Competencies to be Learned

Primary competencies are stated in language that can apply to both the Christian campus and public campus tracks except for competencies dealing with organizing campus ministry. Participants, with the help of faculty, will focus special readings and assignments on the specific type of campus where they will be serving.

Public Campus Track

1. Organizing campus ministry: The participant will organize and oversee a church-based ministry for SDA students and other students on a public campus, by being able to:

        a. Inspire and lead the congregation into a congregation 
           designed ministry for students
        b. Create a network of social and spiritual support for SDA students
           attending the public university
        c. Work with university officials and policies
        d. Mentor SDA students for leadership on campus

2. Discipling students: The participant-out of his/her own faithfulness and commitment to Christ?will disciple students to Jesus Christ, by being able to:

        a. Understand the theological basis for Christian discipleship
        b. Understand youth and young adult spirituality
        c. Lead students into a vibrant and ever closer relationship with
           Jesus Christ
        d. Assess students? commitment to and participation in the 
           Christian life.

 3. Dealing with secularism: The participant will equip students to understand and critique the secular world view, to meet its challenges to Christian faith, and to be skilled in strategies for witnessing in the secular culture, by being able to:

        a. Understand secular and other common non-Christian world views
        b. From an SDA perspective, interpret and communicate Scripture for 
           contemporary needs
        c. Use a variety of strategies for meeting and witnessing to secular
           people
        d. Engage the church in ministry to international students

4. Evaluating contemporary issues: The participant will apply biblical principles in evaluating contemporary issues important to young adults, by being able to:
        a. Engage students in discussions of ethical and moral behavior
        b. Lead students in a Christian critique of contemporary lifestyle 
           issues
        c. Help students recognize how the media impact them.

5. Creating learning environments: The participant will use theories of youth ministry to create learning environments for students, by being able to:

        a. Use small group ministry with students
        b. Plan and implement major events for students

6. Mobilizing student leaders: The participant will mobilize students to be campus leaders for peer ministry and for organizing service and evangelistic activities, by being able to:

        a. Select and train students to be leaders
        b. Give students a vision for service and evangelism
        c. Link students up with campus organizations and community
           service organizations
        d. Support and oversee student leaders.

7. Counseling youth and young adults: The participant will be able to give pastoral counseling to youth and young adults, by being able to:

        a. Understand pastoral counseling theory for youth and young adults
        b. Counsel youth and young adults effectively
        c. Know when to refer students to other professionals for specialized 
           counseling.

Besides assessment strategies built into the courses, students will develop a portfolio to demonstrate these competencies and present it at the end of their studies.