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Courses

One of the best ways to discover a degree program is to check out the course listings. By simply clicking on the course titles below, you can get a preview of the classes you will attend as a student at Indiana Wesleyan University.

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BIL-202   Inductive Bible Study3 Hours
This course studies the basic principles involved in the study of the Bible. Assumptions concerning scriptural authority are presented as well as procedures for careful observation, analysis and interpretation of the text. Particular attention is given to the use of scriptures as a foundation for expository preaching and theological reflection. This course is the prerequisite for all upper-level Bible courses offered in the Division of Religion and Philosophy. Prerequisites: BIL-101 and BIL-102 or permission of the department. Not available to students with credit in BIL-201.
THE-233   Christian Theology I3 Hours
This course lays the foundation for all advanced theology courses, by laying out the basic tenets of the Christian faith. Special attention is given to the doctrine of God, Christology, Biblical Authority and Eschatology. Wesleyan/Arminian perspectives are compared with other traditions of Christian faith. Students intending to take only one course in theology should enroll in THE-232; Basic Christian Doctrine.
REL-331   History of Christianity I3 Hours
A study of the major events, personalities, and issues of church history from the Apostolic Age to Luther. Special attention is given to the teachings of the church fathers and the Protestant reformers. Open to juniors and seniors.
REL-332   History of Christianity II3 Hours
A study of the major events, personalities, and issues of church history from the Protestant Reformation to present times. Special attention is given to American church history and contemporary trends. Open to juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: REL-331.
THE-424   Christian Theology II: Salvation /Holiness3 Hours
An intensive study of soteriology, including the doctrines of sin, prevenient grace, justification, sanctification and glorification from a Biblical, historical and practical perspective. The Wesleyan Arminian tradition will provide the theological framework for this course, we will examine other theological views from this perspective. Special attention will be given to John Wesley's doctrine of holiness. Prerequisite: THE-233 or THE-232.
CED-255   Local Church Education3 Hours
An investigation of the history, philosophy, and psychology of Christian Education and an examination of the methodology, equipment, and materials needed for effective implementation in the local church. The course addresses the role of the pastor in enhancing education in the local church, administering a program of Christian Education, and recruiting and training volunteers. Various models of Christian education in the contemporary church are also considered. Co-requisite: CED-255P.
CED-255P   Local Church Education Practicum1 Hours
Each student will be involved in practical experiences in a local ministry setting providing the student with a "laboratory" for the application of Christian education principles taught in the co-requisite course. Co-requisite: CED-255.
WOR-235   Worship2 Hours
This course examines the biblical, historical, and theological foundations of Christian worship and rituals in order for each student to derive a practice of worship which is culturally relevant yet rooted in the rich tradition of the ages. This course moves from theory to practice with actual preparation for leading worship. Co-requisite: WOR-235P.
WOR-235P   Worship Practicum1 Hours
Each student will be involved in practical experiences in a local ministry setting providing the student with a "laboratory" for the application of the principles of Christian worship as taught in the co-requisite course. Co-requisite: WOR-235
REL-264   Introduction to Pastoral Ministries2 Hours
This course provides an introduction to professional ministry as a life's calling and vocation. It gives special attention to personal spiritual development, acquisition of personal ministry skills, an understanding of the ministry as a profession, the requirements and expectations of various denominations for ordination and lay vocations. The course also explores the meaning of calling, vocation and profession from historical and contemporary perspectives, leading toward the development of the initial skills and attitudes toward becoming a professional minister. Co-requisite: REL-264P.
REL-264P   Pastoral Ministries Observation1 Hours
Each student will be involved in practical experiences observing ministry, "shadowing" a minister and interviewing professional clergy in a local setting providing the student with a "laboratory" for the application of ministry principles taught in the co-requisite course. Co-requisite: REL-264.
REL-275   Evangelism and Global Outreach3 Hours
Beginning with biblical times, this course examines the history of missions and outreach movements. Attention is given to both the historical patterns which shaped outreach endeavors as well as the several methodologies which have been and are being used by various outreach organizations. Co-requisite: REL-275P. Meets General Education intercultural requirement.
REL-275P   Evangelism and Global Outreach Practicum1 Hours
Each student will be involved in practical experiences in a local ministry setting providing the student with a "laboratory" for the application of the principles of evangelism and global outreach as taught in the co-requisite course. Co-requisite: REL-275.
WOR-436   Church Rituals1 Hours
This course is designed to combine theological reflection with practical application as students acquaint themselves with the basic rituals of worship and passage in the evangelical tradition. Open to juniors and seniors who are Christian Ministries, Christian Worship or Youth Ministry majors or by permission of the Division. Prerequisite: REL-264 or YTH-220; THE-232 or THE-233; WOR-235 and WOR-235P.
REL-465   Homiletics I3 Hours
A comprehensive study of the types of sermons and the principles of construction and delivery. The minister's call and preparation of his life's work will be considered. Original sermons are prepared, and some of them are delivered before the class under the supervision of the instructor with critiques and suggestions for improvements. During the second semester, the class will basically be conducted as one class period and two laboratory periods. Open to juniors and seniors. Limited to majors and minors in the Division of Religion and Philosophy unless permission is granted by the Division. Prerequisite: BIL-202.
REL-466   Homiletics II2 Hours
A comprehensive study of the types of sermons and the principles of constructing and delivering expository sermons. Original sermons are prepared, and some of them are delivered before the class under the supervision of the instructor with critiques and suggestions for improvements. Prerequisite: Open to juniors and seniors who have been admitted into the Christian Ministries, Christian Education, or Youth Ministries major. Prerequisite: REL-465 or YTH-270. Co-requisite: REL-466P.
REL-466P   Homiletics Practicum1 Hours
Each student will be involved in practical experiences in a local ministry setting providing the student with a "laboratory" for a preaching and teaching ministry with opportunity for gathering feedback and developing a personal plan for improvement. Co-requisite: REL-466.
REL-468   Church Leadership3 Hours
A study of the principles of leadership for the pastor or other professional Christian workers in relation to local churches or other Christian organizations. Each student develops personal skills in self-management, budgeting, planning, organizing, recruiting and supervising volunteers, discerning vision for a ministry and leading deliberative bodies. Open to juniors and seniors who have been admitted to the Christian Ministries and Youth Ministries major or by permission of the instructor. Co-requisite: REL-468P. This course is also only open to students in the Associate in Christian Ministries program (ASM), Bachelors in Biblical Studies (BSB) or upon approval of the Religion Department.
REL-468P   Church Leadership Practicum1 Hours
Each student will be involved in practical experiences in a local ministry setting providing the student with a "laboratory" for the application of leadership and management principles taught in the co-requisite course. These experiences include observation of the leadership practices of a professional minister, practice in leading groups and deliberative bodies, and participation in other leadership activities such as budgeting, planning, organizing, recruiting and supervising volunteers, and leading deliberative bodies. Co-requisite: REL-468.
REL-469   Pastoral Care and Counseling3 Hours
A study of the biblical framework and various theories of pastoral counseling. There will be a heavy emphasis on self-understanding as a prerequisite of effective counseling. The course will cover most of the typical counseling problems faced by the local pastor, including pre-marital counseling, hospital visitation and grief counseling. Only open to Juniors and Seniors. Co-requisite: REL-469P.
REL-482   Christian Ministries Capstone2 Hours
This capstone course for the Christian Ministries major will explore how those involved in full-time Christian ministry can effect change in their parish settings and mobilize the laity to become salt and light to the world. Each student will present a project of her/his own design to the class for evaluation. Restricted to seniors who have been admitted to the Christian Ministries major.
Students will also take 3 credit hours in each of the following:

Advanced Bible electives

Advanced Old Testament electives

Advanced New Testament electives

Theology, Church History, or Philosophy electives

In addition to the courses listed above, Wesleyan students are required to take REL-431 (Wesleyan Church History/Discipline).

Non-Wesleyan students may study their own denominational heritage through independent learning or select an elective in Theology, Church History, or Philosophy.

61 credit hours

Christian Ministries - A.B. - Courses

In addition to the required courses for the B.S. degree listed above, students will also take six credit hours of ancient languages (Greek, Hebrew, or Latin).

67 credit hours

Christian Ministries Minor*
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BIL-101   Old Testament Survey3 Hours
A study of the Old Testament, highlighting the cultural background underlying the books of the Old Testament. Topics include major archaeological finds, Old Testament culture as it relates to today's culture, and the foundational relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament.
BIL-102   New Testament Survey3 Hours
This course covers the literature of the New Testament. Special attention will be given to the life of Christ and the history of the early church, including the life of Paul.
BIL-202   Inductive Bible Study3 Hours
This course studies the basic principles involved in the study of the Bible. Assumptions concerning scriptural authority are presented as well as procedures for careful observation, analysis and interpretation of the text. Particular attention is given to the use of scriptures as a foundation for expository preaching and theological reflection. This course is the prerequisite for all upper-level Bible courses offered in the Division of Religion and Philosophy. Prerequisites: BIL-101 and BIL-102 or permission of the department. Not available to students with credit in BIL-201.
THE-232   Basic Christian Doctrine3 Hours
This course examines the basic beliefs of historic Christianity as summarized in the Apostles' Creed and connects them to Christian practices. Specifically, the doctrines of revelation, God, creation, fall, and sin, the person and work of Christ, the person and work of the Holy Spirit, the church, salvation, and human destiny will be covered. Focus will be placed on the common understanding of Christian theology in the major Christian theological traditions, while also taking note of their distinctive beliefs.
REL-264   Introduction to Pastoral Ministries2 Hours
This course provides an introduction to professional ministry as a life's calling and vocation. It gives special attention to personal spiritual development, acquisition of personal ministry skills, an understanding of the ministry as a profession, the requirements and expectations of various denominations for ordination and lay vocations. The course also explores the meaning of calling, vocation and profession from historical and contemporary perspectives, leading toward the development of the initial skills and attitudes toward becoming a professional minister. Co-requisite: REL-264P.
REL-264P   Pastoral Ministries Observation1 Hours
Each student will be involved in practical experiences observing ministry, "shadowing" a minister and interviewing professional clergy in a local setting providing the student with a "laboratory" for the application of ministry principles taught in the co-requisite course. Co-requisite: REL-264.
REL-275   Evangelism and Global Outreach3 Hours
Beginning with biblical times, this course examines the history of missions and outreach movements. Attention is given to both the historical patterns which shaped outreach endeavors as well as the several methodologies which have been and are being used by various outreach organizations. Co-requisite: REL-275P. Meets General Education intercultural requirement.
REL-275P   Evangelism and Global Outreach Practicum1 Hours
Each student will be involved in practical experiences in a local ministry setting providing the student with a "laboratory" for the application of the principles of evangelism and global outreach as taught in the co-requisite course. Co-requisite: REL-275.
REL-361   Christian Ministries Practicum1 Hours
Each student will be involved in practical experience in a local church, providing that student with a "laboratory" for the application of principles taught in other classes. Some will serve student pastorates with congregational observers assisting the instructor, and others will serve under the supervision of an experienced pastor. Open to juniors and seniors.
24 credit hours
* Students will also take 4 credit hours of offerings within the School of Theology and Ministry (not including PHL-180).

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Christian Ministries - A.B. - Courses

Christian Ministries Minor*