1990-1991 Academic Catalog

Every student is encouraged to participate in some area of Christian ministry for at least two of the four years of the college program. This experience provides a vital means of achieving the stated objectives of the College. Located in the offices outside the chapel auditorium, the Christian min– istries department provides opportunities for practical application of knowl– edge gained in chapel and the classroom. Directed by the vice president for Christian ministries and coordinated by seven full-time staff members, this department offers one of the largest ministry programs of any Christian college in the country. Students volunteer for any one of eighty-eight dif– ferent ministries. Their impact is extensive: gospel teams minister in over 400 churches each year, extension teams have on-going weekly ministries in over 30 area churches, community ministry teams reach out locally through nearly sixty social ministries, and Missionary Internship Service teams and individuals share the gospel on every continent in the world. The vice president for Christian ministries is responsible for the assign– ment of students who register for Christian service work and is available for pastoral counseling. He and his staff coordinate Sunday services and prayer meetings on campus, traveling teams and all outreach ministries. Records are kept of all Christian ministries activities, and a permanent file is maintained for each student. Missionary MIS provides unique opportunities for students to experience missions first-hand. Each year, particularly in the summer, nearly 100 students share the gospel around the globe through team and individual ministries. This involvement in missions aids missionaries in their work and helps students discern God's direction in their own lives concerning career missionary service. Participants are expected to raise their own financial and prayer support and report on their ministries. Some students choose to earn aca– demic credit for the experience. Details of the program are available from the Christian ministries office. MIS teams have served in 44 countries including Australia, Brazil, China, England, Germany, Ireland, Israel, the Ivory Coast, Jamaica, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa, and Spain. Immediately prior to the beginning of each quarter new students partici– pate in an orientation program designed to facilitate adjustments to their new surroundings and provide an opportunity for course selection and program planning with the assistance of an assigned faculty advisor. The fall program includes an orientation program for parents. Special interest sessions, question and answer times, small group meetings, and social activities provide opportunities for students and parents to meet new friends and adjust to a new environment. During this period several appraisal in– struments are administered to new students. Fall orientation programs in– volving sessions on time management, study skills, and test-taking extend into the first quarter. Traveling teams, like the Kingsmen Quartet, enable studentsfrom all majors to use their musical talents.