Christian Ministry

The Christian Ministry Program is a cooperative degree-completion program conducted by Trevecca Nazarene University for and with The Salvation Army Southern Territory for the sake of officer and cadet continuing education and academic advancement. In this sense the Christian Ministry Program seeks to partner with The Salvation Army's mission: "To encourage life-long learning by providing the Southern Territory with educational support for its officers, soldiers, employees and volunteers." In addition the program desires to model a collaborative spirit between Trevecca Nazarene University and The Salvation Army in providing an academic strategy that serves the participants by addressing their ongoing educational goals in dialogue with their current professional setting.

The Christian Ministry Program offers continuing education and baccalaureate credit for Salvantionists planning to develop their mission, leadership, and ministry skills. The program also seeks to encourage life-long learning by providing the Southern Territory with educational support for its officers, soldiers, employees, and volunteers.

Program Goals

The Christian Ministry Program offers the continuing education and baccalaureate credit for officers of The Salvation Army planning to develop their mission, leadership, and ministry skills. A Salvation Army officer/participant of this program should be able to:

  1. Define the most significant issues arising from his/her ministry.
  2. Identify resources for faithful ministry practice to the church and the world at large as Salvation Army officers.
  3. Define and value the need for theological reflection as an aspect of ministry.
  4. Define and appropriate the disciplines of the Christian faith for personal, ministerial growth.
  5. Define the meaning and significance of Biblical authority for theological reflection and Christian practice.
  6. Identify and frame key elements of intellectual thought for ministry.

Degree Requirements

How the degree is composed?

  • 30 hr Christian Ministry Major (at TNU & SFOT)*
  • 30 hr Gen. Ed. Component**
  • 60 hr Electives

120 hours total

How can I get those hours?

  1. Currently 30 hrs must be taken and passed at TNU and SFOT in course work under the Christian Ministry Program; this constitutes the "Major" and includes both the five required courses* and the five elective courses.
  2. The 90 hrs can come from either transfer/transient classes from specific accredited colleges (this includes online courses), and alternative assessments.

Alternative assessments include:

  1. Prior Learning Credit (up to 30 hours which only apply as elective hours).
    • SFOT Portfolio
    • Field Experience
  2. Transcribed Testing (up to 45 hours) via CLEP or DANTES (which can either apply toward general education or electives.)
  3. Military Experience (DD 214)
  4. Professional Schools and Training (PST)3.

PLEASE NOTE: It is important for the student to remember that the combination of alternative assessments can be no more than 50% of the degree (60 hours). However, the assessments may apply to either general education requirements or to elective hours.

*The five required core classes for the Christian Ministry Major:

  1. Principles of Management and Supervision
  2. Personal and Spiritual Development
  3. Pastoral Care and Counseling
  4. Wesleyan Holiness Theology
  5. One Biblical Exegesis and Exposition class

**The 30 hour General Education component is a set of knowledge areas in which all students must complete classes. The broad areas are:

  • Communications & Humanities
  • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
  • Social & Behavioral Sciences

Courses

CMN 3000 Biblical Literature and Interpretation (3)
An overview of the various forms of Biblical Literature, their place in the canon, and the interpretive frameworks used for understanding utilizing these forms in preaching and teaching.

CMN 3100 Biblical Exegesis and Exposition from the Pentateuch (3)
An examination of the Pentateuch, with special attention given to one book from that section of scripture, for both a clearer understanding of the text and its application for preaching/teaching in the local church. This course may be repeated if focus is on a different book of the Bible.

CMN 3150 Biblical Exegesis and Exposition from Old Testament History (3)
An examination of Old Testament History, with special attention given to one book from that section of scripture, for both a clearer understanding of the text and its application for preaching/teaching in the local church. This course may be repeated if focus is on a different book of the Bible.

CMN 3200 Biblical Exegesis and Exposition from the Prophets (3)
An examination of the prophets, with special attention given to one book from that section of scripture, for both a clearer understanding of the text and its application for preaching/teaching in the local church. This course may be repeated if focus is on a different book of the Bible.

CMN 3250 Biblical Exegesis and Exposition from Psalms and Wisdom Literature (3)
An examination of the Psalms and wisdom literature, with special attention given to one book from that section of scripture, for both a clearer understanding of the text and its application for preaching/teaching in the local church.

CMN 3300 Biblical Exegesis and Exposition from the Synoptic Gospels (3)
An examination of the synoptic Gospels, with special attention given to one book from that section of scripture, for both a clearer understanding of the text and its application for preaching/teaching in the local church. This course may be repeated if focus is on a different book of the Bible.

CMN 3350 Biblical Exegesis and Exposition from Paul’s Letters (3)
An examination of Paul’s letters, with special attention given to one book from that section of scripture for both a clearer understanding of the text and its application for preaching/teaching in the local church. This course may be repeated if focus is on a different book of the Bible.

CMN 3400 Biblical Exegesis and Exposition from the Johannine Writings (3)
An examination of the John’s writings, with special attention given to one book from that section of scripture for both a clearer understanding of the text and its application for preaching/teaching in the local church. This course may be repeated if focus is on a different book of the Bible.

CMN 3450 Biblical Exegesis and Exposition from the New Testament History and Writings
An examination of the Book of Acts and NT writings (particularly the general epistles), with special attention given to one book from that section of scripture, for both a clearer understanding of the text and its application for preaching/teaching in the local church. This course may be repeated if focus is on a different book of the Bible.

CMN 3500 Biblical Exegesis and Exposition Special Studies in the Bible (3)
A special study of an aspect of biblical literature, with particular attention given to one book from that section of scripture, for both a clearer understanding of the text and its application for preaching/teaching in the local church. This course may be repeated if focus is on a different book of the Bible.

CMN 3800 Survey of Christian History (3)
A survey of movements and issues in the history of Christianity and their implication for contemporary ministry.

CMN 3010 Introduction to Christian Theology (3)
A survey of the primary Christian doctrines and the manner in which they have developed in the church.

CMN 3050 Themes in Biblical Theology (3)
An overview of the theological themes that emerge from the Old Testament and New Testament and their implication for ministry.

CMN 3850 Theology of the Church (3)
An exploration of the key theological themes that influence a definition of the Church and its ministry.

CMN 4000 Critical and Constructive Thinking (2)
A review of key principles in reasoning, argument and constructive thinking for the sake of ministry in a complex social setting.

CMN 4050 Wesleyan Holiness Theology (3)
An exploration of the biblical, historical, and doctrinal sources for articulating a Wesleyan holiness theology for the local congregation.

CMN 4100 Contemporary Theology (3)
A survey of contemporary issues and themes in theology and their implication for ministry.

CMN 4120 Christian Ethics (3)
An exploration of the basis of Christian ethical decision making through the study of the major thinkers, practices, and sources and methods of moral inquiry that inform Christian living, service, and discipleship. Special attention will be given to issues that call for a Christian ethical response.

CMN 4800 Special Topics in Theology and Philosophy (3)
A special study of key theological and/or philosophical issues that influence ministry. This course may be repeated if focus is on a different theological/philosophical theme.

CMN 4200 Principles of Management and Supervision (3)
An examination of the basic issues of leadership and administration associated with Salvation Army ministry. Special attention will be given to basic principles of management and supervision of a local ministry.

CMN 4250 Personal and Spiritual Development (3)
A course examining personal and spiritual issues in the local minister with suggestion for ongoing growth and development. This course examines both traditional challenges and contemporary issues facing ministers in their ongoing journey as pastors and as persons.

CMN 4300 Discipleship and Lay Leadership (3)
An examination issues that Salvation Army ministers face in guiding the formative processes of the local church; particularly in developing and empowering lay leadership for the sake of church and society.

CMN 4850 Special Topics in Leadership and Personal Development (3-4)
A special study of key ministerial leadership and/or development issues that influence ministry. This course may be repeated if focus is on a different topic.

CMN 4500 Pastoral Care and Counseling (3)
Basic issues and strategies that inform the overall care of the local church as well as specific counseling issues faced by ministers.

CMN 4550 Social Services and Ministry (3)
A survey of the various approaches to social ministry including strategies for engaging the social setting in light of current issues, networking for ministry, and assessing ministry impact.

CMN 4600 Worship (3)
A review of the various aspects of worship, musical and non-musical, in dialog with historic and contemporary expressions.

CMN 4650 Christian Education (3)
A review of the design and dynamics of faithful educational ministry including basic issues of curriculum development, teaching/learning, and program development.

CMN 4700 Urban Ministry (3)
A review of ministerial approaches that take the city as their primary ministry context. Particular attention given to understanding urban settings, developing a theology for engaging the city, and developing faithful ministry practices for transformation.

CMN 4750 Perspectives in Preaching (3)
Overview of contemporary approaches to preaching including theoretical and practical application in sermon design and delivery.

CMN 4825 Evangelism for Emerging Cultures (3)
An examination of the salvation mission in light of the biblical mandate. Particular attention will be given to methods, styles, and resources of evangelism as well as to the issues of cultural diversity and world religions.

CMN 4900 Special Topics in Ministry Skills (3-4)
A special study of key ministry skills that influence ministry. This course may be repeated if focus is on a different topic.

Faculty

Policies

Attendance Policy

Regular class attendance is an important obligation and each student is responsible for all work conducted in class meetings. In emergency situations, a student may request to the faculty member, with approval by the Associate Director of the Christian Ministry Program, for missed sessions to be audio or video recorded (the student is responsible to provide for this). In addition to the student’s listening/watching the recording, the faculty member may require further work in order to make up for the missed sessions. The student must be in attendance for a minimum of 85% of the class sessions in order for this request to be considered. Appeal may be made to the dean of the School of Religion for further flexibility.

Academic Honesty

To protect the integrity of your university degree, academic honesty is expected of all students at Trevecca Nazarene University. TNU students are held to high standards of academic ethics, personal honesty, and moral integrity. Trevecca enforces these standards by dealing with academic dishonesty fairly and firmly. If plagiarism (using another’s statements or thoughts without giving the source appropriate credit) is confirmed, the assignment receives a grade of zero. The assignment is to be resubmitted properly (although the zero grade remains). Cheating on an exam, falsifying documentation, and dishonesty in reporting reading are just a few of the infractions that are grounds for course failure and/or program termination.

Disability Accommodations

Trevecca Nazarene University provides disability support services. Anyone who feels they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability and who would like to receive accommodations must register with Disability Services, in the Center for Leadership, Calling, and Service, room 212, 615-248-1346.

Late Work Policy

Papers need to be postmarked, or dated (emailed submissions) on or before the designated due dates. Each day (not counting Sundays) your assignment is late your grade on that assignment will be dropped by 10% (Degree Students).

Electronic Submissions

If an electronic submission is acceptable to the professor, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure the professor received the assignment.

Required Paper Format and Product

Papers should conform to the MLA standards for citations and formatting.

A polished product (with proper grammar and spelling, structured writing, and mature thought) is expected. Ask yourself:

  • Is the paper clearly written and logically organized?
  • Does it have a coherent argument toward a stated conclusion?
  • Have I, the writer, articulated a definite position of my own?
  • When other texts or positions are engaged, are they adequately understood, fairly characterized, and cited appropriately?
  • Does the paper follow sound conventions of academic writing, and is it polished?

It is advised that students ask a trusted colleague or friend to proofread their work after the student himself has proofread his paper.

Writing help is available from Trevecca’s Academic Support Center. Please email your paper to writingservices@trevecca.edu along with the following information:

  • Class Name
  • Specific assignment requirements (or attach the class syllabus)
  • Date the paper is due

A writing tutor will read the document and respond with suggestions for improvement. Please allow at least four days for the process.

Disclaimer

Please note that all digital communication content exchanged as part of this course, including e-mail, online discussions, and chat sessions, are the responsibility of and owned solely by the author. It is also understood that all digital exchanges are submitted freely by each student.

Cell Phones/Internet

As a courtesy to the professor and other students cell phones (calls & text) and internet connections (email & surfing) are not to be utilized during class. In rare situations taking a personal call or text message may be appropriate, but arrangements should be made in advance with the instructor.

Contact Us

For additional information, please contact:

The Christian Ministry Program, School of Religion
Trevecca Nazarene University
333 Murfreesboro Road
Nashville, TN 37210

615-248-7766
Fax: 615-248-7417
salvationarmy@trevecca.edu

The Salvation Army (Southern Territory) School for Continuing Education.

Catalog 2012-2013
Christian Ministry Program Application