Academic Programs: Diploma in Christian Ministries

The Diploma Program in Christian Ministry is directed specifically to persons in ministry, ordained or lay, who have not obtained a college education, persons who intend to be engaged in ministry and desire preparation for that engagement, and lay persons with or without a college education, who desire growth in their understanding of the Christian faith. Its aim is to provide the students with a viable theological education for the enhancement of their effectiveness in ministry; to offer a substantiveorientation to and preparation for ministry to persons who intend to be so engaged but do not have the basic qualifications for admission to a Master's program; and to give interested lay persons an opportunity to grow in their understanding of the Christian faith and in their appreciation of the nature and scope of the Christian ministry.

The Diploma Program is designed to be completed in two years. Nevertheless, students have a maximum of four years in which to complete its requirements. The diploma will be awarded during the annual commencement. Ordinarily, a minimum grade point average of C+ is required for graduation. Since the Diploma is not a degree, candidates will not wear academic hoods at the commencement but a stole, symbolic of their servant role in ministry.

A credit-hour flat rate of tuition is charged in this program, with the possibility of one-third down-payment at the beginning of the semester and two-thirds on a monthly basis, with a surcharge.

The details of this program are summarized below and are also set forth in the Student Handbook for this program.

The Curriculum

The curriculum comprises thirty credit hours: twenty-four in Biblical Studies, History of Christianity, Theology and Ethics, Religion and Society, Pastoral Theology, and Writing Skills; and six in an orientation to ministry and three short electives focusing on some critical aspects of ministry. The courses are taught on Saturdays, 9:00am - 4:00pm, each semester, and two electives will be taught in an overnight retreat from Friday afternoon to Saturday at 3:00 p.m. The courses and their academic values are as follows:

DPL 101 Introduction to the Old Testament: 3.0
DPL 102 Introduction to the New Testament: 3.0
DPL 103 A Survey of the History of Christianity: 3.0
DPL 104 Introduction to Theology I: 3.0
DPL 105 Introduction to Theology II: 3.0
DPL 106 A Survey of the Social Context of Ministry: 1.5
DPL 107 Worship and Preaching: 3.0
DPL 108 Introduction to Pastoral Care: 1.5
DPL 109 Introduction to Christian Education: 1.5
DPL 110 English Composition: 3.0
DPL 111 Orientation to Ministry: 1.5
Electives 3.0
Total 30.0

Recommended Sequence of Courses

Fall Semester Spring Semester

Description of Courses

DPL 101 Introduction to the Old Testament 3 Hours
The division of the books in their various categories (Pentateuch, historical, prophetic, poetic, wisdom); and outline of the major events in the life of ancient Israel, from the time of the Patriarchs (ca. 1850 B.C.E.); to the end of the Greek Hegemony (63 B.C.E.); the reading and discussion of major passages in various books, especially those anticipatory of a future Messiah; and the value of the O.T. for Christians today.

DPL 102 Introduction to the New Testament 3 Hours
The importance of the N.T. to Christians in all ages; the processes through which it is compiled; the categorization and introduction of each book, with attention to the Synoptic gospels; the witness of the books to the life and teaching of Christ; and the value of the N.T. as sacred scripture.

DPL 103 Survey of the History of Christianity 3 Hours
A survey of the life and thought of the church from the Apostolic period to the present day; with particular emphasis on the bestowal of Imperial favor by Constantine, the Nicene struggle, the division between East and West, the Middle Ages and the Reformation, the Evangelical Revival in Britain and the birth of Methodism, and the mission and development of Christianity in the United States, giving special attention to the development of the African American churches.

DPL 104 Introduction to Theology I 3 Hours
The various ways of God's self-disclosure; the nature and attributes of God; the activities of God in the Old Testament; and the human predicament

DPL 105 Introduction to Theology II 3 Hours
The person and work of Christ; the person and activity of the Holy Spirit; the Trinity; salvation, assurance, and sanctification; the church and ecumenism; the Christian hope and Christian ethics.

DPL 106 Survey of the Social Context of Ministry 1.5 Hours
An introduction to sociological thinking, with particular emphasis on the management of the systems and socioeconomic systems that influence everyday life in the inner cities and in rural communities where minorities and the economically disadvantaged predominate.

DPL 107 Worship and Preaching 3 Hours
The nature, history and planning of Christian worship; the importance, preparation, and delivery of sermons; the approach to children in worship; and observance of the "Christian Year". This course will involve both instruction and practicum.

DPL 108 Introduction to Pastoral Care 1.5 Hours
The pastor as care-giver; techniques in listening; confession, forgiveness and confidentiality; pastoral visitation in homes and hospitals; pre- and post-marital counseling; working with addicted persons; knowing one's limitations, and when and how to refer for professional help keeping one's self whole. This course will involve some role playing.

DPL 109 Introduction to Christian Education 1.5 Hours
This course is an effort to train lay Christian education workers to develop skills which aid them in the implementation and organization of programs, which enhance the educational ministry of the church - some attention given to historic events and biblical foundations which aid in the development of such skills

DPL 110 English Composition 3 Hours
The goal of this course is to help students develop writing skills, that aid their effectiveness in expressing their thoughts and various subject matter in written form. This is a one semester course.

DPL 111 Orientation to Ministry 1.5 Hours
This course orients the students to various types of ministry of the church - parish and non-parish; addresses questions the students may have about ministry; and focuses on the students' own experiences with ministry.

DPL 113 Introduction to Biblical Interpretation 1.5 Hours
This course is designed to provide students with introductory exposure to the science of Biblical exegesis.

DPL 114 The Dynamics of Effective Lay Leadership in the Christian Church 1.5 Hours
This course is designed to expose students to the basic tenets of Church leadership and pastoral care. It should aid the student in developing interpersonal skills necessary for effective leadership of a small or large group.

DPL 115 Introduction to Worship and Hymnology 1.5 Hours
This course aims to aid the Christian educator in understanding Christian worship and value the hymns as instruments of praise and teaching key theological, doctrinal and historical themes.

DPL 116 Christian Education Across the Life-span 1.5 Hours
This course is to aid the student in developing educational and spiritually enriching programs which aid the church in meeting the specific needs of Christians at various age levels.

DPL 117 Church Group Organization and Administration 1.5 Hours
A course designed in retreat format to help Christian Education Workers develop organizational skills and expose them to an introduction to church administration. The student should be able to train other Christian Educators Workers in competent group management and training upon the completion of this course.

DPL 118 The Forming of Key Christian Doctrines 1.5 Hours
This course will engage the students in a study of the key doctrines of the Christian Church and the events and personalities which lead to their formation. It will focus on selected events from the first century A.D. to the present.

DPL 119 A Survey of Christianity and American Colonialism 1.5 Hours
This course is aimed at helping students develop a deeper knowledge of Christianity and Colonialism emphasis is placed of American Colonial period. (1619-1800). It aims to provide an understanding of the impact the church made on the Colonial establishment and its role in providing the foundation upon which