Program Overview
The major in Christian Ministries primarily prepares women and men for entry-level positions in congregational and para-church ministries. This program can also serve as a foundation for further education in a seminary setting. With its three concentrations, the major incorporates practical elements, but it also requires the student to acquire competency in biblical and theological reflection, which serve as the theoretical foundations for this course of study. Critical thinking and oral and written communication skills are also stressed.
The Congregational Ministries concentration provides the student with a broad course of study focusing on the diverse aspects of congregation-based work.
The Cross-Cultural Ministries concentration provides the student with skills and perspectives for intercultural service opportunities and partnerships with congregations world-wide and para-church mission organizations.
The Youth Ministries concentration provides the student with general orientation to ministry as well as focused study in the area of youth work.
In addition to meeting the major’s curricular requirements, all Christian Ministries majors are required to participate in the Department’s Fitness for Ministry program — cocurricular activities and expectations that assess and increase students’ fitness to pursue careers in Christian ministry. Program requirements include mandatory participation in spiritual formation groups during the sophomore and senior years, and the development and maintenance of a ministry portfolio that will be reviewed regularly by department faculty members. For more information on the Fitness for Ministry program, visit the Department website.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates from Messiah’s Christian Ministry program can:
- Describe basic theologies and practices of Christian spirituality.
- Develop a theological and practical foundation for the ministry/mission
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Demonstrate proficient writing for Christian Ministries
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Demonstrate competency in teaching in ministry
- Evaluate one’s gifts, strengths, and limitations with respect to a particular ministry experience (CHRM 391)
- Develop competencies for ministry through practical ministry experience
- Complete a 150-hour practicum experience in an approved ministry setting (CHRM 391)
- Reflect on one’s practicum experience in light of theories of ministry (CHRM 391)
- Evaluate one’s gifts, strengths, and limitations with respect to a particular ministry experience (CHRM 391)
7. Discover employment, voluntary service, and/or graduate opportunities in their chosen discipline.
8. Articulate the connections between Christian faith commitments and the academic study of faith and/or ministry