Minor in Church, society and ministry
The minor in Church, society, and ministry helps students in any major or professional program understand the role, function, and contributions of Christian congregations, denominations, and ministries in society, and to discern how their own gifts and interests might contribute to the mission of the church in the world.
Program advisors
T. Cioffi (CMS), M. Mulder (Sociology), J. Smith (Philosophy), S. Roels (Business/CMS), and J. Witvliet (CMS/Music/CICW)
Program requirements
The minor requires 22 hours, with specific requirements as follows.
1. Four courses in congregational and ministry studies (10 hours):
- CMS 151—Church and Society (3)
- CMS 201— Interpreting Church Practices (3)
- CMS 251—Theological Reflection on Ministry Practices (1)
- CMS 385—Integrative Studies in Church, Society, and Ministry (3)
Note: a CMS interim course that explores a significant case study related to the church’s engagement with society may be substituted for 201, with departmental approval.
2. One internship course:
- CMS 381—Congregational and Ministry Internship (3)
- CMS 378—Jubilee Fellows (3)
- IDIS 385—Comenius Scholars (3)
Note: Other internships which students complete as part of their major program might also meet this requirement if the internships take place in a congregational or ministry setting. Permission is required from both the CMS department and the supervising professor of the internship in question.
3. Two religion courses (6 hours)
- One intermediate biblical studies course: Religion 211-214; 221-224
- One intermediate theological studies course: Religion 230-237; 241-244, 251, 295
Note: one of the courses will typically be taken for core credit.
4. One additional course
Complete one additional course with a particular focus on congregational life. This may be completed through other CMS offerings:
- CMS 251—Theological Reflection on Ministry Practices (taken two additional times)
- CMS 374—Youth Ministry
- CMS 378—Jubilee Fellows Seminar
Or this may be fulfilled by completing a significant assignment (e.g., major book review or research paper) related to congregational life in another course. To receive credit for another course in this minor, students should a) complete a form available here soon b) obtain prior permission of the instructor of the course, and c) obtain prior permission of the CMS department.
