Ministry Division

Biblical | History/Theology | Ministry | Supervised Practice of Ministry | Integrative

The course descriptions below represent a listing of courses presently available at the Schools of Theology in Dubuque. Courses may not be available in every instance precisely as described here. Full information on available courses, including objectives, content and requirements, is published each semester and available to all current students prior to registration.

Courses offered at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary are listed first, followed by the listing of courses at Wartburg Theological Seminary.

Administration and Polity | Christian Formation | Evangelism | Pastoral Care | Preaching and Communication | Rural Ministry | Worship | General Ministry Studies | Wartburg Seminary Courses | Independent Study

Administration and Polity

MN 545D American Baptist Polity
(3 credits) This course explores the history of the Baptist movement as part of modern church history and the polity of that movement in its varied forms today. The course is specifically intended to comply with educational requirements of the American Baptist Churches, USA, but is open to any student within the Seminary interested in this strand of the Church. Historical materials will form a base for discussing theology, church structure, current issues and concerns, and more. Instructor: Staff

MN 550D Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Polity
(3 credits) This course introduces and explores in detail the history and polity of the Disciples of Christ denomination. Students currently within the Disciples of Christ tradition as well as students interested in exploring its heritage and theology within American Christianity should consider this course as foundational. Historical, theological, administrative, biblical, and ecumenical issues are explored. Further, current concerns in mission and ministry at the national, regional, and local levels are discussed. Instructor: Staff

MN 553D United Methodist Studies: Polity
(3 credits) A basic study of The Book of Discipline 2000 of the United Methodist Church with special attention to United Methodist polity in theory and practice. MN 553D fulfills the polity educational requirement of Paragraph 315.4 for candidates who are preparing for ordination in the United Methodist Church. Instructor: Philip Jamieson

MN 555D The Polity and Program of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
(3 credits) This is a course in the principles and practices of the polity of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The class will study the ecclesiology reflected in the government of the church and will deal specifically with the powers, rights and responsibilities of the local congregation, the session, the presbytery, the synod, and the General Assembly, as well as General Assembly agencies and the minister. The foundation of the course will be the Book of Order of the PC (U.S.A.), with particular emphasis on the Form of Government and the Rules of Discipline. The class will also study the mission program and administrative process of the governing bodies. This class is highly recommended for Presbyterian students. Instructor: Alyson Janke

MN 568D United Church of Christ Polity
(3 credits) This course introduces and explores the history, theology, polity, organization, and mission of the United Church of Christ. Students who are now members of the United Church of Christ as well as students who wish to know more about this mainline denomination are welcome. We will begin with a detailed look at the Evangelical, Reformed, Christian, and Congregational traditions. We will examine polity and ministry in the local church, in the association, in the conference, in the General Synod, and in the national church. The practice of ministry in the local UCC congregation and requirements for ordination will be discussed. Instructor: Kenneth Bickel

MN 661D Pastoral Administration
(3 credits) To explore the nature and purpose of Pastoral Administration focusing on the Church as a called into being by God. Special emphasis will be placed on enabling pastors/administrators to develop a theology of the congregation that places leadership, management, and ministry in the larger organic whole of the Church’s mission. The course will take a systems approach to understanding 1) the forces and functions within a congregation, and 2) the interactive relationship between congregations and their environments. Students will cultivate individual skills, gifts, and temperaments in church administration with an emphasis on empowering lay persons and creating a healthy church culture. Instructor: Les Longden

Christian Formation

MN 430/530D Discipleship and Teaching
(3 credits)
Letter grade only
This course introduces students to the teaching and discipling ministries of the church. It provides a biblical, theological, and practical foundation for the various educational and formational tasks of the local congregation. The focus is on the teaching office of the church as a means by which the gospel calls and shapes disciples in community. Emphasis is placed upon the key role of pastor and lay teachers and mentors. Students are given opportunity to practice basic skills in teaching and to develop a practical plan of aims, objectives and application for their leadership in the educational ministry of the church. Instructor: Les Longden

MN 610D Healing Ministry in the Church
(1 credit module)
Pass/Fail only
While the early church was very active in continuing Jesus’ ministry of healing, Christians in later centuries allowed this ministry to be neglected. However, healing ministry is returning to the churches. Students in this module will look at biblical, historical, theological and practical aspects of healing ministry, with the goal of helping persons going into Christian ministry to understand and apply Christian healing practices as part of the church’s ministry to its people. Instructor: Staff

MN 612D/HT 612D The Ministerial Vocation
(3 credits) This course is devoted to integrative theological reflection on the practice of ministry in dialogue with classical and contemporary writers. Students will work to develop a theological understanding of Christian ministry that can serve to order and integrate their course work in seminary, as well as provide a coherent theological framework for shaping and defining their work as pastors. Instructor: Staff

MN 616D Mary, Mystics, and Martyrs: Models and Mentors of the Faith
(3 credits) “Faith of our fathers (and mothers) living still” will be the focus of this seminar exploring Christian models and spiritual mentors. By way of supplementing the usual emphases in the Reformed tradition, the following will be highlighted: the role of Mary, mother of Jesus, and her living legacy; the classical and continuing contributions of mystics and martyrs. Videos about Mother Teresa, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Thomas Merton, and St. Therese of Lisieux will be shown and primary sources will be read. The seminar allows time for work on religious role models and forerunners in the faith. Instructor: Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner

MN 654D Prayer
(3 credits) “Lord, teach us to pray!” The riches of Christian prayer and spirituality are unknown to many in our churches today. This course will explore historically, theologically, and practically, the ways of Christian prayer and spirituality from biblical times to the present. A selection of prayer classics is used as primary resources for learning. Insights will be gleaned which will assist students to further develop their own prayer practices and to teach others to pray. Instructor: Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner

MN 681D The Pastor as Spiritual Director
(1 credit module) This course will provide the context and instruction for students to examine and participate in spiritual direction, which can be summarized as a healing and enabling friendship in Christ. Students will learn the many dimensions of being a “soul friend” to others in their local churches and other types of ministry. This course fulfills one of the requirements of the concentration in Christian Spiritual Formation. Instructor: Philip Jamieson

MN 689D- January Term Retreat
(3 credits) This retreat will be at Sinsinawa Mound. It is a guided retreat led by Dr. Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner with time for individual reflection. There will be both silent and verbal components of the retreat. Meals and rooms are provided. Sinsinawa Mound is 15 minutes from the seminary, across the Wisconsin bridge in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin. Retreatants will have use of the labyrinth, the bookstore, the chapels, etc., during the structured retreat. There will be an option for one hour of spiritual direction. The rhythm of entering a prolonged retreat, emptying, centering, receiving the nurture of God, resting, and transitioning back into the world will be taught. The gift of making a retreat will be offered while the art of leading a retreat is demonstrated. Instructor: Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner

MN 696D Christian Formation and Small Groups
(3 credits) This course is designed to integrate the basic principles of small group dynamics and the pastoral task of Christian formation. Each student will gain the understanding and experience necessary to provide spiritual leadership for the wide variety of small groups that exist within the life of every healthy local church. Philosophies of small group ministry will be explored, along with strategies for beginning, nurturing and sustaining small groups within the local church. Instructor: Staff

Evangelism

Mission/Evangelism/Contextual Theology core courses are listed under IN section.

Pastoral Care

MN573D-Pastoral Self-Care
(3 credits) Remembering the Good Samaritan’s example of finishing the journey while caring for the hurting, this seminar will explore the healthy balance between caring for self and caring for others. The ministerial role of caregiver can intensify this search for spiritual symmetry. This course will affirm the call of the church as a community of health and healing at every level and location. The goal of pastoral self-care seeks to be faithful to the Biblical injunction of Christ: to increase in love of God, love of neighbor, and love of self. (Luke 10:27) The interface of these three loves and the interconnectedness of mind-body-spirit beckons us as ministers toward wholeness. Instructor: Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner

MN 575D Alcohol and the People of God
(3 credits) This course is designed to: 1) sensitize the participants to the place of alcohol (“America’s favorite drug”) in our society; 2) make clear what the disease of alcoholism is and is not; 3) provide information on recovery programs for alcoholics and their families; 4) give guidance in terms of pastoral care for alcoholics and their families; and 5) provide models of how local congregations and larger units of Church governing bodies witness in the area of the use and abuse of alcohol in our society. Instructor: Staff

MN 670D Hospital Ministry
(1 credit) This one credit clinical course is designed to place students in a hospital setting under the supervision of a member of the Association of Professional Chaplains. The students spend 3-6 hours per week in patient care and one hour per week in a group didactic. In the group didactic or seminar, students take turns presenting verbatims. The hospital chaplain will meet once in the middle of the semester and once at the end of the semester with each student to discuss personal, theological, and professional issues that have been raised in patient care, peer experience, verbatims, etc. Instructor: Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner

MN 672D Foundations of Pastoral Care
(3 credits)
Letter grade only
An introduction to the caring aspects of pastoral ministry, including biblical and theological foundations of care, the development of pastoral identity, various models of care, and varieties of essential pastoral communication skills necessary for entering diverse situations of crisis and need. Instructor: Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner

MN 679D Pastoral Care and Counseling of Adolescents
(3 credits) A broad theological, spiritual, and psychological entrance into the contemporary adolescent world, will offer both theoretical and practical pastoral approaches to pastoral care and counseling with youth, including those in crisis. This seminar will delve into the contemporary world of adolescents through music, literature, and film. The Church Relations Coordinator of Hillcrest Family Services in Dubuque will acquaint us with outreach to troubled teens as we visit Hillcrest during class time. Instructor: Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner

MN 680D Clinical Pastoral Education
(6 credits) A 12-week summer program conducted in certified centers under the supervision of a chaplain supervisor accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. Students may elect to have CPE considered for supervised practice of ministry credit instead of academic credit. This must be registered and paid for as a summer course. Coordinator: Philip Jamieson

MN 688D Pastoral Care of Women
(3 credits) A course focusing on the pastoral care of individuals, with attention to issues of sexuality and gender, transference and counter transference, developmental theories, and spirituality. The goal of this seminar is to respond more appropriately to the distinctive physical and psychological pain of women through the medium of pastoral care. Instructor: Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner

MN714D Crisis Ministry
(3 credits) This course is designed to equip ministers and future ministers with appropriate crisis intervention and referral skills and to foster theological reflection on the issues raised. The class is offered in a seminar format with additional training in local crisis agencies such as YWCA’s domestic violence program and Gannon Center for Community Mental Health. Training occurs during regular class times. In addition to mental illness and domestic violence, some of the topics are depression, grief, trauma, death, accident, illness, national disasters. Instructor: Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner

MN 773D Premarital Counseling and Sexuality
(3 credits) This course will focus on premarital counseling as a special aspect of couple counseling, and/or couple sexuality. Instructor: William Hiebert

MN 774D Introduction to Marriage Counseling
(3 credits) This course focuses on current concepts and techniques in the field of marriage counseling. Emphasis will be placed upon socio-cultural variations, diagnostic frame works and evaluative techniques. Instructor: William Hiebert

MN 778D Techniques of Therapeutic Intervention
(3 credits) An exposure to diverse theoretical and clinical approaches to pastoral care and counseling. Client-centered, family systems, problem-solving, short-term and feminist strategies will be explored theoretically and in actual clinical workshop experiences, with attention given to the theological underpinnings of these therapeutic methods. Instructor: Staff

Preaching and Communication

MN 540D Foundations of Preaching
(3 credits)
Letter grade only
This course will lay the foundation for the practice of preaching in the church. It will strengthen the students’ development of homiletical methods that include reflecting on biblical texts and theological themes, understanding the preaching context, and forming and delivering sermons that communicate orally and aurally. Students will preach in class and respond to colleagues’ sermons with a view toward building skills in pastoral sensitivity and critical listening. Instructor: Robert Hoch

MN 627D Women and Preaching
(2 credits) Prerequisite: MN 540D Foundations of Preaching
Letter grade only
This course will explore the history and current reality of women as preachers. Students will examine the experience and impact of women preachers, their particular contributions to preaching enterprise and the challenges they face. This course fulfills the advanced preaching course requirement. Instructor: Ann Hoch

MN 632D Preaching from the Old Testament
(2 credits) Prerequisite: MN 540D Foundations of Preaching
Letter grade only
This course will explore the authority of the Old Testament for Christian preaching. In preparation for preaching from Old Testament, students will examine the theological significance of the text within the Old Testament context, as well as its theological relationship to the New Testament witness. This course fulfills the advanced preaching course requirement. Instructor: Staff

MN 633D Preaching from New Testament Books
(2 credits) Prerequisite: MN 540D Foundations of Preaching
Letter grade only
This course will focus on preaching from a particular book or books from the New Testament. Students will explore the relationship of the preaching text to its larger literary context and the theological emphases of that context. This course fulfills the advanced preaching course requirement. Instructor: Staff

MN 641D Pastoral Preaching
(2 credits) Prerequisite: MN 540D Foundations of Preaching
Letter grade only
The course will focus on preaching in the context of specific events in the lives of church members, the Christian year, and the Church year (denominational emphases and local church celebrations). We will examine what it means to proclaim the Word in worship that celebrates special occasions for members’ ministry (confirmation, ordination, commissioning, etc.), particular holy seasons and days, and times in the church when there is a specific focus (stewardship, peacemaking, higher education, etc.). We will also consider what it means to preach in response to events that take place in the lives of members, the community, nation and world. This course fulfills the advanced preaching course requirement. Instructor: Ann Hoch

Rural Ministry
(Mission/Evangelism/Contextual Theology core courses are listed under IN section)

MN 595T Rural Plunge Weekend
(1 credit hour)
Pass/Fail only
This weekend has been developed to expose seminarians to small/rural communities and churches. The weekend involves leaving Friday afternoon around 3:00 p.m. and returning Sunday afternoon. Activities include staying with farm/rural families, touring farms and grain processing plants, a potluck at one of the sponsoring churches, and participation in Sunday worship service and discussions. There will be a briefing before the trip and a noon reflection on it afterward. Instructor: Shannon Jung

MN 695T Ministry in Rural Context
(3 credits) The goal of this course is to expand the student’s understanding of the rural setting in order to promote ministerial effectiveness in a small church parish. We will examine the context of the town and rural church and explore the future minister’s understanding of him- or herself as a community and spiritual leader. Instructor: Shannon Jung

MN 698T Theology of Land
(3 credits) Focusing on both the church’s role in the stewardship of creation and the construction of a theology of land, this course involves students in experiential as well as academic learning. It encourages the development of new dimensions in environmental theology and ethics. Instructor: Shannon Jung

MN 792T Empowering Ministry: Church in Context
(3 credits) This course challenges students to explore how congregations can do empowering ministry in their locations. It is especially designed to wrestle with the issue of how theology and Scripture faithfully interpreted and proclaimed in international, but also different domestic contexts. Interdisciplinary in nature, the course content will vary from biblical to theological to pastoral issues. Instructor: Shannon Jung

Worship

MN 401/501D Foundations of Christian Worship
(3 credits)
Letter grade only
This course serves as an introduction to the biblical and theological roots of worship, to the history of worship in the Christian church, and to the character and shape of corporate worship in particular congregations and traditions. Attention will be given to the place of sacraments symbols, architecture and music in worship. Students will also be guided in the practice of liturgical leadership and will reflect on their roles as worship leaders. Instructor: Robert Hoch

MN 410/510D Introduction to Hymnology
(1 credit module) This module is designed to introduce the student to hymns and their use in worship.
An emphasis is placed upon the theology of the text and the marriage of tune to text. Instructor: Patricia Williams

MN 411/511D UDTS Choir
(1/2 credit per semester) Objectives: 1) to provide choral music once a week for the UDTS chapel services; and 2) to give the participants experience in cantorial worship leadership, particularly in antiphonal Psalm singing. Instructor: Patricia Williams

MN 516D Hymns and Their Uses
(1 credit module) The development of an understanding of the functions of hymns in worship and an increased facility in the selection and use of hymns. The course will also help the student to become more aware of the importance of the church music program in the church. Instructor: Patricia Williams

MN 609D/HT609D Devotional Classics
(3 credits) Reading and classroom discussion of representative devotional classics from Augustine’s Confessions to Bonhoeffer’s Cost of Discipleship. The two-fold purpose of this course is to introduce these treasures to the student and encourage the student to develop a theology and practice of devotional life for sustaining ministry. Instructor: Joel L. Samuels

MN 709D Worship in the Reformed Tradition
(3 credits) This course examines the Directory for Worship, Book of Confessions, and other resources of the Presbyterian Church (USA) within the liturgical and theological heritage of the Presbyterian tradition. Particular attention will be paid to the use of these resources in pastoral ministry and liturgical leadership in congregations. Instructor: Staff

General Ministry Studies

MN 659D Native American Studies at the Charles Cook College and Theological School
(Up to 3 credits) Cook College and Theological School in Tempe, Arizona, is a place where the Bible is taught, where theological understanding is gained, where new insights on people, self and culture abound, and where Native American culture is honored. During the January Interim, students have the opportunity to take courses in Native American ministries at the Charles Cook College and Theological School. Additional work must be done through UDTS in order to obtain seminary credit. This course may be repeated. Offered every interim. Instructor: Staff

MN 764D/BI 774D Building Christian Community: The Interpretation and Application of I Corinthians (Exegesis)
(3 credits) Prerequisites: BI 411/511D, BI 450/550D, BI 402/502D, and BI 404/504D. Each unit of this course will carefully exegete a passage in I Corinthians and then consider its implications for community-building in the local church. There will be a strong emphasis upon the integration of the fields of Bible and Ministry. Attempts will be made to use outside resources (i.e. pastors and lay people) to help the class deal with community issues. Instructor: Lyle D. Vander Broek

MN 699D Readings and Directed Research
(3 credits)

MN 799D Readings and Directed Research
(3 credits) Individual reading or a research project on a topic within the ministry division, with the approval and under the guidance of one of the instructors in the division. Instructor: Staff

Wartburg Theological Seminary Ministry Courses

MN 099W Youth Ministries Certification School
(no credit hours) Designed for adult volunteers, youth workers, and pastors, you could receive up to 130 hours of youth ministry leadership training that includes a 4-day adventure expedition featuring small groups, leadership development and adventure education. Classroom work emphasizes biblical and theological training, cultural analysis, family ministry, music, long range planning, volunteer development, peer ministry, Christian education, lots of “how to” strategies, and much more. This course is judged by the seminary to be worth two semester hours of baccalaureate-level credit, and consequently, may apply to AIM requirements. Instructor: Paul Hill

MN 103W Pastoral Practicum
(3 credits) A month-long contextual engagement in a parish setting under pastoral guidance. Offered every interim Instructor: Staff

MN 106W Parish Worship
(3 credits) An initial study of the liturgical assembly focused on contemporary practice and the development of good liturgical leadership, with attention to biblical, theological, historical, and ritual foundations. The course is intended for anyone who will be involved in preparing and leading worship in the congregation as well as for those who desire a general introduction to the study of Christian worship. Offered every spring. Instructor: Thomas Schattauer

MN 113W Applied Organ/Piano
(/2 credit) Applied music study, including repertoire and service playing techniques suitable for worship in a diversity of settings. For beginning or advanced students. M.Div. or M.A. students may take this course for one-half a semester hour per semester, for a maximum of three hours credit. Times to be arranged. Additional tuition required. Instructor: Roy Carroll

MN 130W From Text to Sermon
(1 credit) Taught in conjunction with BI 192W Pauline Letters and Mission, this course provides a first opportunity for students to move from Scripture study to gospel proclamation. A reliable and do-able discipline of sermon preparation will be introduced. Also discussed will be the challenges of and resources for interpreting Scripture intended toward homiletical ends. Students will preach once as part of this course. Offered every spring. Instructor: James Nieman

MN 155W M.A. Colloquium
(1 credit) Each semester the on-campus M.A. students will meet for discussion around a current topic which unifies ministry goals. Students will have opportunity to foster professional collegiality among M.A. students, to focus diverse ministry goals, and to reflect theologically on the nature of ministry within the church and the world. Instructor: Staff

MN 160W Seen and Heard: Foundations for Youth and Family Ministry
(1 credit) This course will provide a basic framework for a working theology of youth and family ministry. The challenges and possibilities for mission and ministry to and with young people and their families will be considered in light of the postmodern “turn” in the North American context. Attention will be given to foundations, methods, principles, and strategies for life, ministry, and mission with youth and their families in congregations and communities. Instructor: Nathan Frambach

MN 170W Listening Skills for CPE
(1 credit) One credit module for juniors who would like some experience in working with verbatims and pastoral visits as preparation for CPE. Students will make weekly visits to a nursing home resident, or other “shut-in,” meet weekly in a small group discussion section, write two verbatims for class discussion, and read a few brief articles on listening skills. Credit/no credit only Instructor: Dan Olson

MN 195T Rural Plunge Weekend
(1 credit) This weekend has been developed to expose seminarians to small/rural communities and churches. Weekend activities include staying with farm/rural families, touring farms and various businesses, and meeting with church members. Students meet as a class once before and once after the immersion. Instructor: Shannon Jung

MN 200W Beyond the Worship Wars
(2 credits) The aim of this course is to survey critically the landscape of Christian worship in the North American context today and to develop principles and practices that will shape a future for worshiping communities in conversation with historic traditions and emerging cultural realities. Instructors: Thomas Schattauer/Nathan Frambach

MN 209W Foundations of Lutheran Worship
(3 credits) A study of the major documents of Lutheran liturgical history and sacramental theology from Martin Luther to contemporary North American Lutheranism. Consideration will be given to the western liturgical tradition as the context of Luther’s reforms and to the ecumenical context of modern liturgical renewal and sacramental understanding. Instructor: Thomas Schattauer

MN 212W Chanting: “Speaking on Tones”
(1 credit) A practical learn-by-doing course designed to help worship leaders learn to chant various portions of sung liturgical settings found in (but not restricted to) Lutheran Book of Worship, With One Voice, Hymnal Supplement 1991, This Far by Faith, and other sources. Class sessions will nurture the development of good breath control and text projection, and explore the historical evolution of chant and its role in the worship life and spiritual development of the congregation. Instructor: Roy Carroll

MN 219W Music and the Church
(1 credit) This course presents a general survey of the evolution of music, vocal and instrumental, in the worship life of the Christian church from its earliest days to the present. Special emphasis is given to issues such as worship planning and team ministry, hymnody and the promotion of good congregational singing, and evangelism through music. Instructor: Roy Carroll

MN 230W Preaching
(3 credits) This course builds upon what students already have gained through the junior preaching course and other opportunities for preaching. We will deepen our understanding of proclamation especially through the small-group setting for sermon presentation. Experiencing the challenges of preaching will help in gaining an ability for sermonic discernment as well as one’s own “voice” as a preacher. Offered every spring. Instructor: James Nieman

MN 250W Educational Ministry
(3 credits) A study of the minister as teacher and of the theological task of education in the Christian learning community. Students are given opportunity to experience the variety of ways people learn and to develop leadership skills in the teaching ministry of the church. Offered every fall. Instructor: Norma Cook Everist

MN 252W Introduction to Youth Ministry I
(1 credit) This course is designed to equip leaders with an outline for the creation, develop ment, and maintenance of a youth ministry, with a strong emphasis on “how to” techniques. Offered once a year. Instructor: Paul Hill

MN 253W Youth Ministry II
(1 credit) A follow up to the introduction course (MN 252W), this course goes deeper into issues relating to youth, families and youth evangelism. However, MN 252W is not prerequisite to this course. Offered once a year. Instructor: Paul Hill

MN 255W Adventure Education in Youth Ministry
(1 credit) This course emphasizes kinesthetic learning styles using the tools of low and high ropes course activities. Students will be physically active doing these activities. Adventure education builds trust and team and is especially effective in connecting with boys. Offered in the fall. Instructor: Paul Hill

MN 260W Generational Theory and Cross-Generational Ministry
(3 credits) In this course we will explore, describe, better understand, and learn from the living generations for the sake of effective communication and ministry in the life together of a congregation and its community. The basic premise of the course is that the generations can and must learn from each other and intentionally engage in ministry together. Generational thinking and theory is concerned both with generating a sense of community between the generations within congregations as well as affecting the way in which evangelism and outreach strategies are intentionally designed to reach people incarnationally. Instructor: Nathan Frambach

MN 266W Feminist Theology and Ministry
(1 credit) An opportunity to reflect on our identity as ministers in relationship to sexism and patriarchy in church and society. We will do feminist theology in feminist methodologies such as the circle, invitation, experience, interdependence, and mutuality. Men as well as women are invited to participate. Instructor: Norma Cook Everist

MN 267W Feminist Spirituality: Home, Body, Friendship
(1 credit) An opportunity to become aware of our gifts in and barriers to Christian spirituality through exploring three human experiences: body, home and friendship from a feminist perspective. The course is intended to encourage personal spiritual growth and ways to lead others in spiritual growth. Instructor: Norma Cook Everist

MN 270W Foundations of Pastoral Care
(3 credits) A study of the principles of care and of human crises (developmental and situational) in order to develop an understanding of oneself as a caregiver and of pastoral care in the context of the total ministry of the Church. Instructor: Dan Olson

MN 278W Sexual Abuse and Violence in the Home and the Congregation
(1 credit) Domestic violence is an increasingly serious problem in many parts of the world. Sexual abuse by clergy has become a national scandal. Prevention and intervention, as well as care for the individuals, families, and congregations that are affected by these tragic realities, must be a priority for the church, and a concern for all congregational leaders. This module will explore these issues in depth from the perspectives of pastoral practice, theology, psychology and sociology. Instructor: Dan Olson

MN 280W Clinical Pastoral Education
(6 credits) Normally an 11-week summer program, CPE is conducted in a variety of appropriate centers under the supervision of a chaplain supervisor accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. Offered every summer. Instructors: Affiliated Chaplains

MN 281W Clinical Pastoral Education
(3 credits) Work beyond MN 280W (the 11-week program of CPE). Instructors: Affiliated Chaplains

MN 285W Pastoral Practicum in Guyana
(3 credits - Interim) (6 credits – Summer) This is a 4- or 10-week contextual engagement in a Lutheran church in a Guyana parish. It is scheduled as an interim or summer experience of 3 semester hours or 6 semester hours respectively and is open to any student. Instructor: Winston Persaud

MN 295T Ministry in Rural Context
(1 credit) The goal of this course is to expand the student’s understanding of the rural setting in order to promote ministerial effectiveness in a small church parish. We will examine the context of the town and rural church and explore the future minister’s understanding of him- or herself as a community and spiritual leader. Instructor: Shannon Jung

MN 300W Feasts and Seasons
(3 credits) An exploration of the feasts and seasons of the church year, emphasizing the principal festal cycles – Christmas and Easter. The focus will be the understanding and celebration of the church year in contemporary congregations, with attention to pertinent matters of history and theology. Consideration will be given to the relation of calendar and lectionary as witness to the role of the Scriptures in shaping liturgical practice. Instructors: Thomas Schattauer/James Nieman

MN 302W Readings in Liturgical Theology
(1 credit) A close reading of one or more selected works in contemporary liturgical or sacramental theology. The aim will be to understand what it means to reflect theologically from the point of view of the liturgical assembly. Instructor: Thomas Schattauer

MN 304W Baptism
(3 credits) A study of the history, theology, and practice of rites for entrance into the Christian community. Particular attention will be paid to contemporary efforts to restore the catechumenate and to give baptism a place of renewed significance in liturgical celebration and Christian piety. Instructor: Thomas Schattauer

MN 306W Liturgy and Life: Marriage, Sickness, and Death
(3 credits) A study of the way the community of the church liturgically marks life’s significant passages – marriage, sickness, and death – in relation to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Attention will focus on the preparation and conduct of the liturgical rites and preaching in connection to matters of pastoral care and congregational life as a whole. Instructors: Thomas Schattauer/James Nieman

MN 331W Form and Content
(1 credit) Much preaching in our North American setting is highly content-driven, trying to convey ideas and information with scant attention to the form in which those are communicated. This course is an argument in the opposite direction, that how we speak matters at least as much as what we try to say. The link between text genre and sermon genre will be explored through text study and sermon preparation. Instructor: James Nieman

MN 334W Preaching from Epistles
(1 credit) An unremarked change in Lutheran worship over the last quarter-century has been the decline of epistolary preaching. In working toward a recovery of the epistles for the pulpit, we will seek: a) to identify the challenges inherent in epistolary preaching; b) to recognize the lectionary patterns that enable preaching from epistles; c) to recover a sense of the oral and contextual nature of epistles; and d) to practice new strategies and designs for such preaching. Instructor: James Nieman

MN 339W Church and Community
(1 credit) This is an opportunity to read, in a group setting, two recent, scholarly, and challenging books broadly situated in the areas of ecclesiology and the sociology of religion. Selections change each time the course is offered. Participants will be exposed to the current and lively issues in these research areas, as well as an in-depth theological conversation that reflects on the nature of the church today. Instructor: James Nieman

MN 345W Preaching as a Social Act
(1 credit) This is a rather unconventional look at the way preaching can attend to the social realities in which it is embedded. We will explore deeply the way proclamation does things with words (i.e., is active) and can only do these things in and through the assembly (i.e., is social). Readings, presentations, and opportunities to preach are part of the course design. Instructor: James Nieman

MN 346W Economic Preaching
(1 credit) Recent research indicates that economic issues and material realities are rarely mentioned in congregations and that clergy are unsure or afraid of how to do so, even though members consider these to be among the most pressing concerns in their lives. This course seeks to address and redress this gap in our homiletical responsibilities. Instructor: James Nieman

MN 347W Catechetical Preaching
(1 credit) Recent and serious attention to incorporating people new to the faith has also exposed basic shortcomings in how we presently preach. How do we speak authentically about the depths of the faith without falling into being merely entertaining or simplistic? Several older models of preaching suggest strategies that we will explore and test. Instructor: James Nieman

MN 350W Church and Ministry
(3 credits) A study of the church, its leadership and parish life. In the course students will seek to deepen their ecclesiological foundations for ministry and to integrate theology with issues of public ministry. The course aims to further develop skills in leadership and administration for equipping the saints to carry out their mission and ministry. Offered every fall. Instructors: Norma Cook Everist/ Craig Nessan

MN 352W Community, Conflict and Collaboration
(3 credits) In this course on Ecclesiology, participants will reflect on ministry experience, exploring the nature of the Church, sin, forgiveness and new life in Christ. The class will do constructive theology around the issues of conflict and communication, power and partnership with the goal of mutual accountability in our calling of collaborative ministry in the body of Christ in the world. Instructor: Norma Cook Everist

MN 355W The Cultures of Youth and the Question of Identity
(3 credits) In this course we will examine the cultures and sub-cultures of youth in order to consider the question of identity. Students will think theologically, in a collegial setting, about the study of culture and cultural processes in relationship to adolescent identity development. The course will help students learn how to set up “listening posts” in order to engage and interpret cultures for the sake of faithful, truthful, and effective ministry with young people and their families. Instructor: Nathan Frambach

MN 356W The Public Ministry of Writing for Publication
(1 credit) An opportunity to move from seeing writing as only personal expression to envisioning the ministry of publication for the sake of the reader (learner). Participants will do bibliographic search, hone their writing and editing skills and prepare one manuscript for submission for publication. Instructor: Norma Cook Everist

MN 361W Educational Ministry in the Adult Life Cycle
(1 credit) A study of faith development in the adult and characteristics of the adult learner. Students will explore a variety of adult educational methodologies and have the opportunity to develop a comprehensive parish program of adult education. Instructor: Norma Cook Everist

MN 362W Youth Ministry Immersion: Camps, Creation, Confessions, and Kids
(3 credits, January Interim) This January interim elective includes:
Camping, Camp Directing
Bible Immersion
Field Trips to Outdoor Ministry Settings Instructors: Paul Hill/Nathan Frambach

MN 365W Systems Thinking and Family Theory in Pastoral Ministry
(3 credits) This course will introduce basic systems theory as the matrix for human development and the emerging life of faith. Attention will be given to integrating systems thinking and theological refection in pastoral ministry. General and family systems thinking and theory will be juxtaposed in order to consider the role and adequacy of each in the life and ministry of congregations. A wide variety of resources will be explored and employed for interpreting persons and congregations systemically in Christian life and practice. Instructor: Nathan Frambach

MN 367W Women and Men: Colleagues in Ministry
(1 credit) Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on being women and men in ministry and to identify barriers to and gifts for being colleagues. We will listen to one another, beyond labels and societal definitions. The group will surface gender issues, explore theologically the nature of sin, Jesus, Salvation and Church and envision together possibilities for full partnership in church and society. Instructors: Norma Cook Everist, Craig Nessan, Nathan Frambach

MN 370W Internship
(27 credits) A full year of intensive involvement for the M.Div. student in responsible, pastoral ministry under the supervision of an experienced pastor and the seminary. It normally follows successful completion of a student’s second year of academic work. All internships are assigned by the faculty upon recommendation of the student/faculty Internship Task Force.

MN 372W Children, the Family, and Faith
(3 credits) This seminar will consider the nature of childhood and the care of children. We will reflect critically on ideas about children and childhood from various theological traditions within the history of Christian thought. In addition, we will employ historical, theological, and ethical analysis in order to explore the changing notion of family in a diverse, pluralistic social context. Students will work together in a collegial setting to integrate their emerging understandings of children, family, and faith and construct a theology of childhood. Instructor: Nathan Frambach

MN 373W Pastoral Care with Adolescents
(3 credits) Adolescence, as a stage in the human developmental journey, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for the ministry of pastoral care. In this course we will seek: a) to explore the nature of adolescence and adolescent spirituality; b) to identify challenges and opportunities unique to adolescence from historical, psychological, and theological perspectives, and; c) to propose an integrated congregational model, including specific practices, for the ministry of pastoral care with adolescents. Instructor: Nathan Frambach

MN 375W Loss and Grief
(3 credits) An examination of the dynamics of loss and grief from a pastoral theological perspective with special attention to the meaning of death in human life. Instructor: Dan Olson

MN 378W Marriage in Pastoral Perspective: Pre-Marital, Re-Marital, and Marital Counseling
(3 credits) This course will focus on the ministry of pastoral counseling as it relates to the couple relationship and marriage. Attention will be given to pre-marital couple counseling as well as the unique dynamics involved in re-marital couple counseling. Current concepts and techniques in the field of marriage counseling will be considered and evaluated from systemic, socio-cultural, and theological perspectives. Instructors: Dan Olson/Nathan Frambach

MN 380W Pastoral Theology Method (Prolog Week)
(1 credit) This course facilitates the transition from internship to the senior year by focusing on the practice of ministry during internship. It seeks to deepen skills in theological refection based on the practice of ministry. Offered every fall.

MN 382W Evolution and a Christian Understanding of Human Nature
(3 credits) When Christians read the story of Creation in the Bible, and hear the story of evolution by natural selection in science courses, many of them experience confusion and dissonance. Congregational leaders must be prepared to address these matters. Evolution by natural selection is rapidly becoming a dominant voice among psychologists in their efforts to understand the human mind and human behavior. Does an evolutionary understanding of human nature contradict Christian teachings, or does it hold out to the church a new opportunity for deepening our understanding of the Biblical message and enriching our pastoral practice? These issues will be addressed in this course. Instructor: Dan Olson

MN 384W Pastoral Perspectives on Addictions
(1 credit) Current theological and psychological understandings of the nature of addictions and co-dependency will be addressed from a pastoral perspective. Instructor: Dan Olson

MN 388W Ministry in Times of Crisis: Stress, Depression, Conflict, and Opportunity (3 credits) This course will examine the conditions of modern life that are causing increased rates of stress, depression, crises and conflict and will study the meaning of these experiences from theological, psychological, and sociological perspectives. Instructor: Dan Olson

MN 392T Empowering Ministry: Clergy and Laity in Context
(3 credits) This course challenges students to explore how congregations can do empowering ministry in their locations. It is especially designed to wrestle with the issue of how theology and Scripture are faithfully interpreted and proclaimed in rural contexts. Interdisciplinary in nature, the course content will focus on leadership issues for congregational (both clergy and laity) ministry. Instructors: Shannon Jung, et al.

MN 393(or 5)T Theology of Eating
(1 credit – MN 393) (2 credits – MN 395) Food and eating are underexplored aspects of the spiritual life of congregations, especially congregations in town and country locations. The course will investigate the theology of food and eating with an eye toward the related theological and moral implications of appreciating that great gift of God. It will be constructive and will be attentive to the methodological issues in such an adventure. Instructor: Shannon Jung

MN 394W Pastoral Care in Cross-Cultural Perspective
(1 credit) This course examines pastoral care practices as they have developed in churches in a wide variety of cultures throughout the world, and asks: what is universal in the practice of pastoral care, and how can we care more effectively for people of differing cultural backgrounds? Instructor: Dan Olson

MN 397T The Rural January Term
(3 credits) A brief integrated experience in the rural world: church, community dynamics, and theology/ethics. Participation in rural churches through a five-day immersion and seminars; primary emphasis falls on experiential learning. Seminars and a field trip round out the course. Offered every interim. Instructors: Shannon Jung, et al.

Independent Study
A student may do independent reading or a research project on a topic within the ministry division with the approval and under the guidance of one of the instructors in the division.

MN 199W Readings and Directed Research (junior level)

MN 299W Readings and Directed Research (middler level)

MN 399W Readings and Directed Research (senior level)

Biblical | History/Theology | Ministry | Supervised Practice of Ministry | Integrative