The Boston Theological Institute

BTI Classes counting towards the Certificate in Youth and Young Adult Ministry Studies

>>> Please note that this is a partial list of courses. Other classes may count towards the certificate by discretionary agreement with your school advisor!

ANTS THEO 712
Screening Theology: Theology, Culture, and Film
Highlighting the possibility and potential of a theology of culture, this course will put to use the medium of film as a source for theological reflection and cultural analysis/criticism. Bringing together theological study, a cultural studies approach and a love for the movies, the course explores what recent popular films say about religion, the Christian church, American culture, and the values by which we live. Through lectures, reading materials, film viewing, and class discussion, students will be encouraged to wander over the intersections of theology and culture. Also listed as TMPL712 and WOTA 712. Internet access required.
Valentin T 2-4:50pm Fall

BC TH 994
Co-Creating the Reign of God: Empowering Youth and Young
Adults for the Common Good
This course is a combination online/in-person course. Students will be required to attend six Saturday meetings along with fulfilling contact hours online between the class sessions. How do we educate and minister among youth for the sake of peace and justice? How do we cultivate capacities among them for sustained commitments to the common good? This course has two broad aims: first, we will investigate the theological and social psychological foundations for sustained commitment. Second, we will explore the dynamics of power and its abuses, as they define where we are called to respond in the world. In doing so, we will imagine pedagogical and ministerial strategies for cultivating the faith lives and commitments of youth and young adults in response to these abuses. While the patterns of conversation in this course will focus on work with youth and young adults, we invite the participation of all ministers and educators who care about issues of justice and the faith development of youth. (This course will be held during the Spring semester on the following Saturdays: 1/22, 2/5, 2/19, 3/5, 3/19, 4/9.)
Blier Sat 9am-12pm Spring

HDS 2916
Religion, Values and Public Education:
A Closer Look at the First Amendment
The focus of this course is to develop an understanding of the significant role that religion can play in public policy discourses related to education and the common good. Beginning with the assumption that an accurate understanding of the First Amendment recognizes that public schools can neither advance nor inhibit religion, our exploration will include 1) a review of the religious liberty clauses of the First Amendment and frameworks for evaluating compliance; 2) a consideration of the social and moral consequences that stem from privileging secularism as the normative ideology of the public sphere, especially as it pertains to public education; and 3) the construction of alternative frameworks that support the critical study of religion across the curriculum in public schools as well as the inclusion of religious world views in public policy formation. For final projects, students will have the option to focus on either the curriculum development or public policy dimensions of the course. Enrollment limited to 30.
Moore W 7-9pm + hour TBA Half course (Fall)

HDS 2918
Education for Liberation
The course will explore the educational implications of liberation theology with particular attention to developing educational methods to facilitate a critical awareness of the social/political context of learning and educational resources for justice-based ministry. The course will draw on critical education theory in combination with resources of liberation theology. Enrollment limited to 25.
Richardson T 3-5pm Half course (Fall)

ANTS PSYP 607/807
Psychology and Theology of Pastoral Care: Meaning Making Through the Life Cycle
This course is an introduction to the field of pastoral care with particular emphasis on the fundamental activity of meaning making as it occurs throughout the life cycle. Developmental theory (Kegan, Erickson, Fowler, Gilligan, key theological resources (Bible, ritual, prayer) and psychological and theological reflection will be explored in relation to the role of the pastoral care-giver and congregation in providing care through the natural developmental transitions of life, with attention given to times of crisis. Limit: 30 (This course meets the psychology and pastoral theology requirement for M.Div.)
Gill-Austern T 2-4:50pm Spring

ANTS PSYP 723
Possibilities for Youth and Young Adult Ministry
See CMED 707. Internet access required.
Kern & Associates Th 9-11:50am Spring

HC PAST 5301
Religious Education
An introduction to basic theological and practical issues of Orthodox catechesis. Among the topics covered are: the nature and aims of catechesis; the role of the community as educator; and various methodological approaches to catechesis. Where appropriate, materials and programs of Orthodox jurisdictions are examined and evaluated.
Marangos TR 9:10-10:30am Fall

ANTS PSYP 797/897
Care of Women Through the Eyes of Women
This course will explore narratives of women’s lives across time and cultures to identify the places of struggle, suffering, joy and triumph and women’s accompanying psychological and spiritual needs. We will examine psychological, theological, political, and cultural dimensions of women’s experience and critical components for empathic and empowering models of care. Limit 20.
Gill-Austern & Thornton TBA TBA

ANTS PSYC 730/830
Counseling and Care of Lesbians and Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Persons
This course will examine sexual orientation and gender identity, the impact of heterosexism/homophobia, and the work of social and personal liberation. Using psychological and theological models, participants will learn effective and affirmative counseling and care. Internet access required.
Tigert Th 9-11:50am Fall

BC TH 835
The Psychology of Religious Development
A survey of major psychological perspectives on the foundation and development of religious consciousness and identity over the life cycle. The course will emphasize the student’s personal integration of theological and psychological visions of development and will allow the student to concentrate attention on the periods of development that are of greatest pastoral or personal significance (e.g., adolescence, young adulthood, mid-life, etc.).
Shea W 7-9pm Fall

EDS PT/CS 1780
Pastoral Care as if Oppression Matters
How does oppression manifest itself in the structures and systems of society? What are the implications for pastoral care? This course will focus on prophetic pastoral practice in order to broaden and inform the paradigm for pastoral care in a variety of contexts and constituencies, including the poor, violence and abuse, aging, homelessness, substance abuse, young people, pastoral visiting, and ethnic communities. The underlying assumption of the course is that pastoral care is inextricably linked to justice and compassion.
Kujawa-Holbrook,
Montagno M 7-9pm Fall

GC CO/PC/YM 725
Counseling the Adolescent
A review of the basic issues in adolescent development with a particular focus on understanding the adolescent in the family context. Development of introductory skills in the counseling of adolescents and their families.
Pendleton TR 8-9:30am Fall

HDS 2931
Counseling Adolescents in Crisis: Seminar
This course examines the current plight of adolescents in society and the social, psychological and theological challenges this situation presents to teaching and pastoral ministry. Special emphasis will be placed on developing effective skills in counseling with an at-risk population in which violence, trauma, and/or poverty abound. Particular attention will be given to developing the ability to respond to crisis, skills in making oneself available while keeping appropriate boundaries, and the ability to interpret pastoral situation by seeing and understating ministry (teaching, parish, chaplaincy, human service) as an integrated whole rather than a series of discrete functions. This course will examine the necessary developmental tasks of adolescents, while exploring the obstacles to healthy emotional, psychological, cognitive, and spiritual growth. Finally we will look at the dynamics of assessment, intervention, and advocacy as resource for facilitating resilience in adolescents. Enrollment limited to 12.
Giles Th 4-6pm Half course (Fall)

WJST PS 155
Pastoral Care and Counseling for Ministry
This foundational course, grounded in both theoretical and experiential learning, will consider the theological underpinnings of this ministry, its use of psychological theory in facilitating human growth and healing, and the ethical and legal responsibilities of the pastoral minister. This course will offer opportunities to gain practical experience in styles and techniques of pastoral care and counseling and to gain greater facility and familiarity in reflecting and ministering from a pastoral perspective.
Kelley T 3-6pm Fall

ANTS WCHR 701/801
Finding Hope and Life in a Ravaged Land: Honduras Cross-Cultural Exchange
Three informational sessions in November and December prepare students to explore models of church development in the developing world. Participants will look at theological and ethical understandings evident in various models. They also will work with Partners in Mission area churches to explore a long-term relationship with the Tolupane Indians as one means of entering into the complexities of Honduran life. Cost: including airfare, travel within Honduras, and room and board, approximately $900. Tuition extra. Scholarships for travel expenses are available. Also listed as GCIM 701/801
TBA TBA TBA

ANTS TMPL 712
Screening Theology: Theology, Culture, and Film
Also listed as THEO 712 and WOTA 712. See THEO 712.
Valentin TBA TBA

ANTS CMED 601
Educational Ministry of the Church
A survey course in Christian education designed for prospective pastors and lay leaders in the educational ministry of the local church in various settings. This course meets CMED distribution requirement. Internet access required.
Pazmiño W 2-4:50pm Fall

ANTS CMED 605/805
Educational Ministry Across the Life Span
Explores changes and growth of persons with ministry implications for children and adults with and outside of congregations. Also listed as PSYH 605/805. This course meets CMED distribution requirement. Internet access required.
Pazmiño M 9-11:50am Fall

ANTS CMED 614/814
Teaching: Its Art and Craft
Various aspects and methods of teaching are explored and practiced with videotaping of teaching episodes of participants. Limit: 12. This course meets CMED distribution requirement. Internet access required.
Pazmiño T 9-11:50am Spring

ANTS CMED 620/820
History and Philosophy of Christian Education
A survey of the historical developments in Christian education followed by a formulation of a philosophy of education that addresses contemporary issues. This course meets CMED distribution requirement. Internet access required.
Pazmiño W 9-11:50am Spring

ANTS CMED 707
Possibilities for Youth and Young Adults Ministries
Exploration of various attitudes and approaches to the relious education of youth and young adults, with emphasis on spirituality, community, teaching, advocacy and outreach. Through immersion in theological foundations, the course will equip students ranging from congregational to outdoors/camping, from service to college chaplaincy. Can be applied toward the new BTI Certificate in Youth and Young Adult Ministry Studies, and can provide grounding for leadership in ANTS’ summer Faith Youth Institute. Also listed as PSYP 723. Internet access required.
Kern & Associates Th 9-11:50am Spring

BC TH 414
Contemporary Approaches to Religious Education
The task of forming a people of faith is the challenge each generation must embrace. This course examines various approaches to faith formation for their applicability to contemporary settings. Attention is given to both the theoretical framework and the pastoral expression of the work of religious education.
Regan W 2-4pm Spring

BC TH 593
Fostering Faith Across the Life Cycle
Religious educators and pastoral ministers attend with care to faith growth of the entire Christian community. Psychology and theology provide insights into the process of human maturing and faith development. This course draws on these resources to examine the way in which we can support the faith life for persons of faith at each point of the life cycle. Although the development of children and youth are examined, particular focus is given to points of transition within adulthood. What does it mean to be person of faith as we mature through early, middle, and late adulthood? Consideration is given to pastoral and educational approaches that are appropriate to the differing needs and capacities of people moving through the major life phases and transitional periods.
Regan W 10am-12:30pm Fall

BC TH 604
Foundations for the Practice of Ministry: Voice, Vision, and Vocation
This course is a combination online/in-person course. Students will be required to attend six Saturday meetings along with fulfilling contact hours online between the class sessions. The aim of this course will be to explore elements critical to the effective practice of lay and ordained ecclesial ministry, with special attention paid to those who work with youth and young adults. Together we will explore the competencies and foundations (pastoral, theological and social psychological) undergirding the minister’s work; become familiar with means for resourcing the empowerment of the minister; and propose strategies for sustaining one’s vocation as a minister. (This course will be held during the Fall in the following Saturdays: 9/18, 9/25, 10/9, 10/23,11/13, 12/4.)
Blier Sat 9am-12pm Fall

BC TH 634
Methods and Management for Religion Teachers
This is the course that will help the educator look at successful pedagogy for catechesis by exploring the answers to: By what methods can I successfully engage my students in faith learning and the development of their own spirituality? How can I best manage my class and the resistant student? What might I need to know regarding boundaries, communication skills, and school law? How can I be intentional and creative in my lesson planning? What can I draw from in pop-culture to excite my students to discover the relevancy of their expressions in lived faith? What are multi-intelligences and how do I need to be conscious of them in teaching religion? In what ways can I attend to lower/higher and middle ground achievers? What strategies will lead to better participation by students? What assessment or evaluation techniques are appropriate?
Ayer Saturday 9-11am Spring

BC TH 717
Education of Christians: Past, Present and Future
The history of the Church’s educational ministry serves to enlighten its present pastoral praxis. Students in this course read original and classical documents as a treasury of wisdom for religious education and pastoral ministry. The course will closely parallel the history of theology and the history of Western education.
Groome Th 4:30-7pm Spring

BC TH 816
Sharing Faith in Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry
This course will propose the foundations for a participatory and empowering approach to religious education and pastoral ministry. Through shared reflection on praxis and on course readings, participants will be invited
to appropriate and make decisions about their own approaches to the ministry of “sharing faith.”
Groome Th 10am-12:30pm Fall

BU STH TE 845
Religion and Education
The relationship of government with schools and colleges based upon religious convictions and the efforts of educators to shape and maintain a distinctive character in such institutions. Issues of educational freedom and the rights of parents in historical and comparative international perspective.
Aeschliman W 4-7pm Fall

GC EM 500
Foundations of Educational Ministries
The introductory course in Education Ministries required of all EM majors. Special attention is given to exploring the biblical, theological, historical and philosophical foundations that undergird the teaching ministry of the church.
Parrett W 8am-12:15pm Fall

GC EM 502
Educational Ministry of the Church
This course provides a broad overview of the critical issues concerning the teaching ministry of the church. Students will be challenged to develop a philosophy of educational ministry with a focus on Christian formation.
Parrett TR 10:45am-12:15pm Spring

GC EM/EV/YM 591
Theology and Principles of Dynamic Youth Ministry
An overview using the Nine Stages of youth ministry with history of adolescence and youth ministry, adolescent development and identity. Its methodology seeks an integration of the behavioral sciences and theology. Final project involves community research.
Borgman M 6-9pm Fall

GC EM 601
Educational Ministry with Children
Ministry with children is related to a Christian philosophy of education emphasizing evangelism, nurture and service in the contexts of the family and local congregation. Special attention is given to the understanding of how children learn and develop.
TBA TBA January

GC EM 604
The Teacher and the Teaching Task
This course examines both the person and the task of those who are called to teach. Attention is given to exploring issues of vocation and spirituality, as well as to understanding the opportunities and challenges teachers face in a wide variety of settings.
Parrett TR 8-9:30am Fall

GC EM/MC 605
Research and Writing in Urban Theological Studies
Students will be introduced to new research and writing skills, in addition to building on those already acquired. Special emphasis will be given to the practical aspects of writing and documenting papers and library research. It will apply several research methods to better understand the urban church and its community. (Meets in Boston)
Mitchell T 7-9:45pm Fall Mitchell T 7-9:45pm Spring

GC EM/WM 657
Educational Ministry in Cultural Perspective
This course explores Education Ministry in light of the cultural dimensions of life. Students will be challenged to consider how the cultural realities of both the teacher and the learner affect the various aspects of teaching decisions and strategies. (Meets in Boston)
Parrett W 7-9:45pm Spring

GC EM/WM/YM 689
Theological Issues and Models of Urban Youth Ministry: U.S. and Global
This overview stresses the inner city context, how poverty and racism produce street culture and a code of the streets. Emphasis on topical and community research, a relevant and holistic collaborative approach. (Meets in Boston)
Borgman T 7-9:45pm Fall
Runyon S 8:30am-1pm Fall
(Taught in Portuguese)

GC EM/EV/YM 704
Communicating the Gospel to Youth
Communication workshop looks at one-on-one and small group process and then stresses public speaking to larger groups. After a consideration of Good News in today’s postmodern context, students give gospel speeches in story form. (Meets in Boston)
Borgman W 7-9:45pm Fall

GC EM 710
Curriculum for Educational Ministries: Content and Construction
In this class, students explore issues of the curriculum of the teaching ministry. Two central questions are considered: “What is the church to teach?” and “How is the educational experience to be shaped?” Students will develop a major curriculum project. Prerequisite: Previous study in Educational Ministries.
Parrett TR 8-9:30am Spring

GC EM 715
Worship and Christian Formation
The focus of this course is on the relationship between two of the church’s central tasks: worship and Christian formation. Students will consider the theology and practice of worship and will participate in the design of worship experiences.
Parrett TR 10:45am-12:15pm Fall

GC EM 810
Integrative Seminar in Educational Ministries
This seminar challenges students to reflect upon the implications of their cumulative seminary experience and training for their future Christian education. Attention is also given to exploration of timely issues in the field. Prerequisite: Having completed four courses in Educational Ministries.
Parrett W 8am-12:15pm Spring

SJS RE 501
Adult Religious Education and Faith Formation
An examination of the USCCB document “Our Hearts Were Burning” and Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Exhortation Christefideles Laici give vision to this course. The course will be attentive to issues that arise in adult faith formation with the goal of practical application to the student’s own context.
Lingertat TBA Summer

ANTS CMFE 601Y
Field Education Practicum I
(Permission of instructor required.) Reflection upon one’s ministry using insights gained from the whole spectrum of one’s theological education. M.Div. students must become involved in field education in the same approved setting for at least one year (including January) during the academic career and begin this requirement within the first 45 credit hours of their program. M.A. in R.E. students must begin this requirement within the first 30 credit hours of their program. This is the day session; see CMFE 611Y for evening session. Students should remember to register for Spring semester. This course meets CMFE requirement. Internet access required.
Hallman TBA TBA

ANTS CMFE 611Y
Field Education Practicum I
This course is the evening session. See CMFE 601Y for course description. Limit: 18. This course meets CMFE requirement. Internet access required.
Hallman TBA TBA

ANTS CMFE 703Y
Field Education Practicum II
Continuation at an advanced level of CMFE 601Y for those electing a second year of field education for credit. Elective credit only. Prerequisite: CMFE 601Y. Internet access required.
Hallman TBA TBA

ANTS CMFE 719Y/819Y
Principios y Práctica de la Supervisión en el Ministerio
Curso de supervisión para pastores y líderes cristianos. Este curso le preparará en la teoría, las destrezas y la práctica de supervisar ministros asociados, líderes laicos y estudiantes al ministerio. El curso le preparará hacia la certificación en supervisión. Se enseña en español. Se requiere la autorización del profesor. Se reune cada dos semanas.
DaValle TBA TBA

BU STH TC 801
Supervised Field Education I
Prereq: STH TC 703 and TC 704. Supervised practice of ministry in parish internships, student parishes, and hospital chaplaincies combined with peer reflection-learning groups. First semester.
Staff W 1:30-3pm Fall

BU STH TC 802
Supervised Field Education II
Continues and presupposes STH TC 801 in the Spring Semester. See STH TC 801 for description.
Staff W 1:30-3pm Spring

BU STH TC 803
Field Education III
Normally continues STH TC 802. Variable credit.
Staff W 1:30-3pm Fall

BU STH TC 804
Field Education IV
Normally continues STH TC 803. Variable credit.
Staff W 1:30-3pm Spring

HC FLED 5001
Youth Ministry (1.5)
Borgman T 1:30-2:30pm Fall

BU STH TC 867
The Gospel and Popular Culture
This course places the Christian gospel into dialogue with a variety of expressions of North American popular culture (film, television, art, music, entertainment, sports, etc.) in an effort to understand the complex relationship between the two. The course takes up this dialogue against the wider background of the study of religion and popular culture and by exploring the nature of self and transcendence, morality and the spiritual quest as those are construed and configured within popular culture. The course asks to what extent contemporary expressions of Christian worship, preaching, ministry, evangelism, and spirituality might better engage popular culture and to what extent these expressions already reflect (perhaps uncritically) the values, patterns, and practices of popular culture.
Stone Th 2-5pm Fall

ANTS WOTA 712
Screening Theology: Theology, Culture, and Film
Also listed as THEO 712 and TMPL 712. See THEO 712.
Valentin TBA TBA

Last updated on October 21, 2004