-term mission experience through the Institute of Outreach Ministries or an APU sponsoring office with final grade 'In Progress' until deadline for service requirement reflection is reached. This course serves as a prerequisite for the Intercultural Christian ministries concentration. Students must complete all course requirements by the first day of the fall semester.

MINC 200, Introduction to Contemporary Christian Ministries, 3 Units

This course exposes students to various ministry contexts and vocations while they begin to form a philosophy and theology of ministry. Emphasis is on the theological, philosophical, and practical viability of current ministry models while identifying unique emphases relevant to particular contexts. Students engage in an assessment of their own gifts, personality traits, and ministry calling in light of exposure to ministry options.

Prerequisite: MIN 108 (may be taken concurrently)

MINC 253, Evangelism and Discipleship, 3 Units

Students in this course develop a biblically informed approach to evangelism and discipleship as a central purpose of the Church. Students explore this purpose in light of Jesus' mission statement, "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matt. 28:19). This course carefully examines the necessary building blocks for producing an evangelistic, disciple-making Church community, with a significant focus on understanding the process of individual and corporate spiritual formation.

Prerequisite: 2.5 GPA, MINC 200 or MINY 203, and WRIT 200 or MIN 206.

MINC 318, Theology and Practice of Ministry, 3 Units

The life and work of the Christian pastor is studied with attention to the broad range of duties, rituals, and responsibilities for which the contemporary Christian pastor is expected to have competency. Topics for study include administration of sacraments, church finance, staff administration, worship, church boards, pastoral visitation, and evangelism.

Prerequisite: MINC 200 or MINY 203 and WRIT 200 or MIN 206

MINC 326, Effective Teaching in Christian Education, 3 Units

Students study the principles and procedures involved in effective classroom teaching: philosophies of teaching, methods, the teaching-learning process, motivation, guidance, integration, and evaluation.

Prerequisite: MINC 200 or MINY 203 and WRIT 200 or MIN 206

MINC 330, Intercultural Ministries, 3 Units

The course provides an understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with intercultural ministry in and beyond the local church. Biblical, eschatological, missiological, socio-cultural and practical issues are explored with the goal of providing conceptual tools for analyzing, adapting, and creating practical ways to respectfully reach, embrace and engage those from diverse cultural contexts as members of the body of Christ. Meets the General Education Requirement: Intercultural Competence. 

Prerequisite: MINC 200 or MINY 203 and WRIT 200 or MIN 206

MINC 346, Ministry to the City, 4 Units

This course provides the student with a broad introduction to the unique challenges and opportunities for Christian ministry in an urban context with special attention to some of the most effective methods and tools for doing urban ministry. Students are encouraged to reflect on their own lifestyles and future ministry choices in light of the needs of the city and the response of the gospel in meeting human need. Exposure to city life and church-based organizations working for the shalom of the city provide a dynamic context for the various learning activities in this course.

Prerequisite: MINC 200 or MINY 203 and WRIT 200 or MIN 206

MINC 370, Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling, 3 Units

Pastoral counseling as a specialized ministry within the field of pastoral care will be explored didactically and practically in the preparation of persons who plan to do pastoral counseling and pastoral psychology. This course will engage in interdisciplinary examination of the physiological, cultural, theological, and biblical understanding of care and counseling. A survey of counseling theory from an integrative perspective, with attention to particular ministry issues will be incorporated into a practical format in a community setting.

Prerequisite: MINC 200 or MINY 203, WRIT 200 or MIN 206, and completed Humanities: Social Science General Education requirement.

MINC 405, Christian Mission in the 21st Century, 3 Units

This course is an introduction to the biblical, historical, and theological foundations of missions in a contemporary world setting, both globally and locally. The call, context, and preparation for missionary service are examined.

Prerequisite: MINC 200 or MINY 203 and WRIT 200 or MIN 206 (not required for non-youth ministry/Christian ministries majors).

MINC 406, History and Philosophy of Christian Education, 3 Units

The history of educational theory, with emphasis on objective and philosophical problems and biblical bases, is covered in this course.

Prerequisite: WRIT 200 or MIN 206

MINC 408, Principles of Preaching, 3 Units

This course offers a study of classical homiletics and a variety of sermonic methodologies. Sound hermeneutical principles in exegesis of Scripture and the worship setting of the sermon with emphasis on the delivery of effective expository sermons in the contemporary world are covered.

Prerequisite: WRIT 200 or MIN 206, MINC 200 or MINY 203, UBBL 3xx/4xx.

MINC 416, Communicating the Gospel, 3 Units

This course assists the student in following Jesus' model of a people "filled with grace and truth" (John 1:14). Special attention is given to writing, speaking, teaching, interpersonal communication, body language, problem solving, and other critical tasks necessary to being a Christian and carrying out the Great Commission.

Prerequisite: WRIT 200 or MIN 206, MINC 200 or MINY 203, UBBL 3xx/4xx.

MINC 420, Suffering: Theological and Practical Perspectives on Disabilities, 3 Units

This course examines theological perspectives to understand the role of suffering in the human experience. Focusing on persons with disabilities, students explore their personal values, gain understanding of bio-psycho-social-spiritual components of disability, access available resources, and develop strategies to help churches/agencies develop inclusive programs.

Prerequisite: 3 units of UBBL and Junior standing

MINC 430, Race, Reconciliation, and Ministry, 3 Units

This course prepares students to engage people in ministry in a contemporary culture that is increasingly multiethnic. To equip students to be more culturally intelligent, course material guides them in an exploration of the historical and contemporary relationships between race, theology, and ecclesiology in Western culture, with the intent of developing a commitment to reconciliation grounded in their theological convictions. Meets the General Education Requirement: Intercultural Competence. 

Prerequisite: WRIT 3

MINC 446, Children's Educational Ministries, 3 Units

Childhood development, the needs of children in contemporary society, and biblical and theological perspectives on children are examined, with an emphasis on discerning the church's role in nurturing spiritual formation in the faith community.

Prerequisite: MINC 200 or MINY 203, WRIT 200 or MIN 206, and PSYC 290; completed Humanities: Social Science General Education requirement.

MINC 456, Ministry Organization and Administration, 3 Units

This course examines the process of ordering the ministry of the church or parachurch community for the greatest effectiveness. This order is to be understood theologically as a means of creating the most ideal context possible for the Holy Spirit to minister to and through people. All aspects of strategic planning, church organization, and administration are addressed.

Prerequisite: MINC 200 or MINY 203 and WRIT 200 or MIN 206

MINC 466, Adult Development and Spiritual Formation, 3 Units

The course examines the process and contexts by which adults mature engaging biblical and theological foundations for adult development and spiritual formation that takes adult characteristics, needs, life-cycle, and learning patterns into consideration.

Prerequisite: WRIT 200 or MIN 206, MIN 300 and MIN 301 or department consent

MINC 467, Spiritual Transformation, 3 Units

The course examines the process and contexts by which persons mature, engaging biblical and theological foundations for spiritual transformation that takes developmental characteristics, needs, life cycles, and learning patterns into consideration. The course emphasizes community and individuals.

Prerequisite: MIN 300, MIN 301, or department consent

MINC 486, Urban Ministry Practicum, 6 Units

The practicum is intended to provide students with a broad understanding of urban life and ministry. The practicum develops a student's ability to interface theory and practice, theology and ministry, by integrating classroom learning, hands-on practice, spiritual formation, mentoring, and critical reflection on the practice of the Christian faith in an urban setting. During the practicum, the student is required to live, work, worship, and study in the city.

Prerequisite: WRIT 200 or MIN 206, MINC 346 or MINC 487.

MINC 487, Exegeting the City, 3 Units

This course explores the development of a "hermeneutic" for understanding the built environment as a means to engage the city and enhance ministry opportunities. Discussion centers on physical, sensory indicators of community needs and resources. The goal is to more adequately contextualize Christian urban ministry. Topics include community mapping, needs assessment, resource identification, measurement of change, and strategic ministry development. Course work is taught at a graduate level, but undergraduates are welcome.

Prerequisite: MINC 200 or MINY 203 and WRIT 200 or MIN 206

MINC 497, Readings, 1-4 Units

This is a program of study concentrating on assigned readings, discussions, and writing arranged between, and designed by, a student of upper-division standing and a full-time professor. May be repeated for credit. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class.

Prerequisite: WRIT 200 or MIN 206

MINC 498, Directed Research, 1-4 Units

This course provides instruction in research design and technique, and gives students experience in the research process. The one-unit expectation encompasses no less than 30 hours of work with accompanying reading, log, writing, and seminar presentation within the department or in a university research symposium. No more than one unit may be used to fulfill preparatory readings requirement. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing

MNCE 310, Practical Theology and Contemporary Issues, 3 Units

Students in this course learn to apply specific methodologies associated with the discipline of practical theology to reflect on and respond in appropriate ways to a contemporary issue, informed by significant theological reflection and cross-disciplinary insight. The specific topic addressed varies each semester based on issues arising in contemporary culture that require careful theological reflection.

Prerequisite: WRIT 200 or MIN 206, THEO 200, PHIL 301, and junior standing or department consent

MNCE 415, Practical Theology and Vocational Engagement, 3 Units

This capstone course for the cultural engagement minor enhances a student's ability to identify and skillfully utilize principles characteristic of the discipline of practical theology to develop a theologically informed perspective regarding issues related to their chosen major or perceived vocational aspirations. Students engage in a cross-disciplinary research project in order to demonstrate their ability to relate methodologies and perspectives associated with practical theology to a specific issue or experience they will encounter in the context of their professional lives.

Prerequisite: VOC 200, MNCE 310, and senior standing.

PHIL 301, Practical Ethics, 3 Units

In this course, students both (1) learn the fundamental theories and principles that influence contemporary ethical discourse, and (2) develop the ability to apply these theories and principles to contemporary moral problems. Meets the General Education Requirement: Civic Knowledge and Engagement. 

THEO 200, Theology and the Christian Life, 3 Units

This course provides an introduction to the beliefs of the Christian Church and their implications for Christian living. Meets the General Education Requirement: Theology. 

Prerequisite: PHIL 100, HUM 224, or HUM 324 (may be taken concurrently); or department consent.

VOC 200, Exploring Vocation, 3 Units

This course seeks to clarify the assumptions that undergird the Interdisciplinary Major by introducing students to the concept of vocation from a Christian perspective. By developing a theology of vocation, students will see how God calls Christian disciples to engage in work, across the domains, in individualized, ethical, and strategic ways. The class prepares students to engage their academic study with an eye to becoming well-prepared for faithful service in the field of work to which God is calling them. Meets the General Education Requirement: Civic Knowledge and Engagement. 

VOC 450, Interdisciplinary Internship, 3 Units

This course provides an opportunity for directed experiences in applying the principles and skills learned throughout the interdisciplinary studies program while performing specific tasks. Internships are arranged individually by the participants and supervised directly by the instructor. Tasks may include career training and group leadership. Enrollment is contingent upon department approval. Three units must be taken for the Interdisciplinary Studies major; an additional three units may be taken for credit toward graduation. *Enrollment in this class also fulfills the General Education Integrative and Applied Learning requirement as long as students complete a total of 120 internship hours. Meets the General Education Requirement: Integrative and Applied Learning. 

Prerequisite: MINC 200 and MIN 300

VOC 499, Interdisciplinary Capstone, 3 Units

According to a 2013 article from The Chronicle of Higher Education, Employers Want Broadly Educated New Hires. In light of this [consistent] revelation, this course provides students with the learning experience that intentionally brings together all of the previous learning in their respective Interdisciplinary academic journey, pulling together content from multiple areas, held together with a common thread, focused on one's post-college vocational call and identity. Students will showcase their learning from the entire degree's worth of coursework by way of a final project comprised of three major components. Along with the final project, students will engage in thoughtful reading assignments and meaningful dialogue, thus helping to prepare them for successful careers, fully prepared to faithfully engage their future careers as professionals broadly educated, adaptive, thoughtful, and concerned with personal and social responsibility.

Prerequisite: VOC 200 and VOC 300

WRIT 200, Writing 2: Writing for Christian Practice, 3 Units

In this course, students will critically assess the writing styles, questions, and arguments of one or more disciplines in order to better understand what is considered persuasive and effective writing in those fields. Students will respond to and evaluate writing, methodologies, ideas, and arguments and practice rhetorical strategies being employed in their own field. Meets the General Education Requirement: Writing 2: Genre, Evidence, and Persuasion. 

Prerequisite: GE 100, MIN 108; HON 101 or C- or Better in WRIT 110