Missions Major (M)

The theology department identifies its purpose in terms of Concordia’s statement of purpose, especially the following statements with spiritual focus:

“The total program is centered in the Christian philosophy with a confessional Lutheran emphasis…. Concordia University seeks to develop mature Christians in whom knowledge and understanding of the Holy Scriptures, the inspired, inerrant Word of God and the source and norm of Christian truth, are united with personal faith in Jesus as God and Savior. Concordia’s spiritual resources are directed to the development of Christian faith and practice of Christian virtues so that the student can form value judgments and arrive at ethical principles required for purposeful living. Concordia’s programs … nurture religious commitment, provide insights for Christian action in the world, and … provide an opportunity for intelligent selection of vocations for service to God, church and society…. Concordia … is interested in exerting a Christian influence on the community, nation, and world.” (Departmental Statement of Purpose, August 30, 2002)

God has created you with unique gifts and passions and now, more than ever, people need a hope that is eternal. The Missions major will allow you to develop your talents while considering the challenges you could face in the mission field.  The purpose of the Missions major is to assist you as you discover the gifts and talents God has given you for service. You will be studying how mission work is accomplished around the globe. A key element of this program is recognizing and deliberating on the challenges that arise in the mission field. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to participate in spring break mission trips, Missions Club, and global trips that will provide you with hands-on experience.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Students will observe, assess, and interpret today’s cultures and world views. Students will be familiar with various methods of delivering and defending biblical truth in a relevant and practical way to diverse groups.
  • Students will develop an appreciation for how God has worked in history, recognize key figures and movements in the life of the Church, and identify the state of theology today.
  • The student will become a competent defender of the Christian faith against the objections leveled by rival worldviews. 

Curriculum

Core Requirements45
Major Requirements 130
Electives51
Minor: Required (minimum 18 credits)
Total Hours126
1

This major/minor is not permitted to share (overlap) any credits with the core curriculum, with a major, with a minor, or with a certificate per departmental policy unless otherwise specified in the curriculum. 

Major Requirements

Required Core Courses
Old Testament (Bible Content)
Biblical Theology (Christine Doctrine)
Great Commission Evangelism (Theology Elective)
Required Courses
COMM 460Cross-Cultural Communication3
REL 203New Testament3
REL 215Friendship Evangelism3
REL 316World Missions I3
REL 326World Missions II3
REL 410World Religions3
Select two of the following Cross-cultural Missions electives: 6
Faith and Culture
Church in Mission
Major Electives
Select two of the following courses in anthropology, history, geography, or language that deal with an area of the world currently served by LCMS missionaries: 16
Beginning Chinese I
Cultural Geography
Non-Western World
History & Culture of Latin America
Modern Africa
History of Modern Japan
Imperial China
History of Modern China
Beginning Spanish I
Beginning Spanish II
Civilization and Culture of Latin America
Total Hours30
1

Only one of the two courses may be in any single foreign language.