Chaplaincy

CMS510 Chaplaincy Ministry: 3 Credits

The course will assist participants in defining the ministry of a chaplain in a variety of contexts. This will be accomplished by exploring and evaluating various chaplaincy options as full or part- time ministry vocations. Primary emphasis will be given to institutional chaplaincies (hospital, hospice, prison, etc.).

CMS520 Theology and Community: 3 Credits

This course is designed to introduce the student to the ways in which scripture speaks to the importance of and benefits of being part of community. The Old Testament law and the New Testament epistles will provide the foundation for the study of community within scripture. Focus will be on the importance of community socially, physically, psychologically, and spiritually.

CMS530 Introduction to Counseling: 3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to various counseling roles, both in the church and other service organizations. It familiarizes students with the major theoretical approaches to counseling and psychotherapy. The therapy process is examined in terms of the roles of the counselor and the counselee, some of the techniques employed, and the ethical issues related to counseling.

CMS610 Care and Counseling: 3 Credits

An introduction to the principles, and techniques involved in the pastoral ministry of care and counseling. The course emphasizes basic counseling skills and ability to relate to others. Biblical, theological, and ethical concerns in pastoral care ministry are discussed and an overview of common counseling concerns is presented. Course format includes lecture, video, role play, and discussion.

CMS620 Bereavement Care: 3 Credits

This course will provide learners with a biblical understanding of the nature of grief. Particular emphasis will be given to working with individuals and families as they journey through the grieving process. Special attention will be given to creating a written or oral narrative for the family based on their recollections of the deceased. Opportunities will also be given for students to demonstrate their understanding of the stages of grief as well as determining practical approaches to pastoral care for those of a common faith, a different faith or those professing no faith.

CMS690 Internship: 6 Credits

Students are encouraged to participate in two Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) units which will fulfill the six-credit internship requirements. Students must complete the core chaplaincy credits (CMS) prior to the internship. For students interested in organizing their own internship, they may do so with permission of the Graduate School faculty. A practical outworking of the students classroom experience is anticipated with expectations of reflection upon the service as part of the course work.

CS610 Research Methods 2 – Thesis Proposal: 3 Credits

A post-graduate degree should be characterized by heightened competencies in areas such as reflective thought, critical analysis and familiarity with relevant literature. Employing appropriate research methodologies Trinity post-graduate degrees comprise a significant research track that enables the student to explore ministry specific fields of study. The objective is to reinforce lifelong learning, the humility of a scholar and applied learning relevant to the student’s own context. This allows some degree of specialization whilst accommodating academic rigor and the positive involvement of a well-qualified supervisor. Additionally, this part of the program is designed to equip those students who wish to pursue further studies. This course is a self-study module which is completed concurrently with TH690a, Thesis. Students register for this course when registering for TH690a.

CS620 The Biblical Theology of Justice: 3 Credits

Combining biblical studies and theology, this course identifies the overarching biblical narrative of God’s love for the poor, the widow, the orphan and the foreigner. Based on the Talmudic concept of Jubilee this course will trace the messianic story of the Bible culminating in the coming of Christ to bring the message of the Kingdom of God. Having established a theological rationale, this course will then explore contemporary models of expressing God’s Kingdom through acts of service, the establishment of ministries of mercy and the responsibility of the contemporary church to be a voice for the oppressed and an advocate for the poor.

LD610 Global Scholar Seminar: 3 Credits

Each year a leading global scholar will be invited to teach Leadership in a Global Context from the unique perspective of his or her area of expertise. The title of the course will be determined by the content of the syllabus. Building on the factual realities of globalization, this course is designed to develop competencies in developing a biblical world view that responds in a Christ- honoring way to the complex issues of religious, ideological, and cultural diversity that now define the context of twenty first century church. Understanding contemporary phenomena such as mass migration, pluralism, gender issues, and ethnic diversity are foundational to effectively leading churches and ministries that are clearly counter-cultural communities of faith. The intentional inclusiveness of Christ-following people and demonstrating an understanding in leading redemptive communities forms the theological foundation of this course.

PT510 Introduction to Graduate Studies: 3 Credits

This is a bridging course specifically for students who may find the step into graduate studies more of a leap than a step. This is especially true of those who last undertook formal studies a while back. In addition to life, work and family responsibilities, a graduate program can present some challenges. This course will serve as a tool to sharpen one’s entry skills for the exciting journey into the MA program.

PT510 Research Methods: Perspectives and Resources: 3 Credits

Foundational to post-graduate level study is the need to understand and become familiar with research methodology. This course is intentionally designed to prepare the student for careful, investigative research resulting in appropriate writing styles, adequate referencing and critical analysis. Analyzing, evaluating, building and presenting arguments are central to the course. Developing a familiarity with different research methodologies, data analysis and the preparation of literature reviews prepare the student to maximize the whole course but, in particular, to be prepared for the research track which comprises their own unique project.

PT610 Ethical Foundations for Christian Leadership: 3 Credits

In an increasingly complex environment, leaders need ethical and theological awareness in order to sustain moral and principle-centered organizations. This course seeks to familiarize the students with ethical concepts thus facilitating theological reflection and practical action in the light of the Church’s moral mission in society.

TH690a and TH690b Thesis: 9 Credits

The capstone of the M.A. (Chaplaincy) is a research-based project enabling the student to undertake a serious piece of academic writing in an area specific to his/her interest.