Intercultural Studies

An introduction to exegesis and hermeneutics, with emphasis on developing an understanding of the history, methods, and principles of theological interpretation of Scripture.

An introductory study of the total education ministry of the church, particularly through age level ministry. Attention will be given to the teaching/learning process (including biblical teaching) and developing the learning community in the church.

A survey of the major movements and figures of the Christian Church from the New Testament through the end of the fifteenth century. Doctrine, polity, church life, and worship in each period will be covered. Required before CHI 3050, CHI 3070, and CHI 3130.

A survey of the history of the Church of the Nazarene with special attention given to its organization and distinctive mission. The relation of the Church of the Nazarene to North America Christianity and the American Holiness Movement will be covered.

An era-by-era survey of paradigm shifts in the understanding and practice of mission. Paradigms studied include biblical, Eastern Church, Medieval Roman Catholic, Protestant Reformation and Wesleyan, Enlightenment and Postmodern, as well as contemporary western and non-western expressions.

An examination of process of cultural immersion, including strategies for language and cultural learning, developing cultural intelligence, dealing with cultural shock and re-entry, and bonding. The course will address practical issues of life in another culture including the use of money, lifestyle decisions, practices of self and family care, and the ethics of cross-cultural friendships.

Field-based education in global mission at an approved ministry site. Graded S/U.

Cultural differences in leadership and administration. Strategies for church development, conflict resolution, cross-cultural mentoring and the development of indigenous leaders.

Anthropological insights for intercultural witness. Skill development in critical contextualization and in ethnographic study for insider understandings of culture.

An introductory course for all Religion majors, Intercultural Studies and Worship Arts Majors exploring such issues as the call to ministry, ordination, spiritual formation, and the minister as person. Grades S/U.

Grounded in the Missio Dei, an exploration of the role of God's people throughout Scripture and the ways in which that role has been understood and practiced in various historical eras. Attention is given to the mission of the local church, the practices of evangelism, justice and compassion, as well as cross-cultural mission.

An overview of the general care and counseling roles of pastoral ministry with attention given to a critical discernment of the various theories of counseling and the implementation of the broader task of directing the church toward pastoral care. Specialized subjects such as hospital visitation, grief counseling, family systems, and spiritual direction are addressed.

An introduction to homiletical theory, sermon preparation and practices, and sermon delivery within the context of the church's worship. This class introduces the student to the Christian calendar, the celebration of the sacraments, and preaching on special occasions (including weddings and funerals).

A Senior-level integrative course addressing issues of Christian moral thought, spirituality, and ministry within the context of ecclesial identity. Through a wide variety of readings and experiences, care is made to explore the student's ministerial identity and practice in the Church and in society. This course to be taken by Religion and Religious Studies majors in lieu of REL 4000.

An analysis of the biblical, historical, and theological resources for defining Christian perfection within the Wesleyan-holiness tradition.

A study of the nature of theology as a systematic, logical, and disciplined activity within the Wesleyan-holiness tradition. This course will consider theological method and the doctrine of God.

A theological analysis of the doctrine of humankind, Christ, Salvation, Spirit, Church, Sacraments, and Eschatology.

An introductory study of major world religions with express attention to each religion's self-conception and to Christian theological interpretation of the religions with emphasis upon missiological implications of intercultural and interreligious engagement.

A study of the primary methods of the discipline of Old Testament theology as well as the major theological themes of the Old Testament within their canonical context.

A study of the approaches, methods, and major developments within New Testament theology.