Urban Ministry Courses
Honours Major: Urban and Intercultural Ministry (16 or 17 courses)
- REL-121, 201, 253, 254, 255, 352, 353, 354, 357, 380, 449, 452
- One of REL-326 or 327;
- Two of REL-421, 451, 453;
- One REL 300- or 400-level elective;
- Completion of the Co-op program or REL-381
Cognate Requirements: APS-341 or POL-201; MCS-115; GEO-214
*For more information on the Co-operative Education Program see page 57 of the Academic Calendar.
Course Details
From the Word to the World: An Introduction to Theological Study REL-121
An introduction to theology acquainting students with the major areas of specialization. While emphasizing that the areas overlap and are inter-related, the course examines the areas of theology according to their distinctive foci, methods, and goals.
Theological Interpretation of the Bible REL-201
An introduction to the theological reading and interpretative practices of reading Scripture. This course involves a survey of biblical interpretation and the variety of methodologies that have been used to study Scripture.
Prerequisites:
REL-110
Church History I REL-216
A study of the Christian Church from the first century through the Middle Ages, focusing on the development of doctrine and ecclesiastical institutions.
Prerequisites:
HUM-110
Church History II REL-218
A study of the Christian Church from the Reformation to the present, focusing on doctrinal development and divergence, the division of Western Christendom, the impact of the Enlightenment, and ecumenical initiatives.
Prerequisites:
HUM-120
Introduction to Biblical Greek I REL-222
An introduction to the basic structures, grammar, and vocabulary of biblical Greek (Koine).
Prerequisites:
REL-110
Introduction to Biblical Greek II REL-223
A continuation of REL-222.
Prerequisites:
REL-222
Reformed Theology REL-251
A study of the central doctrines of Reformed theology, this course will survey the loci of systematic theology, as rooted in the Bible, formulated by key theologians, including John Calvin and Herman Bavinck, and summarized in the ecumenical creeds and Reformed confessions. Students will have an opportunity to study the historical development of these theological doctrines, as well as their contemporary application.
Prerequisites:
REL-110
Foundations of Mission and Ministry I REL-253
An introductory study of the biblical and theological foundations and the historical development of mission. Selected current issues and problems will be examined.
Spiritual Formation for Ministry REL-255
This course seeks to ground students in an understanding of ministry shaped by Trinitarian theology. Furthermore, it offers a variety of tools to enable students to develop spiritual practices drawn from ancient, tested traditions to encourage a balanced spiritual life that can sustain the challenges and joys of ministry.
Reading Scripture with the Global Church REL-321/421
A seminar course surveying advanced hermeneutics and readings of Scripture in the church, historically and globally. This course examines some of the classic texts on the practices of interpreting Scripture.
Prerequisites:
REL-201or permission of the instructor
Old Testament Studies: The Pentateuch REL-324
An intensive study of the Pentateuch, paying special attention to historical context, critical methodologies, literary structures, and theological themes.
Prerequisites:
REL-201or permission of the instructor
Old Testament Studies: The Writings REL-325
An intensive study of literary and theological aspects of the poetic and wisdom literature of the Old Testament.
Prerequisites:
REL-201or permission of the instructor
New Testament Studies: The Gospels and Acts REL-326
An intensive study of the gospels and Acts in their historical, cultural, and literary context.
Prerequisites:
REL-201or permission of the instructor
New Testament Studies: The Pauline Epistles REL-327
An intensive study of the historical, literary, doctrinal, and ethical aspects of the Pauline Epistles.
Prerequisites:
REL-201or permission of the instructor
Philosophy of Religion REL-340
A treatment of philosophical issues as they arise in religious experience and in theological thought, such as the nature of religious language, the enterprise of proving God’s existence, and the prospect of defining or circumscribing religion..
Prerequisites:
One other philosophy course
Leadership, Coaching, and Mentoring in Ministry REL-352
The purpose of this course is to develop an awareness of the leadership dynamics involved in youth ministry that flow from the intersection between four realities: the youth pastor, adolescents, the ministering context, and the cultural context. The ministering context will be used as the “anchoring reality” around which the others will be explored.
Prerequisites:
REL-253
Foundations of Evangelism and Discipleship REL-353
An examination of the character of discipleship in youth ministry, and an application of discipleship to many specific youth ministry practices.
Prerequisites:
REL-253
Teaching Scripture and the Christian Faith REL-354
This course is designed to prepare students to teach the Bible (and other foci of the Christian faith) in various ministry contexts. The course examines how different genres of Scripture require different hermeneutical and pedagogical methods. The course maps a path for education for life through a conversation with critical pedagogy as seen through the lens of the Kingdom of God.
Prerequisites:
REL-201,
REL-253
Youth Culture and Spiritual Formation REL-355
This course seeks to describe and analyze frameworks for understanding young adult spiritual formation in the light of North American social and cultural context. The objective is to equip youth workers for a deeper understanding of the
developmental needs of their students and the cultural influences that may be forming, de-forming, and re-forming them.
Prerequisites:
REL-253
World Religions REL-356
A study of the history, belief-systems, and practice of the major non-Christian religions. Special consideration will be given to problems surrounding a missionary encounter and dialogue with these religions.
Prerequisites:
REL-253or permission of the instructor
Gospel, Church, and Culture REL-357/457
This course examines the relationship between Church, gospel, and the cultures found in North American cities so that students learn to communicate the gospel contextually and faithfully.
Prerequisites:
REL-253and Year 4 standing. REL-357 is the Capstone Course in the Religion & Theology Department and is required for all general majors in the 4th year.
Internship I REL-380
Open to students with Year 3 or 4 standing in the Ministry major. See page 61 of the Academic Calendar for information on internships.
Prerequisites:
Permission of the instructor
Internship II REL-381
Open to students with Year 3 or 4 standing in the Ministry major. See page 61 of the Academic Calendar for information on internships.
Prerequisites:
REL-380and permission of the instructor
Liturgies: Rhythms of Restoration, Hope & Grace REL-451
This course examines the biblical and theological principles, challenges, and opportunities that liturgies offer the church as God’s agent for reconciliation in a fallen world. Students will study a variety of contextualized liturgies using a blend of ancient future practices that draw from the deep tradition of the Church and make use of the richness of the arts as a way to communicate hope and grace.
Prerequisites:
REL-253,
REL-255
Conflict Transformation REL-452
This course prepares students to confront the challenges of conflict in ministry with the necessary skills that can transform conflicts into opportunities for the collective growth of character. Conflict transformation practices promote healthy communities that are based on Biblical values of compassion, peacemaking and restorative justice.
Prerequisites:
REL-253,
REL-255
Poverty and Urban Development Design Project REL-453
This course provides students with the tools to design projects that will contribute to the well-being of the community from a uniquely Christian perspective as an essential component of an urban ministry program. Students will have the opportunity to participate in community projects.
Prerequisites:
REL-253APS-341 or GEO-214
Modern and Contemporary Theology REL-349/449
A seminar course exploring important trends in modern and contemporary systematic theology. Students will critically engage major theological concepts, including those from within the Reformed tradition, that shape Christian thought and life today.
Prerequisites:
REL-251or permission of the instructor. REL-449 is the Capstone Course for the Honours Ministry Major and is required for all honours majors in the 4th year.
