Department of Religion and Philosophy
Philosophy & Religion Department

Department of Religion and Philosophy

Urban/Cross Cultural Ministry Major

Description

The Urban/Cross Cultural Ministry major prepares students for ministry in churches, para-church and community organizations in urban and cross cultural settings. Students will be introduced to the challenges and complexities of living and ministering in culturally diverse urban communities. The major will include a full semester at the Christian Center for Urban Studies in Chicago, IL (or an approved alternative). The major combines a solid academic foundation of courses in Bible, theology, philosophy, sociology and anthropology, with life and ministry experience in a major urban center. The degree will be a Bachelor of Arts in Urban/Cross Cultural Ministry. A language will be required, either New Testament Greek or a modern language.

Rationale

The Urban/Cross Cultural Ministry major is an extension of the Greenville College mission to "transform students for lives of character and service" by preparing them for ministry and service in a culturally diverse urban world. There are students currently enrolled in Greenville College that are interested in this major, as well as prospective students seeking such a program. This proposed major can be offered without adding any new courses to the curriculum or adding to the present faculty load. The major is cross-disciplinary between the Religion and Sociology Departments. The integration of academic classroom learning and practical life and ministry experience will be achieved through the requirement of a full semester at the Christian Center for Urban Studies, Chicago, IL, or an approved alternative.

Recommended Courses Within General Education Requirements

SOC 112 Introduction to Anthropology
PHL 250 or PHL 251 History of Philosophy
HST/REL 342 Western Christianity
or HST/REL 390 American Christianity
GRK 101, 102, 201 Elementary and Intermediate New Testament Greek
or a Modern Language

Religion Department (5 Courses)
REL 120 World of the Bible
REL 200 Orientation to Ministry
REL 235 Ministry of Evangelism & Discipleship
REL 350 Writings of the N.T. Evangelists
or REL 340 Letter of the N.T.
REL 270 Wisdom and Poetic Lit.
or REL 320 O.T. Law and Prophets
REL 450 Basic Methods in Theology

Psychology/Sociology Departments (3 Courses)
PSY 212 Developmental Psychology
PSY 360 Introduction to Psychopathology
PSY 310 Psychology of Personality
PSY 304 Social Psychology
SOC 210 Research Methods
SOC 309 Social Organization
SOC 399 Sociology of Religion (pending approval)

Christian Center for Urban Studies (or an approved alternative)
CUS 301 Urban Anthropology and Mission
CUS 302 Community, Culture, and Christian Leadership
CUS 305 Internship/Practicum with a local ministry or service organization

Recommended Electives
REL 240/440 World Religions
HST 202 Eastern Civilization
BAE 101 Introduction to Business
GS 199 Entrepreneurial Studies
SOC 101 Principles of Sociology
SOC 302 Minority Relations
SOC 303 Crime and Social Deviancy

College Catalog: Urban/Cross Cultural Ministries

Last updated: September 16, 2005