Master of Divinity Concentration in Community Transformation and Chaplaincy
This concentration adds to a Master of Divinity education the skills necessary for working toward community transformation. Graduates of this concentration will possess the skills and education to seek co-vocational employment in fields such as chaplaincy, non-profit work, community organizing, para-church ministries, or entrepreneurial pursuits related to their individual call.
COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION
1. Trauma and Spirituality
Students earning this degree likely will work in contexts with communities who have experienced trauma due to social justice issues, poverty, generational trauma, etc. It is imperative for students to understand how trauma affects individuals and communities in order to practice community transformative ministry in these spaces.
2. Transformational Leadership
These courses will provide tools and education for managing and directing projects, programs, and organizations for community transformation.
3. CPE Training
CTC students have a unique opportunity to develop and integrate theological knowledge and pastoral skills in a wide variety of clinical contexts through Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), including:
- Hospitals
- Extended care facilities
- Non-profit organizations
- Social-justice organizations
- Congregational settings
CPE requires students to complete at least 400 hours of supervised practice and education typically over the course of either 25 weeks (extended) or 11 weeks (accelerated).
COURSE TITLES & DESCRIPTIONS
Students will examine the historical-critical context, literary content, and theological message of the book of Genesis. MDiv students will also integrate the study of Genesis with a study of the early church, with special emphasis on the doctrines of God, creation, humanity (imago Dei), and sin.
Students will analyze the historical context, epistolary features, and theological message of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. MDiv students will also integrate the study of 1 Corinthians with a study of ministry leadership.
Students will examine the ways in which the local and global Church participates in the missio Dei, with special emphasis on gospel proclamation and prophetic calls for social justice. MDiv students will also integrate the study of the missio Dei with a study of Acts of the Apostles.
Students will analyze the ways in which Christian ethical formation and discourse are generated in the life and practice of the church, with special emphasis on the biblical and theological foundations of Christian moral decision-making. Students will then analyze contemporary ethical issues in the light of Christian traditions of moral theology. MDiv students will also integrate the study of Christian ethics with a study of global the book of the Twelve.
Students will examine the historical context, narrative structure, and theological message of the Acts of the Apostles, with special emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit among the people of God. MDiv students will also integrate the study of Acts with the missio Dei (“mission of God”).
Students will analyze the literary content, canonical shape, and theological message of Book of the Twelve (i.e. the Minor Prophets). MDiv students will also integrate the study of the Book of the Twelve with a study of Christian Ethics.
Students will analyze the literary features, narrative structure, and theological message of the Gospel of John. MDiv students will also integrate the study of the Gospel of John with a study of worship and discipleship in Christian ministry.
Students will analyze global (i.e. non-Western) forms and movements of Christian faith and practice and will evaluate their significance for the life of the church. MDiv students will also integrate the study of global Christianity with a study of the Psalter.
CAREER OUTCOMES
- Co-vocational ministry
- Congregational Leadership
- Hospital/Hospice/Military/Prison Chaplaincy
- Non-profit Community Engagement and Transformation
SCHOLARSHIPS
- In order to bridge the gap from the loss of income-earning opportunities from fulfilling CPE requirements, students may apply for living expense stipends. Stipends may be awarded for each unit of CPE, up to $7500.
- Additionally, students enrolled in the Community Transformation and Chaplaincy concentration are eligible for CTC specific scholarships in addition to School of Ministry scholarships and other Financial Aid opportunities.
The Community Transformation and Chaplaincy, a concentration in the MDiv, requires a total of 75 credit hours. The degree is designed to be completed within 3 years.
Undergraduate Requirements:
- Earn a baccalaureate degree in Christian Ministry or Biblical Studies from a regionally accredited institution or a baccalaureate degree in another major with successful completion of 24 hours of specified, prerequisite coursework on the undergraduate or graduate level
- Achieve cumulative undergraduate minimum GPA of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale