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CERT 301 - Formerly 301 - Faith Formation and Christian Living (3)
This course explores the biblical foundations of camp/retreat ministry and faith formation. It includes creative strategies for reaching out and welcoming persons of the twenty-first century into faith formation experiences; preparing intentional pathways for people to connect and deepen their relationship with God; effective methods for teaching core elements of Christian faith and discipleship; and providing participants and guests with opportunities to actively practice Christian discipleship with one another and all of God's creation. Strengthening the partnership between camp/retreat ministry, local congregations and conference ministries for long-term faith formation and developing spiritual leaders are important aspects of this course. The course will also cover the unique dynamics of Christian hospitality and faith formation when hosting culturally-diverse guests and groups and those that are not church-related.
Same as: PSTH - Formerly PASTH+610
CERT 302 - Formerly 302 - The Theology and Ecology of Common Ground (3)
This course focuses on the role of camp/retreat ministry in inspiring and training spiritual leaders who shape society by engaging communities and congregations in ministries of earth care and social justice as an expression of holy common ground. Students will study biblical and theological perspectives on the link between faith in God and loving interdependence among people and of all creation. The course further gives a basic overview of key ecological principles and environmental concerns facing contemporary societies; studies the global social justice aspects of the ecological crisis; explores site operational practices that establish camp/retreat/conference centers and communities as Common Ground Centers where people practice Christian stewardship of creation, justice and mercy; and discusses strategies for training and involving both urban and rural leaders for Common Ground Ministries that reach out beyond the camp/retreat site or local congregation.
Same as: TPHL - Formerly THEPH+329
CERT 303 - Formerly 303 - The Ministry of Camp/Retreat Center Management (3)
This course provides an overview of Christian camp/retreat/conference center administration that includes: leading a mission-driven ministry; discerning shared visions and implementation; offering Christian hospitality and hosting guest groups; selecting and developing volunteer and paid staff; partnering with local churches, judicatory entities and other organizations; managing food service; maintaining grounds and facilities; providing risk management and health care; assuring the safety of children, youth, and vulnerable adults; creating and managing budgets; marketing and public relations; office management; establishing operational standards, procedures, and guidelines; strengthening boards and committees; spiritual nurture and renewal of resident staff; continuing education opportunities and more.
CERT 310 - Formerly 310 - Biblical Foundations of Camp/Retreat Ministry (2)
A survey course of the Bible with emphasis on its use as the foundation for ministry through camps and retreats. Concepts of Christians as caretakers, the stewardship of resources and global sustainability will inform the exploration of texts on creation, justice, covenant, and community.
Same as: BBST - Formerly BIBST+107
CERT 311 - Formerly 311 - Developing Christian Camp/Re treat Curriculum and Events (2)
This course will include hands-on experiences in creating and using activities, programs and curriculum for weekend retreats and overnight and day summer camping experiences. Participants will spend the first weekend in an adult retreat setting, focusing on retreat leadership and then spend three days in a summer camp/retreat setting focusing on children, youth and multi-age programs. It will also include educational theory for faith formation for all ages.
Same as: PSTH - Formerly PASTH+635
CERT 313 - Formerly 313 - Developing Environmental Education and Resources (2)
No description is available for this course. Same as: CSOC - Formerly CHSOC+479
CERT 314 - Formerly 314 - Choosing Future Partnering w/ Eth. Leaders, Chur. & Comm. (2)
No description is available for this course. Same as: CSOC - Formerly CHSOC+480
CERT 315 - Formerly 315 - Fundraising and Financing of Camp/Retreat Ministries (2)
Charitable fundraising in support of the outdoor ministry programs of the various denominations is facing increasing challenges to the previous "routine" processes by which the extra-congregational services are funded and maintained. As congregational/parish allotments are reduced to provide funding for more and more local interests/needs, the amounts left to support broader service ministries are diminished. These ministries, then, are forced to develop their own support bases and "asking techniques" in order to provide both basic services and new initiatives. This course will offer a presentation of the basic tenets and concepts for charitable fundraising, an investigation of the requisite elements for a successful program and the specific techniques used in the design of a fundraising program for specific initiatives, the "asking" process, and the specific "ask." Since the course will provide several opportunities for the application of concepts to a specific case situation, students should come prepared with the descriptive details (financial, population, and program descriptions) of an independent ministry program to be used in these exercises.
Same as: PSTH - Formerly PASTH+551
CERT 316 - Formerly 316 - Volunteer and Staff Hiring, Training and Supervision for Non-Profit Organizations (2-3)
This course will focus on the recruitment, interviewing, hiring, supervision, disciplining, evaluating and dismissal of paid and volunteer staff. In this interactive course, students will use their past experiences and present policies to develop new skills for their ministry of personnel management. The theological underpinnings of Christian leadership and role modeling will be woven into the course curriculum and classroom discussion.
Same as: PSTH - Formerly PASTH+554