CHMN 501 Introduction to Christian Ministry

This course offers a biblical rationale for gospel-centered ministry while also providing an overview of practical ministry principles applicable to church, nonprofit, and/or parachurch settings. Special consideration is also given to formational ministry concepts and processes relating to the minister as well as the ministry audience.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Course Guide

View this course’s outcomes, policies, schedule, and more.*

*The information contained in our Course Guides is provided as a sample. Specific course curriculum and requirements for each course are provided by individual instructors each semester. Students should not use Course Guides to find and complete assignments, class prerequisites, or order books.


Modern ministry strategies and platforms are continually evolving. This course will therefore establish a framework for modern ministers that reiterates key biblical principles for ministry, while also recognizing the nuances of modern ministry opportunities, scenarios, and challenges.


Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is asked to explore the biblical significance of key ministry principles as well as the role that spiritual gifts and one’s unique personality and passions play in the life of a Christian ministry practitioner. (CLO: A, B)

Following the Example of Christ Assignment

In this 5-6 page paper, the student will examine the theological convictions, strategies, and principles which shaped Christ’s ministry, as evidenced by his spoken Word and ministry example. The student will also seek to apply these principles and practices to a modern-day ministry scenario. (CLO: A, C) 

Responding to Different Perspectives Assignment

In this 2-3 page assignment, the student will engage various myths and perspectives related to the importance and application of spiritual gifts in the context of ministry from a biblical perspective. (CLO: B)

Spiritual Formation Assignment

In this 5-6 page assignment, the student will examine the purpose and process of spiritual formation. Additionally, the student will explore how to embrace God’s formative processes and the role they play in ministry and the life of the modern-day ministry practioner. (CLO: A, B, C)

Establishing a Personal Ministry Framework Assignment

In this 6-8 page assignment, the student will explore principles, strategies, and processes necessary to establish a personal framework for ministry while also shaping their ministry posture and future practices. (CLO: A, B, C)

Personal Reflection Assignment

In this 2-3 page paper, the student will consider key takeaways from the course while also identifying strategies to further their personal level of ministry readiness. (CLO: A, B)

Quiz: Self-Assessments

This quiz will assess the results of the (3) self-assessment inventories provided in the Bugbee text. This quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned module: week. This quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 3 short-answer questions, and will have a 45-minute time limit. (CLO: A, B)


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