Mission Statement 

The Christian Ministry faculty of Missouri Baptist University desires to assist churches in developing leaders with Christ-like characteristics so that they can extend Christ-like influence, by providing majors, minors, and certificates which are foundational and practical. This course of study has been designed in an effort to emphasize applicability to life, orientation toward the church, and fidelity to the biblical revelation. In accordance with the mission statement of Missouri Baptist University and the academic program, the Christian Ministry faculty provides curriculum leading to general education and degree requirements as well as major and minor programs of study in the disciplines of Christian Ministry, Ministry and Leadership, and Christian Studies.

CBIB 443 BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS

This course teaches the principles of biblical interpretation that help a student develop skill at finding the historical meaning of the Bible texts and applying that meaning to contemporary life. An emphasis is placed on studying the Bible from a grammatical, syntactical, theological, and literary point of view. Contemporary developments in the field of hermeneutics are also considered. Prerequisite: CBIB 213 and 223 for ministry majors and minors; CBIB 113 and CBIB 123 for all other students.

Three Hours, Fall, Even Years

CEWL 473 CHRISTIAN MINISTRY INTERNSHIP*

This course is designed as a learning experience for students receiving training in ministry skills while in a structured, disciplined setting. Students train in an environment in line with their major and/or concentration. The course requires a minimum of ninety hours of fieldwork under supervision approved by the instructor. A Senior Seminar is required for the purpose of finalization and evaluation. This course must be taken during the spring semester prior to graduation. For those majoring in Christian Ministry, this course must be taken in conjunction with the capstone class, CSCM 423 Theology of Christian Ministry. There is a special fee for this course. Prerequisite: CSCE 273.

Three Hours, Spring

CSCE 273 FOUNDATIONS FOR CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

A foundational survey of the skills involved in Christian studies. The skills include the theory of Christian ministry, the practice of Christian Education and the ongoing work of Biblical exegesis. There is a special fee for this course. 

Three Hours, Fall

CSCE 303 MISSIONS AND MERCY

This course is a biblical study of the role and responsibilities of New Testament churches on a worldwide scale in the task of global ministry and conducting an analysis of the current model of evangelical missions, as it relates to the Biblical pattern presented in Scripture. Special emphasis is given to the development of a theology of the global ministry of each local church based on the body model presented in the New Testament epistles. The student will be able to design and implement a biblical model of a local church-partnering ministry on a global scale. Prerequisite: CSCE 273 or consent of instructor. 

Three Hours, Fall, Odd Years

CSCE 343 DISCIPLESHIP AND EVANGELISM: LEADING IN SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Any theology of leadership in the New Testament church grows from involvement in the spiritual formation of Christians. Through a study of Biblical, classical, and contemporary material, this course assists the students in disciplining themselves “for the purpose of godliness,” as commended in 1 Timothy 4:7 (NASB) and in understanding, practicing and teaching spiritual disciplines in the life and worship of the church. This course presents the emphasis on the how to and the importance of private and corporate worship. Prerequisite: CSCE 273 or consent of instructor.

Three Hours, Spring, Even Years

CSCE 403/503 INTRODUCTION TO CHURCH PLANTING

This course is a study of the principles of planting new churches. It is focused on planting churches in North America. The course will survey biblical materials pertaining to church planting, but the emphasis will be practical. Students will learn about various approaches to church planting and the resources available from associations, state conventions, and the North American Mission Board. Southern Baptists are committed to evangelism and missions. Planting new churches is an essential part of that continuing emphasis. This course will equip students to plant new churches in their ministry contexts. Undergraduate prerequisite: CSCE 303 or consent of instructor. Students taking this course for graduate credit must complete all graduate course requirements. 

Three Hours, Spring, Even Years

CSCE 413 CHURCH ADMINISTRATION

This course is a study of the effective use of activities and relationships within the church, such as staff, outreach, buildings, finance, evangelism, worship, leisure time, teaching aids, publicity, communities, and lay personnel. Prerequisite: CSCE 273. 

Three Hours, Fall, Odd Years

CSCE 423/523 BASICS OF BIBLICAL COUNSELING

Based on the sufficiency of Scripture, this study focuses on the basic realities of regeneration and the processes of progressive sanctification so that care providers can assist others toward godliness within the context and nurture of the local church. Undergraduate prerequisite: CSCE 343 or consent of instructor. Students taking this course for graduate credit must complete all graduate course requirements.

Three Hours, Fall, Odd Years

CSCM 313 FOUNDATIONS OF CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

In order to lay a procedural foundation for the theologizing process, this course is an introduction to sources and methods involved in the study of Christian theology (prolegomena) followed by a study of the doctrines of Revelation, Theology proper, and Creation and Providence. Prerequisite: CSCE 273 or consent of instructor. 

Three Hours, Fall, Even Years

CSCM 323 MAN AND SIN

Building on CSCM 313 this course is a systematic study of the Christian doctrines of Anthropology, Hamartiology , and Christology. Prerequisite: CSCM 313. 

Three Hours, Spring, Odd Years

CSCM 333 REDEMPTION AND RECONCILIATION

Building on CSCM 313 and CSCM 323, this course is a systematic study of the doctrines of Soteriology, Pneumatology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology. Prerequisite: CSCM 323.

Three Hours, Fall, Odd Years

CSCM 423/523 THEOLOGY OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

This course is designed to apply the theological foundation of the Christian ministry to the life and practice of the Christian  minister. After reviewing Bible study skills and Christian growth processes with particular application to the responsibilities and privileges of the Christian ministry, the student will evaluate his own call with a view to his own future ministry. For those majoring in Christian Ministry or Ministry and Leadership, this course must be taken in conjunction with the internship class, CEWL 473 Christian Ministry Internship, and thus be taken in the Spring semester prior to graduation. Students taking this course for graduate credit must complete all graduate course requirements.

Three Hours, Spring

CSCM 483/583 EXPOSITORY BIBLICAL MINISTRY

The most important activity in leading a New Testament church and the best operative method for leading any effectively evangelistic church is a Bible-based preaching and teaching ministry. This course studies the basic principles of interpreting and applying the Bible – including a survey of the various types of resources for Bible study – and the best methods for preparing and presenting expository messages and lessons from Bible texts. Students taking this course for graduate credit must complete all graduate course requirements. Undergraduate prerequisite: CSCE 273 or consent of instructor. 

Three Hours, Fall, Even Year
*Any student may earn a Certificate in Ministry and Leadership by completing the 36 hours required for the major in Ministry and Leadership, minus CEWL 473.