Studies in the Ministry

STMI-221. Introduction to Pastoral Care.
3 crs.
Study of types of pastoral counseling using case presentations, audio and video tapes, verbatim, and typescripts. 

STMI-222. Pastoral Care: Practicum
3 crs.

This course enhances pastoral formation, pastoral competence and pastoral reflection via pastoral-care encounters in clinical settings. Introduction to pastoral care is a prerequisite for this course and ministerial site placement must be arranged in the fall for the spring course offering.

STMI-228. Pastoral Care and the Elderly.
2 crs.
This course examines major theories and current research on the biology of aging, death and dying, psychosocial issues for the elderly, and the impact of economic, cultural, and social forces on the aging process, including the intersections of race, ethnicity, gender and class with aging. Emphasis is placed on the role of the pastoral care professional in geriatric settings.

STMI-230. Minister as Educator.
3 crs.
This course explores the role and responsibilities of the minister in teaching religious beliefs and enabling faith-based practices. Attention is given to ministerial identity, select teaching methodologies, and socio-political contexts upon faith formation and praxis. 


STMI 217.  Preaching and Practicum. 
3 crs.
Prerequisites: Old Testament I and II, New Testament I and II, and at least be enrolled in Systematic Theology.

This is an introductory course in the fundamentals of preaching and the development of the sermon. Students obtain a knowledge of
(1) theological grounds for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ;
(2) a basic foundation and method for sermon preparation and delivery of the sermon;
(3) the contextual factors framing the preaching event;
(4) the practices of scriptural exegesis for preaching;
(5) preaching from both the New Testament and Old Testament;
(6) the role of illustrations, imagination, and the use of rhetorical forms and devices; and
(7) practice in the preparation and delivery of the sermon.


STMI-303. History and Philosophy of Religious Education.
3 crs.
This course examines the development of and approach to religious education in the academy and in the church since the 19th century. Major movements and select theorists/pedagogies are highlighted. 

STMI-305. Ministry to New and Small Churches.
3 crs.
The small-membership church outnumbers all other Protestant churches. Most seminary graduates begin their ministry in small-membership churches. Thus, this course will examine the life in the small-membership church and the kinds of programs one can develop to maximize the effectiveness of the ministry of the congregation. An outline will be developed on organizing a new church. the lecture-discussion method will be used with opportunities to share experiences from readings, reports, practitioners, etc. 

STMI-307. Worship Ministry: Practicum.
3 crs.
An integrated study using an action-reflection model, in planning, organizing, and employing the diverse dynamics of parish worship and spirituality. Opportunities for praxis in the weekly HUSD chapel service become the required centerpiece for this practicum. 

STMI 316.   Preaching the Lectionary and Special Occasions
3 crs.
Prerequisite: Preaching and Practicum or Equivalent This course explores the socio-functional role and identity of the preacher as the community's priest in the context of liturgical worship and the development of sermons for special occasions. 

STMI 319.  African American Prophetic Preaching
3 crs.
Prerequisite: Preaching and Practicum or Equivalent This advance course examines the nature and function of prophetic preaching in the African American lived experience during the Great Migration period of the early half of the 20th century. Using an interdisciplinary methodology that explores the biblical, theological, historical, and sociocultural dynamics of prophetic discourse, this course also suggests ways the term "migration" might become a useful metaphor for examining and describing the relationship between identity construction, geographical movement, and prophetic hope across racial, ethnic, and class lines. 

STMI-320. Women in Ministry.
3 crs.
An historical and sociological treatment of the American woman and institutional change. The historical, biblical and philosophical underpinnings of sexist attitudes discussed. 

STMI-328. Ministry & Social Justice Advocacy. 
3 crs.
This course is designed to mine the richness of the biblical tradition of prophetic ministry, drawing on more fully orbed understandings of the prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures, proper nuancing of prophetic work detailed in the New Testament, and the African American struggle for racial justice. The latter should not be taken to mean that we will not consider issues of gender, ethnicity and economics. Rather these will figure prominently in our discussions when we consider what it means to be the Kingdom of God on earth. This course was designed by the HUSD faculty to provide participants with actual opportunities to engage their ministry contexts from a prophetic perspective. As such, guest presenters will attend class as both representatives of institutions and organizations within the larger social order and as people of faith. This will provide participants with the opportunity to engage key persons in the area whose work represents either a prophetic witness, or an institutional/cultural opportunity for the churches to interface with current realities which call for a prophetic perspective and engagement.

 

STMI-322. Advanced Pastoral Care.
2 crs.
This course is a continuation of STMI-221. Prereq.: STMI-221. 

STMI-340. Directed Study in Pastoral Care.
3 crs.
Student-proposed reading and research project in pastoral care supervised and assessed by professor. 

 

STMI-340.
3 crs.

STMI-345. Theological Field Education I.
3 crs.
Theological Field Education is the art of incorporating faith, action, and reflection in preparation for ministry. Contextual learning occurs in field sites such as faith communities or agencies where ministry takes place. Activities and interactions at the field site become the principal sources of reflection and learning. Supplementary formal instruction, classroom peer interaction, and oral/written reflections should be expected. 

STMI-347. Ministry in the Urban Church and Community.
3 crs.
Focuses on the nature of the ministry in an urban community. Includes an examination of issues and problems of urban people as they are addressed by the church. 

STMI-348. Pastoral Care and Counseling in Crisis Situations.
2 crs.
This course acquaints students with the nature and dynamics of crisis and trauma, crisis management and resources, techniques of intervention, theoretical models for proving spiritual care and counseling in these situations.

STMI-349. Pastoral Care and Crisis Intervention.
3 crs.
Pastoral care and crisis intervention is the task of every pastor. Provides cognitive constructs whereby the students improve their skills in this vital area of ministry.

STMI-350. Theological Field Education II.
3 crs.
This is the required continuation of Theological Field Education I.  Further emphasis is placed on progressive praxis and theological identity in ministry.  Fieldwork requirements and coursework expectations remain the same.  Prerequisite: STMI 345 (exceptions considered).   

STMI-360. Parish Pastoral Counseling.
3 crs.
Introduces students to the skills required for the minister to be an effective counselor in the parish. 

STMI-365. Church Leadership and Administration.
2 crs.
Explores the duties of the pastor, the nature of church administration, roles of leadership within the organizational pattern of the church, voluntary associations, community relations, and community image. 

STMI-370. Introduction to Church Music and Worship.
3 crs.
Examines the theology, terminology, development, organization and practice of church music and worship. 

STMI-375. Religious Nurture, Worship and the Christian Year.
3 crs.
This course examines the origin and development of the Christian calendar and its intentional use for the structure of worship and the nurture of faith and spirituality.

STMI-380. Pastoral Care and Aging.
2 crs.
Examination of the personality changes experienced during the process of aging. 

STMI-385. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X.
3 crs.
Examines the life and thought of Martin and Malcolm. It will assess the similarities and differences between Martin and Malcolm; evaluate Martin's and Malcolm's legacies in terms of their praxis and social analysis of race, class and gender issues; and address their contribution to the Black church and Black theology.

STMI-397. The Minister and the Criminal Justice System.
3 crs.
An examination of the operations of the criminal justice system from a biblical theological perspective. Information and skills imparted to students on how to interact with the police, courts, prisoners and others involved in the criminal justice process. 

STMI-398. The Church and Social Welfare.
3 crs.
A comprehensive overview of public and private service resources available to persons ministering in the urban environment. Emphasis on programs aiding minorities and the poor. 

STMI-420. Seminar in Religious Education I.
3 crs.
The seminar in religious education is a doctoral level course designed for persons who are conceptualizing and designing original research in the fields of religious education, sociology of religion, or church administration. The seminar presents topics of current interest, new textbooks, and resources in religious education. The African American church is highlighted. 

STMI-425. Seminar in Religious Education II.
3 crs.
Continuation of STMI-420. 

STMI-430. Fundraising and the Church.
3 crs.
This course examines the history, principles and practices of fundraising in churches and non-profit organizations. The various topics examined include philanthropy, public funding, annual giving and capital campaigns, fundraising via internet and social media, and ethical issues in fundraising.

STMI-500. Directed Study in Ministry (Doctoral level).
3 crs.
Student-proposed reading and research project in ministry studies supervised and assessed by professor.

STMI-502. Advanced Pastoral Counseling.
3 crs.
Practicum in cases and their analyses, with video taping sessions and interdisciplinary input from psychology and psychiatry. 

STMI-503. Clinical Pastoral Counseling.
3 crs.
Under certified professional supervision, the student is guided in hands-on experience in the application of major theories and models of counseling and practices of effective help in clinical settings, such as hospitals, long-term care, palliative care, hospices, mental health, military, prisons, workplaces, and educational settings.
 

STMI-505. Doctoral Seminar: One.
3 crs.
This Seminar is primarily intended for students pursuing the Doctor of Ministry degree. It is designed to cultivate and foster an in-depth analysis of modern theological expressions of the traditional Christian doctrines, with special attention to the contextual framework out of which such expressions emerge. It seeks to further the theological task of doctoral candidates in the quest for their own tools in the theological enterprise, as well as their search for an appropriate identity in the global community of contemporary theologians and other professional practitioners of religion. Intensive reading, extensive research, and comprehensive reflection and dialogue will be the major process in this Seminar. The specific area of study for this Seminar will be The Essential Mission Of The Church Today - the theological and ethical implications for the Christian life and conduct, as well as the distinctive categories for prophetic witness and social advocacy today. 

STMI-506. Doctoral Seminar: Two.
3 crs.

STMI-507. Doctoral Seminar: Three.
3 crs.

STMI-508. Sexual Issues in Parish Ministry.
2 crs.
Explores a range of issues on sexual misconduct, abuse, exploitation, and harassment in religious communities. Also included is an examination of standards of behavior and structures of accountability, civil laws requiring report of sexual violence, and effective programs of training and education for persons in these religious communities.

STMI-510. Pastoral Counseling and Needs Assessment.
3 crs.
Pastor's use of personality assessment and referral in determining the needs of persons who come to him/her for help. Church and community helping resources will be studied. 

STMI-515. Church and Community I:
2 crs.
An investigation into the methods and styles involved in church leadership. Emphasis given to resolving conflicts within parishes. In addition, the development of church programs and effective means of administering church activities are discussed. Special focus varies each semester. 

STMI-520. Churches in Transition.
3 crs.
Seminar considering the cultural, economic, and theological dynamics that contribute to the ordeal of transitions for local churches and denominations, requesting blacks and whites to suggest models to aid in the creative transition process. 

STMI-522. Professional Ministry Seminar.
3 crs.
Focuses on the minister's needs in preparing and maintaining a high quality of ministry. Issues treated are: (1) congregational nurture and care and recognizing the dynamics of the institutional setting; (2) conflict management; (3) the care and nurture of the minister and his family; (4) personal and professional assessment; (5) deepening of one's spiritual resources; and (6) life development issues. 

STMI-523. Urban Ministry Seminar.
3 crs.
This seminar focuses on theological and moral issues, political and social theory, and programmatic development in faith-based institutions, for effective and efficient work of ministry in urban settings.
 

STMI-525. Church and Community II.
3 crs.
Crisis intervention is the task of every pastor. The goal of this course to provide cognitive constructs for improvement of skills in this vital area of ministry. 

STMI-530. Theological Perspectives on the Contemporary Church.
3 crs.
The contemporary church considered in the light of Scripture and the work of certain representative theologians - Wolfhart Pannenberg, Karl Rahner, and Juan Luis Segundo. Particular attention given to the involvement of the church in society. 

STMI-536. Clinical Pastoral Education: Intermediate.
3 crs.
Offers clinical pastoral field experience. Primarily for D.Min. students. 

STMI-540. Clinical Pastoral Education: Advanced I.
4 crs.
Education and hands-on experience in providing spiritual care to persons in clinical settings under certified professional supervision. For D Min Students only. 

STMI-545. Clinical Pastoral Education: Advanced II.
4 crs.
Continuation of STMI-540. . Prerequisite: STMI-540.