2013-2014 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog & Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
School of Christian Ministries
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Mission of the School of Christian Ministries
The mission of the School of Christian Ministries is to produce graduates who model academic excellence and professional competence blended with a passionate devotion to Christ in leading His church to its global mission.
Objectives of the School of Christian Ministries
The School of Christian Ministries offers baccalaureate majors designed to produce graduates with a basic grasp of the nature, background and content of the Bible; with a Christian worldview from which they can reflect on contemporary issues; with an understanding of the major doctrines of Christianity and the major advancements in church history; able to read with understanding, think critically, and write and speak clearly; prepared for further study, either in a graduate program or for continuing personal enrichment; and dedication for lifelong servant leadership in Christian ministry, with emphasis on the local church and its global mission.
The School of Christian Ministries offers majors in theology and in intercultural studies. A student majoring in theology may include language study leading to a B.A. or omit language study leading to a B.S. A student majoring in intercultural studies must include language study for the B.A.
In addition, the School of Christian Ministries offers minors in theology and intercultural studies.
Grade Scales for School of Christian Ministries
The following grade scale applies in all CMS courses: 92-100 A; 83-91 B; 74-82 C; 65-73 D; below 65 F. Greek and Hebrew classes may use a ten point grade scale.
General Requirements for All Christian Ministries Majors
All majors in the School of Christian Ministries must take COM 101 to develop and/or demonstrate oral communication skills. All majors must complete the writing intensive (WI) requirements as specified in the Scholastic Standards section of this catalog. See Course Descriptions for courses designated as writing intensive.
Every Christian ministries major must earn a minor or a second major in some area outside the School of Christian Ministries, or substitute two supporting areas of twelve hours each from areas outside the School of Christian Ministries with at least three hours of advanced course work in each area.
All candidates for a bachelor’s degree offered by the School of Christian ministries must present an acceptable senior research paper on a topic previously approved by the School of Christian Ministries. This component is monitored in CMS 499 .
Recognition Awards for the School of Christian Ministries
Each year faculty of the School of Christian Ministries recognizes the graduating senior with a Christian ministries major who best reflects Christ with the Imago Christi (Image of Christ) award. Each year the School of Christian Ministries recognizes outstanding achievement in the study of each of the biblical languages with the Zondervan/University of Mobile Greek Award and the Zondervan/University of Mobile Hebrew Award. Annually the School of Christian Ministries recognizes outstanding student Bible teachers and preachers with the Anne Graham Lotz Women’s Expository Bible Teaching Award and the Robert Greene Lee Expository Preaching Award.
Also, annually the School of Christian Ministries honors an Alabama minister who has served faithfully but without recognition by inducting him into the Order of the Shofar.
Major
Minor
Christian Ministries
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CMS 101 Introduction to The Bible
A survey of the Bible, with special attention to its history and theology. Usually offered every spring. Credit, three hours. -
CMS 199 Spiritual Formations Seminar
An introduction to spiritual disciplines designed to encourage personal spiritual growth as a foundation for life and ministry. Should be taken in the freshman year. Usually offered every fall and spring. Credit, one hour. -
CMS 201 Old Testament Introduction
A survey of the Old Testament, including its text, history, and theology. Usually offered every fall. Credit, three hours. -
CMS 202 New Testament Introduction
A survey of the New Testament, including its text, history, and theology. Usually offered every spring. Credit, three hours. -
CMS 297 Study in Selected Topics
Courses offered to provide opportunities for competent students to study in areas of interest other than those elsewhere defined. This series is primarily a classroom function, either seminar or lecture, permitting flexibility in course offerings. Credit, one to six hours. -
CMS 298 Study in Selected Topics
Courses offered to provide opportunities for competent students to study in areas of interest other than those elsewhere defined. This series is primarily a classroom function, either seminar or lecture, permitting flexibility in course offerings. Credit, one to six hours. -
CMS 299 Research Seminar
An introduction to basic research methods, critical thinking skills and writing style. Should be taken in the sophomore year. Usually offered every fall and spring. Credit, one hour. -
CMS 301 History of Christian Thought
A historical study of the way Christians have thought theologically and philosophically from apostolic times to the present. Prerequisite(s): EN 101 , EN 102 . Usually offered every fall. (WI) Credit, three hours. -
CMS 303 Introduction to Intercultural Studies
An introduction to the historical, social and theological issues affecting intercultural and international relations. Personal, family, community and national relationships are explored through individual and class projects. Usually offered in even numbered springs. (WI) Credit, three hours. -
CMS 310 Christian Worldview
An examination of the essentials of a Christian worldview, giving special attention to biblical ethics and theology, with application to issues of current interest, such as marriage and family, and citizenship. Requires completion of an acceptable Christian Worldview paper. Prerequisite(s): EN 101 and EN 102 , plus six hours or more in the major. Usually offered every academic period (semester). (WI) Credit, three hours. -
CMS 315 Psychology of Religion
A study of selected religious experiences and their relationship to human psychological and spiritual development. Usually offered in even numbered falls. Credit, three hours. -
CMS 317 Biblical Interpretation
A study of the principles of the grammatical/literary/historical methods of interpretation, including practice in using those principles in interpreting representative passages. Prerequisite(s): CMS 201 ; CMS 202 or CMS 321 . Usually offered in even numbered falls. Credit, three hours. -
CMS 318 Homiletics
A basic study in the preparation and delivery of expository sermons. Prerequisite(s): CMS 201 or CMS 202 . Usually offered in odd numbered springs. Credit, three hours. -
CMS 321 Mission and Message of Jesus
An intensive study in the mission and message of Jesus as found in the Gospels. Prerequisite(s): EN 101 and EN 102 . Usually offered every academic period (semester). Credit, three hours. -
CMS 322 Practical Ministries
A course designed to provide insight into the nature of Christian ministry, with special attention given to the various activities, duties, and functions of ministry. Students gain first-hand knowledge of such activities as baptism, the Lord’s Supper, weddings, and funerals. Usually offered in even numbered falls. Credit, three hours. -
CMS 331 Christian Theology
An introduction to Christian theology, emphasizing biblical perspectives. Prerequisite(s): EN 101 , EN 102 . Usually offered every spring. (WI) Credit, three hours. -
CMS 332 Christian Apologetics
A study of Christian evidences that support, from a rational point of view, the intellectual integrity of an evangelical faith. Contemporary apologetic approaches, as well as the history of Christian apologetics, will be considered. Usually offered every fall. Credit, three hours. -
CMS 345 History of Baptists
Baptist history from its origins to the present, including extensive treatment of the history, structure, and theology of the Southern Baptist Convention. Usually offered in even numbered springs. Credit, three hours. -
CMS 370 Minister of Youth
A study of the roles and relationships of a youth minister. Attention is given to programming, goal setting, budgeting, organizing, and administering a ministry to youth within the context of a local church. Usually offered in even numbered springs. Credit, three hours. -
CMS 371 Context of Youth Ministry
A study of the context of youth ministry. Attention is given to cultural influences, peer and family relationships, and academic and social issues. Usually offered in odd numbered springs. Credit, three hours. -
CMS 398 Ethics in Ministry
An examination of the ethical dimensions of Christian ministry and ethical issues facing persons engaged in ministry. Attention is given to ethical responsibilities of a personal, familial, professional and social nature. Credit, one hour. -
CMS 403 Principles of Intercultural Leadership
An examination of contemporary principles and practices of Christian personnel working in intercultural settings, both domestically and internationally. Special emphasis is placed on the unique roles of volunteer, short-term, and career workers in multicultural environments. Case studies and personal interviews are included. Usually offered in odd numbered springs. (WI) Credit, three hours. -
CMS 405 Practicum in Ministry
A field education experience of various aspects of Christian ministry under the supervision of a professional minister and a School of Christian Ministries faculty member. Prerequisite(s): Senior standing. Usually offered every spring. Credit, three hours. -
CMS 407 Pastoral Counseling
A study of the person, context, and skills of the pastoral counselor. Common problems in pastoral counseling are explored. Usually offered in odd numbered falls. Credit, three hours. -
CMS 409 Evangelism
An introduction to the biblical foundations, history, and practice of Christian evangelism. Attention is given to personal, church, and crusade evangelism strategies. Usually offered in odd numbered falls. Credit, three hours. -
CMS 410 Church History
A survey of the history of Christianity from the apostolic era to the present. Usually offered in odd numbered falls. Credit, three hours. -
CMS 416 Archaeology and The Bible
A survey of archaeological methods and artifacts related to the ancient Near East and the Roman Empire, which assist in understanding the historical context and the literary background of the Old and New Testaments. Prerequisite(s): CMS 101 or CMS 201 ; and CMS 202 or CMS 321 . Usually offered in odd numbered falls. Credit, three hours. -
CMS 420 Contemporary Religious Faith
A study of the history, doctrines, and worship practices of a cross-section of contemporary denominations, sects, and cults. May include selected world religions. Prerequisite(s): CMS 331 or CMS 332 ; or permission of instructor. Usually offered in even numbered falls. Credit, three hours. -
CMS 425 International Service Project
Participation in a SOCM-sponsored international service project. Involves a study of the history, geography, and culture of the host country, as well as appropriate service methods. May be repeated for credit. Credit, three hours per project. -
CMS 431 Independent Study
Courses designed to provide students with advanced standing opportunities for an independent study or research project in the major area, with the approval of the advisor, instructor, and the dean of the School of Christian Ministries. Prerequisite(s): Completion of at least eighteen semester hours in the major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Credit, one to eight hours. -
CMS 432 Independent Study
Courses designed to provide students with advanced standing opportunities for an independent study or research project in the major area, with the approval of the advisor, instructor, and the dean of the School of Christian Ministries. Prerequisite(s): Completion of at least eighteen semester hours in the major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Credit, one to eight hours. -
CMS 453 Intercultural Internship
Provides supervision while student gains experience with ESL training, interaction with international seafarers, and other tasks common to intercultural service. Prerequisite(s): CMS 303 and CMS 403 . Credit, three hours. -
CMS 497 Study in Selected Topics
Courses offered to provide opportunities for competent students to study in areas of interest other than those elsewhere defined. This series is primarily a classroom function, either seminar or lecture, permitting flexibility in course offerings. Credit, one to six hours. -
CMS 498 Study in Selected Topics
Courses offered to provide opportunities for competent students to study in areas of interest other than those elsewhere defined. This series is primarily a classroom function, either seminar or lecture, permitting flexibility in course offerings. Credit, one to six hours. -
CMS 499 Senior Project Seminar
An applied research class leading to the production of the senior theology paper. Involves choice and approval of topic, directed research and writing, and formal evaluation of the completed project. Must be taken in the senior year. Usually offered every fall and spring. Credit, one hour.
Greek
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GK 201 Elementary Greek
A study of the basic forms and the functions of these forms as found in the Koine Greek, with some emphasis upon acquiring basic skills in the translation of the Greek New Testament. Usually offered every year. Credit, three hours. -
GK 202 Elementary Greek
A study of the basic forms and the functions of these forms as found in the Koine Greek, with some emphasis upon acquiring basic skills in the translation of the Greek New Testament. Usually offered every year. Credit, three hours. -
GK 301 Greek Exegesis
A detailed study of selected New Testament documents based on the Greek text, giving attention to critical issues, important points of grammar, word studies, and theological themes. This course may be repeated when the documents chosen for exegesis change. Prerequisite(s): GK 201 and GK 202 . Credit, three hours. -
GK 302 Greek Exegesis
A detailed study of selected New Testament documents based on the Greek text, giving attention to critical issues, important points of grammar, word studies, and theological themes. This course may be repeated when the documents chosen for exegesis change. Prerequisite(s): GK 201 and GK 202 . Credit, three hours.
Hebrew
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HEB 201 Elementary Hebrew
An introduction to biblical Hebrew, emphasizing basic grammar and vocabulary. Elementary readings from the Hebrew Bible provide exercises for the development of translation skills. Usually offered in odd numbered falls (201) and even numbered springs (202). Credit, three hours. -
HEB 202 Elementary Hebrew
An introduction to biblical Hebrew, emphasizing basic grammar and vocabulary. Elementary readings from the Hebrew Bible provide exercises for the development of translation skills. Usually offered in odd numbered falls (201) and even numbered springs (202). Credit, three hours.
New Testament Studies
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NT 521 New Testament Introduction
Examines critical issues related to New Testament introduction. Credit, three hours. -
NT 522 The Synoptic Gospels
Provides a study of Matthew, Mark and Luke. The historical background, interpretation, and contemporary significance of the gospels are examined, either collectively, in groups, or individually. The course may be repeated when content changes. Credit, three hours. -
NT 523 The Pauline Epistles
Provides a study of the New Testament letters textually and/or historically linked to Paul. The historical background, interpretation, and contemporary significance of these letters are examined, either collectively, in groups, or individually. The course may be repeated when content changes. Credit, three hours. -
NT 524 The Johannine Corpus
Provides a study of the New Testament documents textually and/or historically linked to John. The historical background, interpretation, and contemporary significance of these works are examined, either collectively, in groups, or individually. The course may be repeated when content changes. Credit, three hours. -
NT 525 Acts and the General Epistles
Provides a study of Acts and/or the non-Pauline letters of the New Testament. The historical background, interpretation, and contemporary significance of these works are examined, either collectively, in groups, or individually. The course may be repeated when content changes. Credit, three hours. -
NT 527 Exegesis in Greek
Presents a detailed analysis of selected books or portions of books from the Greek Testament. Emphasis is given to vocabulary building, location of verbs, and pronunciation as well as exegesis. Use of lexicon is a major component of class work. The course may be repeated when content changes. Credit, three hours. -
NT 528 Special Topics in New Testament
Analyzes special topics in New Testament designed to meet specific needs and special interests and to explore current issues in the field. The course may be repeated when content changes. Credit, three hours.
Old Testament Studies
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OT 511 Old Testament Introduction
Examines critical issues related to Old Testament introduction. Credit, three hours. -
OT 512 The Pentateuch
Provides a study of the Law. The historical background, interpretation, and contemporary significance of the books from this section of the Hebrew Bible are examined, either collectively, in groups, or individually. The course may be repeated when content changes. Credit, three hours. -
OT 513 The Prophets
Provides a study of the Former and Latter Prophets. The historical background, interpretation, and contemporary significance of books from this section of the Hebrew Bible are examined, either collectively, in groups, or individually. The course may be repeated when content changes. Credit, three hours. -
OT 514 The Prophets
Provides a study of the Former and Latter Prophets. The historical background, interpretation, and contemporary significance of books from this section of the Hebrew Bible are examined, either collectively, in groups, or individually. The course may be repeated when content changes. Credit, three hours. -
OT 515 The Writings
Provides a study of the Writings. The historical background, interpretation, and contemporary significance of books from this section of the Hebrew Bible are examined, either collectively, in groups, or individually. The course may be repeated when content changes. Credit, three hours. -
OT 517 Exegesis in Hebrew
Presents a detailed analysis of selected books or portions of books from the Hebrew Bible. Emphasis is given to vocabulary building, location of verbs, and pronunciation as well as exegesis. Use of lexicon is a major component of classwork. The course may be repeated when content changes. Credit, three hours. -
OT 518 Special Topics in Old Testament
Investigates special topics in Old Testament designed to meet specific needs and special interests and to explore current issues in the field. The course may be repeated when content changes. Credit, three hours.
Theological Studies
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TS 531 Systematic Theology
Surveys the major doctrines of the Christian faith. Credit, three hours. -
TS 532 Patristic Theology
Provides a historical and thematic study of the major themes of Christian reflection from the apostolic period through AD 600. Credit, three hours. -
TS 533 Reformation Theology
Analyzes the events and currents of thought that culminated in Catholic and Protestant reforms in the sixteenth century. Credit, three hours. -
TS 534 Modern Theology
Provides a historical and analytical study of the major themes of Christian reflection from the Reformation through the modern era. Credit, three hours. -
TS 535 Historical Theology
Explores the historical development of Christian doctrines and the factors that influenced their formulation. Credit, three hours. -
TS 538 Special Topics in Theology
Provides an intensive study of particular doctrines, persons, or movements in the history of Christian thought. The course may be repeated when content changes. Credit, three hours.
Chapel
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ZCH 007 Chapel
In keeping with the stated mission of the institution, the purpose of chapel is to offer students well-planned programs providing for Christian growth and maturation. Offered every fall and spring semester, there is no charge for chapel and no academic credit is awarded for it, but chapel attendance credit is necessary for the completion of graduation requirements. Chapel requirements are based on students’ classification and are identified in the Academic section of this catalog.
Graduate Research
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RH 592 Directed Study and Research in the Old Testament
Provides an opportunity for students to explore through directed readings and research those problems and issues of special significance in the field of Old Testament study. The course may be repeated when subjects change. Requires special permission of the appropriate professor and advisor. Credit, one to three hours. -
RH 593 Directed Study and Research in the New Testament
Provides an opportunity for students to explore through directed readings and research those problems and issues of special significance in the field of Intertestamental and New Testament study. The course may be repeated when subjects change. Requires special permission of the appropriate professor and advisor. Credit, one to three hours. -
RH 594 Directed Study and Research in Theology
Provides an opportunity for students to explore through directed readings and research those problems and issues of special significance in the field of theological studies. The course may be repeated when subjects change. Requires special permission of the appropriate professor and advisor. Credit, one to three hours. -
RH 599 Thesis
Provides for thesis committee guidance during the research and writing of a thesis. A biblical/theological student must register for a total of six hours of credit in this course, usually three hours per academic period (semester) for two academic periods (semesters). Credit, three to six hours. -
RH 599.1 Writing Candidate
Provides for thesis committee guidance should a biblical/theological student continuing in the process of writing a thesis require more than six hours to complete the project. The student must register for one additional semester hour of credit for any academic period (semester) during which faculty members serve in an advisory capacity. Credit, one hour.
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