Community Transformation and Chaplaincy
The Community Transformation Center degree programs provide students with the specialized skills for catalyzing positive change in communities. Through a combination of coursework, practical experience, and a focus on vocational integration, graduates will be equipped to effectively address societal challenges and pursue meaningful co-vocational opportunities such as chaplaincy, non-profit work, community organizing, para-church ministries, or entrepreneurial pursuits that align with their passion for community transformation.
COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION
1. Trauma and Spirituality
The courses offered in this program will equip students to engage with communities impacted by trauma stemming from social justice issues, poverty, generational trauma, and more. By developing a comprehensive understanding of trauma’s effects on individuals and communities, students gain the necessary tools to effectively contribute to community transformative ministry within these contexts.
2. Transformational Leadership
The courses offered in this program will equip students to foster the development of transformational praxis and empower students for practical leadership. Graduates will be able to lead initiatives, manage programs, and engage in community organizing endeavors that are dedicated and tasked with driving community transformation.
3. CPE Training
CTC students have a unique opportunity to enhance their theological knowledge and pastoral skills by engaging in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Students gain invaluable hands-on experience, integrating theology with praxis in various environments. These environments include placements in:
- Hospitals
- Extended care facilities
- Non-profit organizations
- Social-justice organizations
- Congregational settings
CPE offers a supervised learning experience where students engage in a minimum of 400 hours of practical experience. The program typically spans 25 weeks (extended) or 11 weeks (accelerated) helped along by stipends (see below).
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
- Non-profit Leadership in Community Transformation
- Chaplaincy
- Hospital
- Hospice
- Military
- Prison
- Community Organizing
- Para-church Ministries
- Congregational Leadership
- Entrepreneurial Pursuits
SCHOLARSHIPS
- To help rectify the gap from loss of income-earning opportunities involved with fulfilling the CPE requirements, students may apply for living expense stipends. Stipends may be awarded for each unit of CPE, up to $7500.
- Additionally, students that are 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.
Master of Divinity, Community Transformation and Chaplaincy concentration: 75 credit hour MDiv, designed to be completed within 3 years.
Master of Arts, Community Transformation and Chaplaincy: 36-credit hour Master of Arts degree designed to be completed within 2 years.
Graduate Certificates: Certificates are offered in Trauma and Spirituality and Transformational Leadership. Certificates consist of 9 credit hours and can be completed in 1 year.
Classes are offered in on-campus and synchronous online formats. Students can participate in a combination of these offerings according to their personal needs. The entire program can be completed in an online-synchronous format for students who live outside of South Florida.
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