This focus area in Christian spirituality recognizes that theological reflection and ministry are rooted in and foster the minister’s lived relationship with God. The goal of this focus area is to enable students to become familiar with the Christian tradition of spirituality and so enrich their personal and communal lives as ministers. Courses include:

• LIM 827: Spirituality for Ministers (3 credits)
• LIM 828: History of Christian Spirituality (3 credits)
• LIM 861: Pastoral Leadership and Organization (3 credits)

This focus area invites students into the communicative aspects of theology and ministry. Communication is especially relevant in our digital age, for the potential of social and digital media to extend the reach of our ministries requires us all to become professional communicators in the context of our work. Courses include:

• LIM 826: Digital Media and Ministry (3 credits)
• LIM 885: Religious Communication (3 credits)
• LIM 861: Pastoral Leadership and Organization (3 credits)

The focus area of Marketplace Ministry assists students in reflecting upon the spirituality of work in its various manifestations. Pastoral studies students then explore the meaning and avenues for Christian praxis in the midst of organizational settings in the world of work, beyond church structures. Courses include:

• LIM 819: Spirituality and the Theology of Work (3 credits)
• LIM 820: Ministry in the Marketplace (3 credits)
• LIM 861: Pastoral Leadership and Organization (3 credits)

The focus area in pastoral life and administration helps prepare pastoral leaders for ministry in the growing number of parishes without a resident pastor or to serve as pastoral administrators or assistants on parish teams. Courses include:

• LIM 844: Parish Life and Ministry (3 credits)
• LIM 845: Contemporary Issues in Pastoral Ministry (3 credits)
• LIM 861: Pastoral Leadership and Organization (3 credits)

This focus area explores the natural world as revelatory of God and grapples with the implications of the universe and its story for all people of faith. Courses include:

• LIM 813: The Universe as Divine Manifestation (3 credits)
• LIM 814: The Emergent Universe: Our Sacred Story (3 credits)
• LIM 861: Pastoral Leadership and Organization (3 credits)

This focus area introduces students to the dynamic foundations of youth and young adult ministry with an emphasis on the developmental needs of adolescents, young adults, the lived experience of contemporary youth and young adult ministers, the prevalence of social media, and ministry models and practices that best promote healthy Christian development in youth and young adults during these challenging times. Courses include:

• LIM 870: Foundations of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (3 credits)
• LIM 876: Youth and Young Adults: Spirituality and Methods of Faith Development (3 credits)
• LIM 861: Pastoral Leadership and Organization (3 credits)

Opportunities for providing pastoral care come with the territory of prison, hospice, hospital, and nursing home ministry, as well as ministry in social service agencies. This focus area offers a solid background and working knowledge of skills for women and men who work in pastoral care settings, which require them to initiate and sustain relationships with others in which a high degree of support and challenge are offered. Courses include:

• LIM 849: Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling (3 credits)
• CNSL 830: Counseling Theories (3 credits)
• CNSL 835: Introduction to Counseling (3 credits)
• CNSL A836: Individual Counseling Skills Lab (1 credit)

Given their unique ministries, some pastoral studies students find that a combination of courses from different focus areas may suit their needs best. Such students, in consultation with their advisors, may develop an individualized track for the MPS degree. Coursework will include:

• Two focus area courses (chosen in consultation with an advisor)
• Pastoral Leadership and Organization