2023-24 Academic Catalog

PSTD Course Descriptions

Table of Contents

PSTD 511 Theology/Practice of Worship

3 hours

Examines the purposes of worship and its biblical, theological, and historical roots. It also focuses on evaluating current trends in worship, understanding the connection of worship to evangelism, learning how to plan and lead worship, and exploring the role of music and the arts in worship.

Back to top

PSTD 512 Essentials of Preaching

3 hours

Introduces students to the theology of preaching and to the principles of sermon construction and delivery. The purpose of preaching as an essential element in the ministry of the church will be considered, as well as the various sermon types and communication techniques used to convey the timeless message of Scripture within a contemporary setting.

Back to top

PSTD 513 Pastoral Ministry

3 hours

Analyzes the theological, biblical, and historical basis of various models of pastoral ministry to guide students in reflecting upon their values and philosophy of pastoral ministry. Students will reflect on the meaning of call and ordination and work on developing professional competencies with presiding over the sacraments, performing funerals and weddings, and providing educational and prophetic leadership to the local community.

Back to top

PSTD 514 Pastoral Ministry II

2 hours

Analyzes the theological, biblical, and historical basis for developing one's values in and philosophy of pastoral ministry. Students will work on developing professional competencies with providing educational and prophetic leadership to the local community. (Note: students who take PSTD 513 must also take PSTD 514, unless permission to take just one is granted by the instructor.)

Back to top

PSTD 521 Pastoral Care

3 hours

Introduces the pastoral counseling role of the minister or spiritual director. The purpose of the course is to acquaint the student with a basic counseling method in relation to the typical situations encountered in ministry. Special attention will be given to healthy differentiation and ministerial ethics. One of the principal objectives will be to help the student recognize when and how to refer persons to qualified mental health professionals.

Back to top

PSTD 522 Pastoral Counseling/Ethics II

2 hours

An introduction to the counseling role of the minister or spiritual director. The purpose of the course is to acquaint the student with a basic counseling method in relation to the typical situations encountered in ministry. Special attention will be given to healthy differentiation and ministerial ethics. One of the principal objectives will be to help the student recognize when and how to refer persons to qualified mental health professionals. (Note: it is required that students take both PSTD 521 and PSTD 522, in direct sequence).

Back to top

PSTD 563 Clinical Pastoral Education: Practicum I

1 hour

Chaplain internship at an approved CPE center. See Hospital Chaplaincy section of the MDiv program description for more information. (Note: it is required that students take PSTD 563, 564, and PSTD 565). Pass/No Pass.

Back to top

PSTD 564 Clinical Pastoral Education: Practicum II

1 hour

Chaplain internship at an approved CPE center. Upon completion of one CPE unit, the student sends a copy of the final supervisor's report to the CPE director in order to receive 1 credit for PSTD 564. See Hospital Chaplaincy section of the MDiv program description for more information. (Note: it is required that students take PSTD 563, 564, and PSTD 565). Pass/No Pass.

Back to top

PSTD 565 Clinical Pastoral Education: Practicum III

1 hour

Exploration of theories and practices for chaplaincy ministry related to issues of grief and loss. (Note: it is required that students take PSTD 563, 564, and PSTD 565).

Back to top

PSTD 568 Apprenticeship I

1 hour

A unique practicum experience in which students do a supervised internship in order to gain expertise in the tasks of ministry. Note: PSTD 568/569/570 can be taken in any order. PSTD 568/569/570 can be taken together as a 3 credit course in one semester.

Back to top

PSTD 569 Apprenticeship II

1 hour

A unique practicum experience in which students do a supervised internship in order to gain expertise in the tasks of ministry. Note: PSTD 568/569/570 can be taken in any order. PSTD 568/569/570 can be taken together as a 3 credit course in one semester.

Back to top

PSTD 570 Apprenticeship III

1 hour

A unique practicum experience in which students do a supervised internship in order to gain expertise in the tasks of ministry. Note: PSTD 568/569/570 can be taken in any order. PSTD 568/569/570 can be taken together as a 3 credit course in one semester.

Back to top

PSTD 585 Advanced Topics in Pastoral Studies

3 hours

Explores advanced topics related to ministry, culture, and the church.

Back to top

PSTD 595 Special Study

1-3 hours

A specially designed and individually tailored course of research involving in-depth study of a particular question, problem, or issue presented by the student. The student must make application for the study prior to registration for the semester in which the study will be carried out. The application must be approved by the faculty member overseeing the study and the departmental chair. Special arrangements for regular courses of study must be approved by the dean.

Back to top