Christian Religious Studies is what we all need

PROGRAMS OF STUDY AND COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Christian ministry: The quality and success of the Christian studies in ministry are very often determined by the minister’s ability to think critically, biblically, and theologically; to communicate that thinking in oral and written fashion; and to apply that thinking in real-life ministry.

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling (MABC) program is to train students to serve as counselors in local churches and other ministry settings. This program provides the biblical, theological, and practical education required to provide leadership in a church-counseling center or in an independent lay counseling ministry. It is not intended to prepare individuals for a State Licensure but will qualify the candidates for organizational professional licensed counseling credential.

40-Credit Hours Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling (MABC)

Objectives: Graduates of the MABC program will be prepared to:

Accurately interpret the Bible in light of its historical-grammatical context.
Utilize the Church’s theological heritage as an important resource in their personal spiritual development and ministry.
Articulate biblical philosophy counseling.
Communicate biblical and theological truths through preaching, teaching, writing, or in such other ways as may be appropriate.
Evaluate and develop ministries in light of the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.
Accurately and empathetically evaluate people and their personal circumstances and provide appropriate pastoral care or referral.
Serve with Christian character in their personal and professional lives.
Demonstrate a general knowledge of the Bible in the application of the Biblical Counseling Process.
To apply empathic interpersonal skills in the context of the counseling environment to help people resolve spiritual, relational, and behavioral issues and problems.
To implement ethically and legally informed counseling practices.

Program Revised September 2007

CHRISTIAN PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELING

Core Requirements (24 credit hours)

Counseling Concentration (21 credits)

CON603 Introduction to Biblical Counseling (3)

CON602 Competent to Counsel (2)

CON613 Theology of Christian Counseling (3)

CON623 Christian Marital Counseling (3)

CON634 Crisis and Trauma Counseling (3)

CON644 Ready to Restore in Group Dynamics: For Christian Counselors) (4)

CON644 Counseling IV (Counseling Troubled Teens & Their Families) (3)

Course Descriptions for Counseling Concentration

Introduction to Biblical Counseling. This course will introduce the students to principles and practice in Biblical counseling. This approach will bring a system of biblical truth that brings together people, their problems and the living God.

Competent to Counsel. Competent to counsel has Counselors develop both a general approach to Christian counseling and specific response to particular problems. The approach using in this book I nouthetic counseling by means of the Holy Spirit to bring about change in the personality and behavior of the counselee.

Theology of Christian Counseling. This course will introduce the student to principles and practice in Christian counseling. This approach will bring a system of biblical truth that brings together people, their problems and the living God.

Christian Marital Counseling. The course explores marriage from the Christian perspective emphasizing the biblically based theory of marriage and marriage counseling with an analysis on the individual, the couple and the family.

Crisis and Trauma Counseling. This course offers the latest information on suicidal ideation which explored in full detail, particularly in terms of helping the victim’s loved ones cope with pertinent issues. All students can benefit form this course, particularly those in the helping profession (i.e. Pastors, lay person, counselors, and nurses).

Ready to Restore in Group Dynamics: For Christian Counselors). This course focuses on the study of mankind as it relates as a social group and how men and women function and are influenced by those who surround them. Ready to Restore. Here is a course that is geared to Christian counseling designed specifically for the layperson using the basic essentials of counseling.

Counseling IV (Counseling Troubled Teens & Their Families). Teenagers and their families live in a society with epidemic levels of social troubles that put adolescents at risk for emotional problems. Twenty-two of the most common mental health conditions that occur among adolescents will be identified and discussed.

Counseling Youth (Handbook on Counseling Youth). A comprehensive course geared to equip youth workers, pastors and teachers, as well as parents, as they attempt to identify problems, discover causes, determine effects, and view biblical perspectives.

CON700 Biblical Counseling Practicum/Internship (student initiated)

Course Descriptions for Psychology and Counseling Concentration

PSY603 Introduction to Psychology and Counseling 4

PSY613 Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling) 4

CON623 Counseling IV (Counseling Troubled Teens & Their Families) 4

CON623 Counseling Youth (Handbook on Counseling Youth) 4

PSY633 Psychology and Religion 4

PSY643 Psychology & Christianity 4

CON653 Christian Counseling (Collins) 4

Introduction to Psychology and Counseling. This course is designed to spotlight many areas featuring examples of people, ideas and applications relevant to Christian counseling. The resources used in the course take on a holistic approach.

Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling). Being able to integrate your spiritual life with your psychological expertise and theological understanding will help enhance your counseling skills. This course will help you evaluate how well you will be able to incorporate prayer, scripture, confession, forgiveness and redemption into your life and counseling practice.

Counseling Youth (Handbook on Counseling Youth). A comprehensive course geared to equip youth workers, pastors and teachers, as well as parents, as they attempt to identify problems, discover causes, determine effects, and view biblical perspectives.

Psychology and Religion . This unique course presents a psychological approach to the study of the religious experience. There will be eight points of view discussed and evaluated. This course will explain the thinking of religious psychology including the philosophy of various theorists.

Psychology & Christianity. This course and text emphasizes morality, values, epistemology, and the role of religion in public life.

Counseling VII (Christian Counseling) (Collins). Designed to help Christian leaders in their counseling work, this course will introduce many case histories, along with an exploration of what the Bible has to say about the problems addressed.

Biblical Counseling Practicum/Internship (student initiated)

Program cost $3600.00

Course selection may be modified based on transcript review and personal interest.

Master of Arts in Pastoral Leadership (MAPL) 40 credit hours

Research only or Coursework options (5 extra hours for ROP)

The purpose

The purpose of the Master of Arts in Pastoral Leadership (MAPL) program is to provide the biblical, theoretical, and practical instruction necessary to assume leadership positions in churches, ministries, and other organizations. Men and women in a variety of leadership positions will benefit from this course of study.

This program provides the biblical, theological, and practical education required to provide leadership in a church-counseling center or in an independent lay counseling ministry. It is not intended to prepare individuals for a State Licensure but will qualify the candidates for organizational professional licensed counseling credential.

Program Objectives

Graduates of the MAPL program will be prepared to:
Accurately interpret the Bible in light of its historical-grammatical context.
Utilize the Church’s theological heritage as an important resource in their personal spiritual development and ministry.
Articulate a biblical philosophy of leadership consistent with their vocation.
Communicate biblical and theological truths through preaching, teaching, writing, or in such other says as may be appropriate.
Apply Christian leadership principles consistent with a biblical perspective of leadership.
Design a strategic plan to guide organizations toward the accomplishment of their mission.
Discover the culture and values of an organization and intentionally embed the values and ethics essential to leading that organization toward societal transformation and the accomplishment of its mission.
Develop themselves and those around them as leaders.
Serve with Christian character in their personal and professional lives.

Master of Arts in Pastoral Leadership Total 40 credit hours Revised September 2007

Core Requirements (21 credit hours)

OTS 603 Old Testament Studies (3)

NTS 613 New Testament Studies (3)

STH 623 Systematic Theology (3)

HEM 633 Hermeneutics (3)

CAG 643 Apologetics (3)

BIS 653 Romans (3)

PMS 663 Prepare to Ministry (3)

Concentration in Leadership (24 credit hours)

PSL703 The Art and Science of Leadership (3)

PSL713 Strategy and Administration in Leadership (3)

PSL723 Strategy in Advertising and Promotion (3)

PSL733The Purpose Driven Church (3)

PSL743 Church Administration (3)

PSL753 Homiletics (3)

PSL763 Exploring Worship (3)

CED773 Creative Teaching Methods (3)

Course selection may be modified based on transcript review

Master of Arts in Pastoral Leadership (MAPL) Total 40 credit hours

Program cost $3600.00

Course selection may be modified based on transcript review and personal interest.

PASTORAL LEADERSHIP GRADUATE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Old Testament Studies .This course explores the entire Old Testament in a practical way. Every book is analyzed based on the principle, the concept, and personages involved.

New Testament Studies -The Gospels . This course explores the Gospels with a clear and practical understanding of how God works in the lives of His people. Students who are serious about knowledge of the New Testament will be greatly blessed.

Systematic Theology . This course introduces the student to the “great voyage of discovery into a rich, deep, and inclusive, yet elaborated, vision and understanding of human life in the presence of the mystery of God.”

Hermeneutics. This course is a basic study introducing the student to the science of interpreting the Scriptures. Various phases and methods of understanding interpretation are examined and explored.

Christian Apologetics. This is a study of Christian Apologetics for the purpose of equipping the pastor, minister, or lay leader in the defense of the Truths of God. This study is in three parts: 1) deals with various tests for truth in order to lay a foundation for testing the “truths” of various world views, 2) applies the test for truth to those views, and 3) works within the theistic view to verify the deity of Jesus and the authority of the Bible.

Preparation to Ministry. Everyone whom God calls is called into the ministry of Christ and therefore, need to be prepared. This course prepares the student to the work of sharing the Good News and fulfilling his or her ministry.

Creative Teaching Methods. Focusing on quality education, this course is designed to help those, desiring to teach creatively, do so effectively. The course is loaded with practical and usable Christian based ideas that will make creative teaching a reality.

Strategy of Leadership and Administration. This course introduces the administrative strategy of leadership and administration involved within the church today.

Homiletics. This course further explores the practical approach to homiletics and is a valuable aid to the preacher in preparing himself and the message that he preaches. The text is well-outlined for clear and concise preparation of sermons.

Leadership IV (Purpose Driven Church). From a leadership standpoint, church growth is crucial. This course helps the student to learn how to shift the focus away from church buildings and programs and to, rather, emphasize a people-building process.

Church Administration. Fundamentals of church administration are discussed and studied, preparing the student for a ministry in the local church. Church business, church programs and the pastor are the main topics covered.

The Art and Science of Leadership . This course is designed to expose the student to the art of leadership and administration of the church, role of the ministry, and pastoral responsibilities. Many techniques and skills have been discussed like never before.

Leadership V (Feeding & Leading) . From the viewpoint of the theological, practical and sociological aspects, this course is designed to focus on sound leadership practices from the business world without sacrificing Christian principles. Pastors, church leaders, and business leaders will walk away with tools and ideas that can be used immediately.

Exploring Worship. This course is a look at worship from both the Free Church and the traditional church expression. An attempt to rediscover the importance of worship is analyzed.

Creative Teaching Methods. Focusing on quality education, this course is designed to help those, desiring to teach creatively, do so effectively. The course is loaded with practical and usable Christian based ideas that will make creative teaching a reality.

Master of Christian Education (MCE)

Total 40 credit hours Revised September 2007

Research only or Coursework options (5 extra hours for ROP)

Purpose

The purpose Master of Christian Education (MCE) program is to provide the candidate with an advanced competencies and biblical insights through the teaching, preparation and observation for those actively involved in vocational Christian ministry of education.

Program Objectives:

Graduates of the (MCE) program will be prepared to:

Demonstrate an advanced understanding and integration of ministry in relation to the biblical, theological, academic, and educational disciplines.
Articulate and apply a comprehensive and critical philosophy of ministry.
Demonstrate advanced competencies in the areas of critical thinking, Research and Writing, Biblical Theology, Biblical Communication, Administration/Education Leadership, and Great Commission Strategies.
Plan, implement, and critically evaluate major undertakings in ministry toward the fulfillment of the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.
Evaluate personal, spiritual, and professional development and design a plan for lifelong learning.

Core Requirement (19) Credit hours

OTS 602 Old Testament Studies (2)

NTS 602 New Testament Studies (2)

SWF602 Preparation to Ministry (3)

HEM 603 Hermeneutics (3)

BIS 613 Hebrews (3)

BIS 623 Roman (3)

BIS 633 Exploring the Pentateuch (3)

Concentration in education (21) credit hours

CED603 Childhood Education (3)

CED613 Teaching for Result (3)

CED613 Creative Teaching Methods (3)

CED623 The Foundation for the Future Education (3)

THE633 Apologetics (3)

CED643 Exploring Christian Education (3)

CET664 Christian Ethics (4)

Program cost $3600.00

Course selection may be modified based on transcript review and personal interest.

Core Requirement

Old Testament Studies .This course explores the entire Old Testament in a practical way. Every book is analyzed based on the principle, the concept, and personages involved.

New Testament Studies -The Gospels. This course explores the Gospels with a clear and practical understanding of how God works in the lives of His people. Students who are serious about knowledge of the New Testament will be greatly blessed.

Hebrews. Students will quickly find out how important the Epistle to the Hebrew is for the Christian growth. This course presents a practical approach to the study of the text. And objective and open mind will enrich the student’s knowledge.

The Book of Romans. The book of Romans is one of the most important books in the New Testament. This course presents Romans in a way that best helps us understand the way to salvation, faith, and so forth. It answers the great question such as, “How can a man be righteous before God?”

Exploring the Pentateuch. The Pentateuch is a study manual, a reference source, and a textbook-commentary on the first five books of the Bible.

Concentration in education

Childhood Education . A complete look at childhood education in the church prepares the student for a fuller ministry with children.

Creative Teaching Methods . Focusing on quality education, this course is designed to help those, desiring to teach creatively, do so effectively. The course is loaded with practical and usable Christian based ideas that will make creative teaching a reality.

Teaching for Result. Teaching goals and Christian action comprise the basis for this study. It is designed for teacher training. Student who plan to explore the teaching ministry will benefit great results from recipients.

Christian Education (The Foundation for the Future). This course introduces the learner to the basics of a healthy Christian education program; then beyond, showing how to develop a fresh innovative Christian education program to revitalize the church, home or school.

Exploring Christian Education . Biblically oriented, this course offers scriptural advice and information on youth outreach. It includes Bible school, Bible studies, weekday clubs, camping, and career and pre-marital problems.

Christian Ethics. This is an introductory course in apologetics with answers to many of the so‑called contradictions in Christianity. The course probes intensely into both the difficult, long-standing questions, as well as, the challenging, present-day issues about Christianity.

Master of Theology-40-hoursCourse work

Research only (45-hours

This is a research-only degree; no coursework is involved. The degree is earned through successful completion and defense of a research dissertation.

A thesis of not less than 40,000 words and not more than 50, 000 on a religious/theological area of the student's choice from the options below (the dissertation must be preceded by a Research Proposal):

Dogmatic; Ethics; Homiletics; Leadership; Church and Dogma History; Church Polity; Liturgics; Missiology; New Testament; Old Testament; Pastoral Studies; Counseling.

At the start of the Masters courses, each student is required to submit a Research Proposal prepared in accordance with the regulations of the Cornerstone Christian University . The Committee for Advanced Degrees, the Academic Board, and the Faculty of the University will evaluate the student work and submit it to the Registrar. A student will receive help from a CCU advisor in preparing this RP and a written report following its submission. A second advisor from CCU may also be appointed on approval of the RP. Both advisors will then assist the student throughout the preparation and presentation of the dissertation/thesis process.

A Research Proposal completed to meet the University’s regulations must be submitted first to the advisor and then to the Registrar. This will be examined by the Academic Board of CCU. After being examined by CCU the advisor and the student will receive a written report on the feasibility of the RP. If modifications are required, these must be completed promptly and the RP re-submitted for full approval.

All degree submissions will be examined by at least two Examiners appointed by the School; two Examiners from the Faculty of Theology of the University and one External Examiner appointed by CCU also will examine submissions. The criteria for assessment are provided to students in a separate document.

Students are required to use the MLA for their research paper.

A candidate may pass, fail, or be referred at the end of any course. In cases of referral, the Registrar, together with the Examiners, will recommend to the student via his/her advisor the remedial steps to be taken.

All students are required to contact the advisor at the outset of the course and thereafter to submit work as it develops and at regular intervals. No student may submit work for examination, which has not been assessed and approved by the advisors.

All modules for the MA courses must be submitted to the advisor at regular intervals to be assessed. The advisor will submit the module with his/her mark and written comments to the Registrar. The modules will be returned to the advisor with the assessment of the Registrar/Examiner. The student will receive a report on his/her work and the final grading. Preparation of the thesis must be preceded by the submission of a Research Proposal. A Guide is provided for this purpose.

General Regulations concerning Theses, Dissertations and Examinations

For the purpose of these regulations:

… a Research Paper for a master degree is defined as a piece of written research embodying 40,000 to 80,000 words and which forms a distinct contribution to knowledge and professional skills and affords evidence of originality.

… a (mini-) thesis and a module are ordered and critical expositions of existing knowledge.

A thesis or (mini-) dissertation must not have been submitted in substantially the same form for the award of a higher degree or qualification from another University or College. Before submission, each student is required to sign the ‘Solemn Declaration’ document to confirm this.

A thesis for the degree of MA should not exceed 40,000 to 50,000 words.
Sections of a thesis that have been published or submitted for a higher degree or qualification elsewhere must be clearly indicated.
There are two submission dates in any year for the Masters degrees:
a) March (results due out in September) and
b) November (results due out in February).
a) 28 February (results out by the end of August) or
b) 30 October (results by the following February).
Two unbound copies of thesis for Masters and Doctoral courses must be submitted to the Liaison Administrator for examination purposes.

Before the degree has been awarded, research students are required to provide two bound copies to Cornerstone Christian University . One bound copy will be endorsed and return to the student.

Master of Theology - a total of 45 hours (Research only 50 credits)

Program cost $3600/4050.00

Course selection may be modified based on transcript review and personal interest.

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