This capstone course integrates previous academic work with ministry experience to reflect and evaluate the student’s educational progress towards biblically and theologically informed ministry applied in the student’s cultural context. Reflection will also contribute to an evaluation of the student’s call and giftedness for ministry in Jesus Christ. Throughout the course students will reflect on personal goals achieved in the degree program and will analyze their growth in ministry. Students will define and analyze the cultural contexts in which they carry out both personal and professional ministry.

Prerequisites: At least 66 hours and a thesis must have been completed (CM519, TH519, or TM501 option B).

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Interpret the biblical text, and able to describe the biblical text as a historical document and an inspired and authoritative guide for Christian life and ministry.
2. Able to think theologically, to analyze differences between various Christian traditions, and to synthesize central themes of the nature of God and Christian proclamation of the word of God.
3. Have a theological foundation for thinking about contemporary social and ethical issues.
4. Gain a broad perspective on how the Holy Spirit has been working in the church from the first century to the modern era.
5. Grow in spiritual maturity and in leadership skills needed in the church and related ministries.
6. Develop pastoral skills such as preaching, counseling, teaching, training, mentoring, and leading in service.
7. Able to evaluate themselves as unique persons who discern their calling and build strong relationships that draw on and bear witness to the love of God the Father, the grace of the Son Jesus Christ, and the communion of the Holy Spirit.
8. See themselves as called by God to serve the church (or church related ministries) in which they continually integrate their personal skills, spiritual gifts, and theological academic training. This will help students see the value of education, leading to a lifelong commitment to continuing education even after they graduate.