2005-2006 Academic Catalog

11 Introduction Christian Ministries Christian Ministries The Division of Christian Ministries coordinates all University- sponsored student ministries. Cedarville views individual ministry involvement to be a vital and necessary part of each student’s education and personal growth. Students are taught that biblical Christianity demonstrates a servant’s heart in all areas of life. All are challenged to consider how their academic disciplines, interests, and abilities can be used to demonstrate their faith. Cedarville endeavors to stretch students’ vision of ministry and develop a constant awareness of God's call upon their lives. Directed by the vice president for Christian ministries and coordinated through full-time and part-time staff members, the Division of Christian Ministries provides training and assistance to the hundreds of students who volunteer each year. CommunityMinistries Cedarville University is located in a region known as the Miami Valley. The cities of Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati are close by, as well as hundreds of smaller communities. Approximately 80 teams serve the local communities and churches each week. Ministry teams seek to serve individuals and churches of this area by providing assistance in specialized areas, including crisis pregnancy/abstinence and counseling ministries, evange- lism/urban outreach ministries, public school tutoring/teaching english ministries, youth & children's ministries, jail/detention center ministries, hospital ministries, nursing home/elderly visitation ministries, special needs ministries, and local church ministries. Cross-CulturalMinistries The University’s own Missions Involvement Services (MIS) provides unique opportunities for students to experience missions firsthand. Each year during breaks and in the summer, more than 350 students minister around the globe. This involvement in missions aids missionaries in their work and helps students discern God’s direction in their own lives. Participants raise their own financial and prayer support prior to leaving and report on their ministries upon returning. MIS participants have served nearly 70 countries since the program started in 1970. For specific information concerning potential ministries and selection procedures, students should contact the MIS director, Brian Nester . Students considering international careers in education often take advantage of the MIS program to gain cross-cultural experience while completing the student teaching segment of their education requirements. Students interested in this option should contact the education department for information and approval. The majority of students who participate in the MIS program do so as members of teams. Created to perform a particular service such as singing, drama, puppets, medical assistance, technical assistance, orphan care, teaching English as a second language, or physical labor, teams are typically selected each fall. Students interested in team ministries should contact the MIS director for details. DiscipleshipMinistries While many ministries concentrate on "outreach" from cam- pus, the focus of discipleship ministries is "in-reach" on campus. Opportunities include approximately 80 student-led small group Bible studies as well as several prayer groups. Discipleship ministries are excellent avenues for students to grow in their walk with God and find opportunities to minister to fellow Cedarville University students. Touring Team Ministries Touring teams offer an exciting opportunity to minister and represent Cedarville University. Selected on an audition basis, all team members receive a salary. Teams rehearse approximately six hours a week and travel five weekends each semester and nine weeks during the summer. Auditions are held each year during the first week of school. • Lifeline Players use drama to encourage and challenge youth and adults in their faith (team selection is held in the spring). • Master’s Puppets use puppetry and a variety of other teaching methods to minister to children. • HeartSong Teams are nine-member ensembles with vocalists, keyboard players, guitarist, percussionist, and sound technician. Spring Break Ministries A number of teams are available to give students the opportu- nity to minister over the school’s spring break. Ministries include but are not limited to the following: Child Evangelism Fellowship, Children's Bible Fellowship, Inner City Impact, Joy Ranch, The Master's Mission Team, and Shepherd's Home. Selecting a Ministry All students participate in Christian ministries voluntarily. As a result of the large number of ministries available, deciding which way to serve can seem overwhelming. In selecting a ministry, students should apply the following: 1. Consider your interests. Select a ministry that allows you to do something you enjoy. 2. Consider your vocational goals. There are many ministries that are directly related to the majors offered at Cedarville University. A Christian ministry related to your chosen field can help you decide if you have made the right choice, and in some cases may lead to an internship, reference, or employment. 3. Talk with upperclassmen. Find someone who has experi- ence in the ministry you are considering. 4. Talk with the Christian ministries staff in the Dixon Ministry Center. The staff is available to answer questions you might have. 5. Attend organizational meetings, many of which occur during the first two weeks of Fall Semester. Guidelines 1. All students are encouraged to participate in the University's volunteer Christian Ministries program. 2. Students are asked to record their current area of ministry involvement each semester. 3. University-owned transportation or mileage reimburse- ment is provided for those ministries approved through the Division of Christian Ministries.