CF 510 • Introduction to Children's, Youth and Family Ministry 4 Credits
Exploration of the biblical foundations of ministry to children, youth, and families will be addressed in this course. Examination of current theories, contemporary models, developmental perspectives, and biblical, practical and ethical considerations of evangelism of children and youth in the local and global context.
CF 610 • Ministry with Families Throughout the Life Cycle 4 Credits
Explores church ministry with families, emphasizing leadership that strengthens family life and nurtures faith at home. Analyzes family types, relationships, and the family life cycle to identify educational opportunities. Applies practical models and ministry strategies to support families across life stages.
CF 620 • The Teaching Learning Process 4 Credits
Examines theological, biblical, and philosophical foundations of Christian teaching. Applies curricular theory to ministry contexts and develops original lessons for children, youth, and families. Assesses personal learning and teaching styles, evaluates curricula, and practices peer and self-review skills transferable to teacher training and leadership.
A participation fee is associated with this course.
CF 630 • Leadership in Children's, Youth, and Family Ministry 4 Credits
Explores theological and biblical foundations for ministry to children, including at-risk youth. Analyzes leadership character, skills, and strategy while assessing organizational culture and dynamics. Develops team-building and staff-development techniques, applies management strategies, and evaluates personal and professional growth in ministry leadership.
CF 670 • Directed Study in Children's and Family Ministries 1-9 Credits
Research and study by arrangement with the professor.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
CF 699PT • Portfolio in Children's and Family Ministry 0.5-6 Credits
Portfolio course of preselected topics within an existing course in the field of Children's and Family Ministry.
Special Notes: Portfolio courses are created upon request with permission by an overseeing Program Director.
CF 772 • Seminar in Children's, Youth, and Family Ministry 2 Credits
A Master of Divinity or Doctor of Ministry concentration course; an in-depth study of a particular Children's, Youth, and Family Ministry theme.
Special Notes: Fulfills DMin elective requirements.
CF 774 • Seminar in Children's, Youth, and Family Ministry 4 Credits
A Master of Divinity or Doctor of Ministry concentration course; an in-depth study of a particular Children's, Youth, and Family Ministry theme.
Special Notes: Fulfills DMin elective requirements.
CF 899PT • Portfolio in Children's and Family Ministry 0.5-6 Credits
Preselected topics within an existing course in the field of Children's and Family Ministry.
Special Notes: Portfolio courses are created upon request with permission by an overseeing Program Director.
MF 611 • Foundations of Marriage and Family Studies 3 Credits
Examines the historical development and theoretical foundations of marriage and family studies, theological issues in the study of marriage and family, and the practice of marriage and family therapy. Special attention paid to family systems theory. Examination of assumptions about families and increased congruence between theological convictions and theoretical perspectives.
MF 612 • Families in Context: Gender, Class and Culture 3 Credits
Explores differences in family structure and interaction related to race, ethnicity, culture, and socioeconomic status. The influences of gender role perceptions are examined. Students identify challenges of providing therapy and pastoral care to families who differ from themselves in terms of gender, class, and culture.
Prerequisites: MF 611.
MF 613 • Dynamics of Family Interaction: Sexuality, Spirituality and Socialization 3 Credits
Analyzes dynamic processes of family relationships such as love and intimacy; communication; shame; power; stress; and coping. Family changes are addressed. Special attention paid to how couples and families interact around issues of sexuality and spirituality. Development of awareness of the influences on family dynamics in families of origin.
Prerequisites: MF 611.
MF 621 • Individual Development Within the Family 3 Credits
Explores the development of individuals within the family over the life cycle. Childhood, adolescent, and adult development and aging are examined with attention given to physical, spiritual, intellectual, and social development and their implications for the practice of therapy and pastoral care.
Prerequisites: MF 611.
MF 622 • Individual and Family Psychopathology I 3 Credits
Helps students understand and identify individual and relational problems and gain awareness of abnormal and/or unhealthy development of individuals and relationships. Includes an introduction to and critique of the most current DSM diagnostic criteria.
Prerequisites: MF 611, MF 621, (may be taken concurrently).
MF 623 • Individual and Family Psychopathology II 3 Credits
Helps students assess and diagnose relational problems and mental illness and disorders in children, adolescents, and adults. Includes thorough interaction with the most current DSM diagnostic criteria.
Prerequisites: MF 611, MF 622.
MF 624 • Challenges over the Family Life Cycle 3 Credits
Students examine therapeutic strategies for addressing developmental issues throughout the family life cycle, such as marriage preparation, transition to parenthood, parenting over the life cycle, work and family issues, chronic illness, and aging.
Prerequisites: MF 611.
MF 631 • Professional and Ethical Issues in Marriage & Family Therapy 3 Credits
Addresses legal and ethical situations arising in the practice of marital and family therapy and examine unique challenges of maintaining appropriate boundaries within ministry settings. Issues of professional development are discussed, and students are encouraged to develop strategies for continuing professional, personal, and spiritual growth.
Prerequisites: MF 611.
MF 640 • Clinical Skills in Marriage and Family Therapy 3 Credits
Theory and essential skills in the practice of Marriage Family Therapy. Develops a better understanding of the therapy process through foundational theories and concepts. Introduces theories and techniques of individual, group, couples, and family therapy. Training and practice in basic therapy skills, providing experiential exposure to therapy processes.
MF 641 • Theories of Marriage and Family Therapy 3 Credits
Reviews and critiques major approaches to family therapy, including structural, strategic, transgenerational, experiential, object relations, contextual, systemic, and emerging models from theological and theoretical perspectives. Practices techniques in class and examines therapy’s role in pastoral care. Encourages students to articulate their own approaches with families.
Prerequisites: MF 611.
MF 642 • Couple and Family Assessment 3 Credits
Explores theoretical perspectives on marital and family assessment and introduces common personality and relationship assessment tools. Develops skills for diagnostic assessment, treatment planning, and initial family therapy sessions. Integrates medical and systemic approaches to enable effective collaboration with healthcare and regulatory professionals.
Prerequisites: MF 611.
MF 643 • Advanced Clinical Issues 3 Credits
Focuses on developing therapeutic and pastoral care strategies based on research, theory, and theological reflection to address issues such as separation and divorce, single-parent and remarried families, infertility, adultery, sexual dysfunction, abuse and violence in the family, and addictive and compulsive behaviors.
Prerequisites: MF 611 and MF 642.
MF 651 • Research Design & Evaluation in Marriage & Family Therapy 3 Credits
Students explore the interpretation and design of qualitative and quantitative research in family issues and in processes and outcomes of marriage and family therapy. Principles of understanding and critiquing published research are examined, with the goal of enabling students to use current literature to ground their therapeutic and pastoral responses to family concerns.
Prerequisites: MF 611.
MF 670 • Directed Study in Marriage and Family Studies 1-9 Credits
Research and study by arrangement with the professor.
Special Notes: Permission is required.
MF 699PT • Portfolio in Marriage and Family 0.5-6 Credits
Preselected topics within an existing course in the field of Marriage and Family.
Special Notes: Portfolio courses are created upon request with permission by an overseeing Program Director.
MF 711 • Supervised Clinical Experience I 3 Credits
Along with MF 712, this unit constitutes a nine month practicum including 300 hours of clinical contact and 80 hours of supervision by a licensed marriage and family therapist and/or an AA M.F.T.- approved supervisor. The practicum must conform to the guidelines of the M.F.T. program manual.
Prerequisites: MF 631 and permission of the director of the M.F.T. program. $200 software fee. Special Notes: This course is unavailable to Audit. A continuation fee of $375 is assessed for any semester of participation in group supervision beyond the second S.C.E. unit for Marriage, Family, Therapy students, or for any extension required in certificate programs.
MF 712 • Supervised Clinical Experience II 3 Credits
Along with MF 711, this unit constitutes a nine month practicum including 300 hours of clinical contact and 80 hours of supervision by a licensed marriage and family therapist and/or an AA M.F.T.- approved supervisor. The practicum must conform to the guidelines of the M.F.T. program manual.
Prerequisites: MF 631 and permission of the director of the Marriage, Family, Therapy program. Special Notes: Audit unavailable. A continuation fee of $375 is assessed for any semester of participation in group supervision beyond the second S.C.E. unit for M.F.T. students, or for any extension required in certificate programs.
MF 713 • Supervised Clinical Experience Extension 0 Credit
Continued enrollment beyond the last term of Internship registration, required when the internship is incomplete. The extension allows students continued access to university resources. Student must be registered in an extension course at the time the internship is finalized and receives a grade.
Special Notes: This course includes a $357 fee.
MF 780 • Senior Integrative Seminar: Worldview, Ethics, and Practice 3 Credits
Integrates theoretical, theological, and clinical elements to develop a coherent worldview for professional therapy and ministry. Examines epistemological theories, ethical dimensions of clinical practice and research, and paradigms of virtue ethics and wisdom to guide effective work with individuals and families.
Prerequisites: MF 611. Special Notes: Limited to graduating seniors in the M.A.M.F.T. degree program. Audit not available.
MF 899PT • Portfolio in Marriage and Family 0.5-6 Credits
Preselected topics within an existing course in the field of Marriage and Family.
Special Notes: Portfolio courses are created upon request with permission by an overseeing Program Director.
ML 540 • Transformational Leadership 4 Credits
Develops leadership and management skills for congregational contexts. Explores biblical-theological foundations for leadership, moral agency, and church polity. Analyzes collaboration, innovation, change, conflict management, and organizational strengths. Applies psychological research, legal, and financial strategies to lead effectively while protecting vulnerable populations.
ML 545 • Discipleship and Worship 4 Credits
Articulates biblical-theological foundations for discipleship, spiritual formation, Christian education, and worship. Analyzes historical and contemporary approaches to discipleship and worship, teaching the Bible effectively, fostering in-person and online community, and planning worship, prayer, and sacraments. Integrates educational psychology and global/historical resources for congregational ministry.
ML 612YL • Leadership I (Young Life Staff Training) 3 Credits
Equips individuals to lead an effective incarnational ministry with young people in spiritual formation, direct ministry, leadership development of volunteers, fundraising, and administration. In the field, trainers lead students through relevant curriculum. Emphasis is placed on incarnationally expressing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the world of adolescents.
ML 613YL • Leadership II (Young Life Staff Training) 3 Credits
Equips individuals to lead an incarnational youth ministry with effective discipleship of youth. Emphasis on building volunteer teams for ministry. Focus on spiritual development of the student, the ministry of discipleship, development of volunteer teams for ministry, fundraising and administration. Camping ministry and its role and implications for discipleship emphasized.
ML 615YL • Supervision and Organizational Leadership (Young Life Staff Trng) 4 Credits
Focus on the theory, reflection, and practice of effective supervision in ministry. Students explore the philosophical foundations for effective organizational leadership as well as practical guidance on such issues as personal leadership style, the emotional intelligence of the leader, team building, conflict resolution, interviewing, placement, delegation, supervision, and evaluation.
ML 620YL • Equipping Leaders Who Volunteer (Young Life Staff Training) 4 Credits
Provides students with a biblical/theological and theoretical foundation and the practical experience in equipping leaders who volunteer. Focuses on recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers within the ministry context of several organizations. Emphasis placed on understanding the contextual impact of “age and stage.”.
ML 621YL • The Kingdom of God and Cultural Intelligence (Young Life Staff Training) 3 Credits
Addresses cultural self-awareness and cross-cultural competence for building healthy relationships within diverse communities. Drawing upon biblical, anthropological, sociological and cross-cultural communication theories, students gain basic tools for researching and interacting among a variety of cultural, ethnic, and religious groups.
ML 627YL • Supervision and Organizational Leadership (Young Life Staff Training) 3 Credits
Focuses on the theory, reflection, and practice of effective supervision in ministry. Exploration of the philosophical foundations for effective organizational leadership as well as practical guidance on such issues as personal leadership style, the emotional intelligence of the leader, team building, conflict resolution, interviewing, placement, delegation, supervision, and evaluation.
ML 670 • Directed Study in Ministry Leadership 0.5-9 Credits
Research and study by arrangement with program faculty.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
ML 682 • Missional Innovation (Gateway Church) 3 Credits
For transfer only from Gateway Church. Examines strategies for communicating the gospel contextually while maintaining its core message. Explores the Apostle Paul’s methods of adapting to diverse cultures, emphasizing relational intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and missional creativity to ensure the message of faith, love, and hope reaches all people effectively.
ML 685 • Gateway Cultivate Experience (Gateway Church) 9 Credits
For transfer only from Gateway Church. Guides students through 60 sequenced learning experiences integrating 12 key themes in entrepreneurial and ministry contexts. Emphasizes application and reflection to develop skills for successful church planting. Offered exclusively for the Gateway Leaders Church Planting concentration in the MAMP and MDiv programs.
ML 699PT • Portfolio in Ministry Leadership 0.5-6 Credits
Preselected topics within an existing course in the field of Ministry Leadership.
Special Notes: Portfolio courses are created upon request with permission by an overseeing Program Director.
ML 772 • Seminar in Ministry Leadership 2 Credits
A Master of Divinity or Doctor of Ministry concentration course; an in-depth study of a particular Ministry Leadership theme.
Special Notes: Fulfills D.Min. elective requirements. Prior completion of ML 540 recommended.
ML 774 • Seminar in Ministry Leadership 4 Credits
A Master of Divinity or Doctor of Ministry concentration course; an in-depth study of a particular Ministry Leadership theme.
Special Notes: Fulfills D.Min. elective requirements. Prior completion of ML 540 recommended.
ML 795A • Thesis Proposal 2 Credits
Development of a thesis proposal and prospectus. Survey of existing research and delineation of tentative argument and preliminary bibliography. To be developed in consultation and under supervision of a faculty member as thesis advisor.
Special Notes: Approval of faculty member in relevant discipline is required.
ML 795B • Thesis Writing 4 Credits
Implementation of research plan, under the supervision of thesis advisor and with input from a second reader. To include survey of existing research and thesis that is well argued and supported by the literature.
Prerequisites: ML 795A.
ML 810 • Personal Well-Being and Ministry Effectiveness 4 Credits
Develops students’ personal well-being and ministry effectiveness through self-reflection, spiritual formation, and character development. Explores identity, core values, calling, and pathways to rejuvenation. Encourages application of principles modeled by Jesus to sustain long-term ministry and create strategies for personal growth and transforming others.
Prerequisites: GS 801.
ML 815 • Innovation and Change for Long-term Ministry Effectiveness 4 Credits
Concentration content course to fulfill D.Min. requirement for either Congregation and Family Care or Church Leadership.
Prerequisites: GS 801. Special Notes: This course will fulfill concentration requirements for CFC or CL concentration students or an elective requirement for other concentrations.
ML 817T • Topics in Ministry Leadership 4 Credits
An in-depth exploration of a particular theme or topic within the specific topic. It examines contemporary issues, scholarly insights, and practical applications relevant to ministry and leadership contexts. Through rigorous examination of primary and secondary sources, students assess the significance of the discipline to the study and practice of ministry and leadership.
Prerequisites: GS 801 and ML 810 (Both may be taken concurrently).
ML 827 • Transformational Ministry Leadership: Theory and Practice 4 Credits
Focused on providing an introduction to the theory and practice of transformational ministry leadership, this course will expose students to An introduction to the theory and practice of transformational ministry leadership. Students explore foundational leadership and organizational theories. Reflection on the nature of studying leadership from a Christian perspective is encouraged. Introduces the priorities and expectations of doctoral studies, and challenges students to implement empowering models of leadership in leadership contexts.
Prerequisites: GS 801. Special Notes: The specific expectations of the course project will be approved by the course instructor.
ML 862 • Topics in Ministry Leadership 4 Credits
Concentration content course to fulfill D.Min. requirement when paired with the corresponding project course, ML 862P. Concentration topic varies based on scheduling and student interest.
ML 862P • Project in Ministry Leadership 4 Credits
Concentration project course to fulfill D.Min. requirement.
Prerequisites: ML 862.
ML 870 • Directed Study in Ministry Leadership 1-9 Credits
Research and study by arrangement with program faculty.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
ML 899PT • Portfolio in Ministry Leadership 0.5-6 Credits
Preselected topics within an existing course in the field of Ministry Leadership.
Special Notes: Portfolio courses are created upon request with permission by an overseeing Program Director.
ML 923 • Leading Transforming Organizations 4 Credits
Explores transformational leadership at the organizational level in churches and other organizations. Applies self, dyadic, and team-oriented leadership theories with systems thinking. Engages students in facilitating organizational transformation, managing conflict, communicating effectively, working with boards and diverse cultures, and preparing for doctoral-level priorities.
Prerequisites: GS 801. Special Notes: The specific expectations of the course project will be approved by the course instructor.
ML 924 • Teams, Groups and the Transforming Leader 4 Credits
Introductory course focused on team leadership. Research and theories of effective team leadership explored. Special attention given to biblical foundations for decentralized leadership structures, consideration of opportunities and challenges associated with teams in contemporary organizations. Factors associated with effective team members explored alongside strategies for team development and practice.
Prerequisites: GS 801. Special Notes: The specific expectations of the course project will be approved by the course instructor.
TS 525 • Survey in Systematic Theology for MFT and MACYFM 4 Credits
Explores foundations of systematic theology, including the nature of God, human creation and fall, Christ and salvation, the Holy Spirit’s redemptive mission, and God’s purposes for the church and creation. Evaluates personal theology in light of historical and emerging Christian thought and integrates key insights into faith and ministry.
TS 535 • Theology and Ethics I 4 Credits
Explores systematic theology and ethics, including the nature of God, divine self-revelation, and humanity in its created and fallen condition. Evaluates personal identity, theology, moral agency, and cultural framework in light of historical and emerging theologies. Integrates key insights into faith and practice.
TS 536 • Theology and Ethics II 4 Credits
Builds on Theology and Ethics I, exploring the person of Jesus Christ and salvation through Christ; the Holy Spirit and the Spirit’s redemptive and reconciling mission; and God’s purposes for the church and creation. Evaluates personal identity, theology, and cultural framework in light of historical and emerging theologies and ethical issues. Integrates key insights into faith and practice.
Special Notes: TS 535 is a recommended prerequisite.
TS 605 • Christian Worldview in Global Perspective 4 Credits
Description of the nature of a worldview and culture. Analysis of worldview commitments found in culture in light of a Christian worldview. Articulation of Christian faith in ways that are responsive to contemporary culture and in conversation with historical and theological realities of the early church. Evaluation of Christianity in its global theological context.
Special Notes: Recommended prerequisite of TS 535 or TS 536.
TS 670 • Directed Study in Theology 1-9 Credits
Research focused on a particular theological issue or topic may be pursued under independent arrangement with the professor involved.
Prerequisites: TS 535, Consent of instructor.
TS 697 • Thesis Extension 0 Credit
Extension course for continued enrollment; required when the thesis course is incomplete. The extension allows students continued access to university resources. Student must be registered in an extension course at the time the dissertation is granted final approval and receives a grade.
Special Notes: A $375 fee applies to this course.
TS 699PT • Portfolio in Theological Studies 0.5-6 Credits
Preselected topics within an existing course in the field of Theological Studies.
Special Notes: Portfolio courses are created upon request with permission by an overseeing Program Director.
TS 772 • Seminar in Theology 1,2 Credit
A Master of Divinity or Doctor of Ministry concentration course; an in-depth study of a particular Spiritual and Personal Formation theme.
Special Notes: Fulfills D.Min. elective requirements. Prior completion of TS 535 and TS 536 recommended.
TS 774 • Seminar in Theology 4 Credits
A Master of Divinity or Doctor of Ministry concentration course; an in-depth study of a particular Theological Studies theme.
Special Notes: Fulfills D.Min. elective requirements. Prior completion of TS 535 and TS 536 recommended.
TS 795A • Thesis Proposal 2 Credits
Development of a thesis proposal and prospectus. Survey of existing research and delineation of tentative argument and preliminary bibliography. To be developed in consultation and under supervision of a faculty member as thesis advisor.
Grade exceptions: This course is graded Pass/Fail. Special Notes: Approval of faculty member in relevant discipline is required.
TS 795B • Thesis Writing 4 Credits
Implementation of research plan, under the supervision of thesis advisor and with input from a second reader. To include survey of existing research and thesis that is well argued and supported by the literature.
Prerequisites: TS 795A.
TS 817T • Topics in Theology 4 Credits
An in-depth exploration of a particular theme or topic within the specific topic. It examines contemporary issues, scholarly insights, and practical applications relevant to ministry and leadership contexts. Through rigorous examination of primary and secondary sources, students assess the significance of the discipline to the study and practice of ministry and leadership.
Prerequisites: GS 801 and ML 810 (Both may be taken concurrently).
TS 899PT • Portfolio in Theological Studies 0.5-6 Credits
Preselected topics within an existing course in the field of Theological Studies.
Special Notes: Portfolio courses are created upon request with permission by an overseeing Program Director.