REL 1000. The Bible. (3 Credits)

This course is an overview of the Bible intended to acquaint the student with its background, content, and messages. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Bible content for students who are not in a program that requires the enhanced church-work core.

REL 1000C. Worldviews. (3 Credits)

This course is an overview of the Bible intended to acquaint the student with its background, content, and messages. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for the Bible content for students who are not in a program that requires the enhanced church-work core.

REL 1050. Church Leadership Seminar. (1 Credit)

This course introduces the students to the church ministries program by seeking avenues for theological and spiritual formation to serve in the church.

REL 1100. Christian Faith. (3 Credits)

This course is an overview of Christian theology intended to acquaint the student with key theological concepts as they relate to everyday life. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Christian doctrine for students who are not in a program that requires the enhanced church-work core.

REL 1100C. Systematics. (3 Credits)

This course is an overview of Christian theology intended to acquaint the student with key theological concepts as they relate to everyday life. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Christian doctrine for students who are not in a program that requires the enhanced church-work core.

REL 1590. Heritage of Faith. (3 Credits)

This course examines the faith stance of various biblical personalities as well as various literary forms used by biblical authors to enable the student to read the Bible with a more profound grasp of its message as well as a deeper appreciation for its role in the literature of the Western world.

REL 2010. Old Testament. (3 Credits)

This course is an overview of the Old Testament intended to acquaint the student with its background, content, and messages. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Bible content, but students who take it must also take REL 2020 New Testament elsewhere in their programs. It is required for students in a church-work program.

REL 2020. New Testament. (3 Credits)

This course presents an overview of the New Testament intended to acquaint the student with its background, content, and messages. The New Testament is read with a focus on the life of Jesus, his teaching and miracles, death and resurrection. The other major people of New Testament are also studied through their writings, especially the apostles Paul, Peter, and John.

REL 2030. Biblical Theology. (3 Credits)

This course is a systematic study of major areas of Christian doctrine with an emphasis on what Scripture says, as well as how Lutheran doctrine reflects what Scripture teaches. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Christian doctrine, and is required for students in a church-work program. Note: For registration, enrollment in a church-work program or permission of the instructor is required.

REL 2500. Great Commission Evangelism. (3 Credits)

This course presents an overview of the Biblical and systematic foundations for evangelism. The course begins with a systematic study of the theology of evangelism. It continues with an exegetical study of the Great Commission of Jesus as it was presented to the disciples in Matthew 28. It is noted how they were trained by Jesus before the Great Commission was given to them and how they were equipped for the task of evangelism by the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts after they received the Great Commission. The course then focuses on how the disciples followed through with the Great Commission as we observe their service to God in the Book of Acts. Key terms and concepts are examined.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 2550. Friendship Evangelism. (3 Credits)

This course develops the ability of the student to share the Gospel with a non-Christian in the context of a growing friendship. Prior enrollment in REL 2500 is recommended. Outreach elective (evangelism).
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 2570. Youth Ministry: Theology and Practice. (3 Credits)

This course equips the student with the understandings, attitudes and skills needed to begin youth ministry in a congregation. Along with the scriptural and theoretical principles of youth ministry, this course prepares students for practical experiences encountered in REL 3000 Ministry Practicum.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 2590. Religious Education of Youth and Adults. (3 Credits)

This course equips the student with practical methods, skills, and resources to teach religion to youth and adults in a parish setting. Provides students with opportunities to strengthen their ability to communicate the Gospel effectively. Religious education elective. Religion elective.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 2630. Communicating Bible Messages. (3 Credits)

This course examines the preparation and delivery of devotional messages based on a careful study of the biblical text. Classroom discussions center on the proper distinction between Law and Gospel, the correct interpretation of biblical texts, the structure of effective devotional messages, and the techniques of delivering these messages. Religious education elective.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 2750. Theology and Film. (3 Credits)

This course explores the medium of film and how film may communicate biblical theology for a visual age. Motion pictures contain many theological ideas, and because films can be persuasive without arguing their case, it is important to be able to critique their content impartially, and to distinguish between an appreciation of artistic integrity and truth as revealed in Scripture. Special attention will be given to Christianity in the interrelationship of faith and culture.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 2870. Christian Care Giving. (3 Credits)

This course offers the student the opportunity to understand and apply the theology of the cross and the practice of the church in Christian care giving.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 2980. Faith and Culture. (3 Credits)

This course explores the role of religion in defining our way of life and self-understanding and how culture, in turn, may shape spirituality. Major world views and their influence on the faith experience will be analyzed. Special attention will be given to Christianity in the interrelationship of faith and culture.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3000. Ministry Practicum. (3 Credits)

This course is intended for students interested in practical experience in a specified area of church work. Forty hours for each credit hour earned will be spent in a parish or institution with involvement in hands on, supervised training with a skilled supervisor. Time will also be devoted to readings and discussion sessions. REL 3000 may be repeated in subsequent semesters with different ministry specializations.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3100. Religion in America Today. (3 Credits)

This course gives the student an overview of the religious life of people in the United States. It begins with a discussion of the relationship between church and state in this country. The majority of the class will examine the beliefs, organization, and worship of the most prominent and practiced religious systems in America.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3110. Church in Mission. (3 Credits)

This course gives the student an overview of the religious life of people in the United States. It begins with a discussion of the relationship between church and state in this country. The majority of the class will examine the beliefs, organization, and worship of the most prominent and practiced religious systems in America. Outreach elective (evangelism).
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3120. Office of the Professional Church Worker. (3 Credits)

This course studies the role of auxiliary ministries in light of the New Testament and the Lutheran Confessions. It pays particular attention to church administration and conflict resolution in congregations.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3130. Women and the Church. (3 Credits)

This course explores the multiple dimensions of women’s gifts and activities as recorded in the Christian Scriptures and experienced throughout the history of Christianity, with particular interest in applying biblical principles to contemporary feminist perspectives as well as that of women in the church.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3140. Christian Ethics. (3 Credits)

This course explores the distinct nature of Christian ethics in dialogue with other forms of ethical inquiries. Contemporary Christian responses to timely ethical issues (including medical topics) will also be explored.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 159, 1000, 1590, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3150. Christian Care-Giving for Health Professionals. (3 Credits)

This course offers the student preparing for a vocation in Health Care to understand and apply the theology of the cross and the practice of the church in Christian care giving.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3160. World Missions I. (3 Credits)

This course explores the biblical foundations, the theology, and practice of Christian missionary work and provides students with some initial background in preparation for missionary service. Outreach elective (missions).
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3170. World Missions II. (3 Credits)

This course provides additional background information for students considering missionary service, continuing the exploration of missions begun in REL 3160 World Missions I. This course looks into the history of missions, contemporary issues of missions, and the practice of missions. Outreach elective (missions).
Prerequisites: (REL 316 or 3160).

REL 3175. World Religions. (3 Credits)

This course surveys living, non-Christian religions in terms of worship, beliefs, values, history, and their relationship to Christianity. Comparative religions elective.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3180. Family-based Youth Ministry. (3 Credits)

This course helps a student develop ministry to both youth and family, primarily, but not exclusively, in a congregational setting. In addition to learning skills on how to lead youth according to God’s Word, the student will also be directed toward the larger dynamic of ministering to families, who then minister to the youth in the home. Attention will also be given to unique issues and obstacles teenagers face, offering possibilities of Biblical responses.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3190. Family and Youth Ministry. (3 Credits)

This course explores congregation ministry with and for families by providing students with an understanding of parent and child relationships, teen development, and the place of faith and the church in family life. Special attention is paid to family life education, intergenerational ministry, and strategic planning, with the goal of building ministries that strengthen family relationships.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3200. Genesis. (3 Credits)

This course covers the teachings of Genesis with special reference to the origins of the human race, the creation-evolution debate, the flood, and the patriarchs. Bible elective (OT).
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3250. Prophets of Israel. (3 Credits)

This course studies Old Testament prophecy and the prophetic movement, including its origin, development, purpose, methodology, message, and impact. Bible elective (OT).
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3300. Wisdom of Israel. (3 Credits)

This course is an examination of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs. The course studies biblical poetry, devotional literature, and the major questions of life. Bible elective (OT).
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3310. Psalms. (3 Credits)

This course is a study of the hymnal of ancient Israel, with its interpreters, historical context, and enduring liturgical and theological value. Bible elective (OT).
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3330. Christ in the Old Testament. (3 Credits)

This course studies the messianic teachings found in the OT, traces their thematic development, identifies their fulfillment in the New Testament, and explores scholarly controversies about their interpretation. Bible elective (OT).
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3340. Dead Sea Scrolls. (3 Credits)

This course investigates how these two-thousand-year-old documents have changed the way people think and write about the Bible and provide a valuable window into the early history of Jews and Christians. Students will be challenged to discover answers to the continuing questions of modern biblical and historical scholarship as it relates to the Christian faith. Bible elective (OT/NT).
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3350. Life of Christ. (3 Credits)

Life of Christ studies the religious and social conditions of the world into which Christ came, His life and teachings as found in the four Gospels, with an overview of the opinions expressed in the apocryphal Gospels, the ancient Church, and modern historical criticism. Bible elective (NT).
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3370. The Gospel of Mark. (3 Credits)

This course covers the Gospel of Mark as a distinct presentation of the ministry of Jesus. The course will focus on Mark’s choices of Jesus’s miracles, parables, and travels. The deliberate structure of the Gospel will be highlighted. Bible elective (NT).
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3380. Gospel of Luke. (3 Credits)

This course surveys foundational principles and techniques in biblical interpretation using the Gospel of Luke. The life and ministry of Jesus is studies through the distinctive parables, songs, characters, and events of Luke. Bible elective (NT).
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3390. Johannine Literature. (3 Credits)

This course presents the writings of St. John in the New Testament, namely his Epistles, Gospel, and Revelation. Students examine the Johannine message concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ. Characteristic terms, themes, and doctrines are made the subject of special study. Bible elective (NT).
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3400. Pauline Literature. (3 Credits)

This course presents selected writings of the Apostle Paul to familiarize the student with the historical background, content, purpose, message, and distinctive characteristics of five of Paul’s epistles. Bible elective (NT).
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3410. Life of Paul. (3 Credits)

This course gives an overview of the life and teachings of the Apostle Paul in terms of his place in the New Testament as an apostle of Jesus Christ against the background of his birth and development. Studies are based on selected texts from Acts and the Pauline Epistles. Bible elective (NT).
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3480. Revelation and End Times. (3 Credits)

This course explores the doctrine of eschatology as it is revealed in the Scriptures. Special emphasis is placed on understanding apocalyptic literature as a key to interpreting the Book of Revelation. Texts from Daniel, Ezekiel, Matthew, and the writing of Paul are also examined as they relate to the full range of eschatological topics: the millennium, the rapture, Armageddon, the anti-Christ, death, Christ’s second coming, resurrection, and the eternal state.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3500. A Survey of Christian Thought. (3 Credits)

A Survey of Christian Thought examines how Christians have probed and presented the mystery and majesty of God's interaction with human beings, from early Christian writers to modern theologians. With a focus on close reading of primary sources, discussion, and writing, this course familiarizes students with some of the most influential thinkers of Christianity, allowing them to explore themes that have fascinated generations of Christians through the centuries.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3510. Christ's People through the Ages. (3 Credits)

Christ’s People through the Ages surveys Christian history from Pentecost to the present. Distinctive eras in Christian history will be discussed, with attention given to their main contours and the principal dynamic forces at work within them. Special attention is given to the development of world Christianity within the history of the church.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3550. Christian Origins. (3 Credits)

Christian Origins traces the roots of Christian theology from late first century through the sixth century. In this vibrant and turbulent period, as Christianity moved from being a persecuted sect to a sanctioned religion of a crumbling empire, Christian thinkers clarified the place and claims of their faith to Jews, Pagans, and one another. Attention will be given works illustrative of this formative era.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3560. Spirituality of the Middle Ages. (3 Credits)

This course explores the flourishing of spirituality and thought about God from the Fall of the Roman Empire to the Reformation. Rejecting the false caricature that the Middle Ages were a time of uniformity and ignorance, this course surveys the development of Christian thought from antiquity to the Reformation. Special attention is given to how medieval theology and institutions continue to shape today’s world.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3570. Life and Thought of Luther. (3 Credits)

This course is a study of Luther the man and the theologian in relation to the world in which he lived. The student will be asked to read and analyze some of Luther’s major works.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3580. Theology in the Age of Lutheran Orthodoxy (1546-1700). (3 Credits)

This course is intended to acquaint students with the theological figures and works of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, such as Martin Chemnitz, Johann Gerhard, Abraham Calov, and others. Attention will be given to the major controversies and developments in the Age of Orthodoxy, such as the authority of Holy Scripture, the role of reason and human will, and the person of Christ, to name a few. Students will also become familiar with the many great contributions of this Age to dogmatic theology, biblical interpretation, devotional life and catechesis, and hymnody. Priority will be given to the Lutheran theological tradition, but students will discover how that tradition grew among broader theological and historical developments.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3800. God, Man, and Creation. (3 Credits)

God, Man, and Creation examines what it means to be human in view of God and in relation to the world around us. The course will address the nature and attributes of the Triune God, man as the bearer of His image, and the cosmos as his willed and precious creation.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3820. The Person and Work of Christ. (3 Credits)

The Person and Work of Christ studies the heart of the Christian confession, the God-Man Jesus Christ and His redemptive work to save humanity. Students will explore the apostolic confession of Christ in Holy Scripture, the ecumenical creeds, and early and modern Christological writings, to learn what it means for a Christian to believe today what the church has always confessed, namely, that Jesus Christ is LORD.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3840. Holy Things and Holy People. (3 Credits)

This course examines three holies: the sacraments, the ministry, and the church. Thus, it explores how God, who is holy, allows human beings to interact with him and share in his holiness. The doctrines of the sacraments, the ministry, and the church will be explored in view of the Holy Scriptures and pertinent historical sources, while holding an eye to contemporary questions.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 3860. Law and Gospel in the Life of the Church. (3 Credits)

Law and Gospel in the Life of the Church leads the student to see more clearly the significance of two major Christian doctrines and the correct relationship between them for a Christian’s life. Sections of Scripture, of the Lutheran Confessions, and of current theological literature are analyzed in the light of these fundamental teachings.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 4000. Lutheran Confessions. (3 Credits)

This course is an overview of the historical background and major teachings of the documents of The Book of Concord, the confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Students will explore the confessional heritage of the Lutheran tradition as expressed in the ancient creeds and in confessions of the Lutheran Reformation, which serve as norm for contemporary teaching and practice among Lutherans and as a model for confessing the faith today.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 4010. Lutheran Worship: Theology and Practice. (3 Credits)

This course introduces the terms, history and theology of worship in the Lutheran Church. The student is exposed to a variety of art forms and ways in which they can be incorporated into the worship experience. Along with learning the principles involved in developing and leading a worship service, the student practices these skills in class.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 4200. Church Ministries Internship. (3 Credits)

This course puts theory into practice in a specialized setting unique to the individual student’s need. The student intern is introduced to the congregational or institutional arena of professional church work. This presents the student intern the opportunity to experience the vocational option of service as a professional church worker. Requires completion of Level I and Level II of the online Director of Church Ministries certificate program.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 4500. Topics in Theology. (3 Credits)

This course is an elective in which students travel to the annual Lutheran theological symposium in Fort Wayne. Students attend the five-day conference and participate in all conference activities related to both exegesis and theology. This course will include both pre-conference readings and a post-conference paper.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 4510. Holy Land. (3 Credits)

This course offers students the opportunity to experience the land of Israel in person. Students will walk the streets of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, sail on the Sea of Galilee, and taste the brackish waters of the Dead Sea. Guided sightseeing will be supplemented with on-site lectures by scholars, museum visitations in Jerusalem, and background readings. Bible elective (OT/NT).
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 4520. Luther in Context. (3 Credits)

This course is a study of Luther the man and the theologian in relation to the world in which he lived. The student will be asked to read and analyze some of Luther’s major works. The travel course affords the experience of the Land of Luther, with opportunities to see where he was born, studied, worked, served and died. Guided sightseeing supplements, on-site lectures, museum visitations, and background readings.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 4900. Senior Seminar I. (3 Credits)

This course will lead students to demonstrate the ability to synthesize knowledge, skills, and attitudes from two or more areas in order to create and support a new point of view in a senior seminar project that contributes to the discipline, in a culminating undergraduate experience.
Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).

REL 4910. Senior Seminar II. (3 Credits)

This course will lead students to demonstrate the ability to synthesize knowledge, skills, and attitudes from two or more areas in order to create and support a new point of view in a senior seminar project that contributes to the discipline, in a culminating undergraduate experience.
Prerequisites: (REL 490 or 4900).

REL 4950. Director of Church Ministries Seminar. (1 Credit)

This course brings into focus the church’s overall mission as it applies to God’s mission. The participants will present, in light of Lutheran confessional theology, their personal vocational goals to serve in the church and especially the youngest generation in the church. Requires completion of Level 1 and 2 of the Church Ministries Program, and completion of Level 3 admission process.