Department of Christian Ministry and Formation

Mission Statement

The Department of Christian Ministry and Formation seeks to form students, intellectually and spiritually, to live out their calling and faithfully serve the church and the world. Through a Christlike, in-person learning community, students become rooted, mature, contemplative, and missional servants who participate in God’s redemptive work in a variety of ministry settings.

The Department of Christian Ministry and Formation contributes to the Church of the Nazarene’s mission of making Christlike disciples in the nations by helping students prepare for ordination. Educational requirements for ordination in the Church of the Nazarene can be met through the Ministry major, the Youth and Family Ministry major, the Intercultural Studies major (with ordination concentration), and the Children and Family Ministry major (with appropriate electives). Students interested in being ordained in another denomination should consult with the department chair to design a program that fulfills the educational requirements of their church. 

Department Outcomes

Rooted

1. Students will practice the means of grace (i.e., spiritual disciplines that form Christlikeness)
2. Students will understand and interpret scripture faithfully and theologically
3. Students will steward the tradition
4. Students will appreciate the church

Mature

1. Students will demonstrate self-awareness
2. Students will develop a theologically-informed approach to church administration and managing relationships
3. Students will exhibit discipline and resiliency in the face of challenges
4. Students will express humility as lifelong learners

Contemplative

1. Students will think theologically in service of the church
2. Students will read carefully (both texts and contexts)
3. Students will prioritize healthy rhythms and a rule of life
4. Students will exhibit wisdom and courage in pastoral/theological judgments

Missional

1. Students will understand the Christian life and leadership in terms of self-emptying love
2. Students will be attentive to others, especially those who are suffering and vulnerable
3. Students will relate charitably to people with different perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures
4. Students will communicate the Word of God clearly and comprehensively

Faculty

Scott B. Dermer, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Church History, Chair, Department of Christian Ministry and Formation

Christina L. Bohn, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biblical Studies

Renee Dutter Miller, Ph.D., Associate Professor of New Testament

Jonathan M. Platter, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Christian Theology

Programs

• Bible and Theology, BA
• Children and Family Ministry, BA
• Intercultural Studies, BA
• Ministry, BA
• Youth and Family Ministry, BA

• Bible and Theology, Minor
• Children and Family Ministry, Minor
• Christian Education, Minor
• Intercultural Studies, Minor
• Ministry, Minor
• Youth and Family Ministry, Minor