The Staff Ministry Program prepares students to become staff ministers (e.g., Minister of Family and Youth, Minister of Discipleship, Minister of Christian Education, etc.) for the congregations of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. This program leads to the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in practical theology and provides students with a broad background in general education as well as professional courses and practical experiences designed to equip candidates with the competencies necessary to serve as staff ministers. Students have the option of choosing the practical theology major alone (4 years) or adding a second major in either education or parish music (5 years).
Staff Ministry Certification
Candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree or who are thirty-five years of age or older may be granted certification for service in the WELS as a staff minister upon completion of the religion and professional components of the program. Click here for more information.
In addition to the general education courses, students must complete the required courses below. Following the program plan will also ensure that the appropriate general education electives are taken.
Required Content - 5 credits
HIS3011 US History II
MUSxxxx Vocal / Choral (Choose one option):
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- MUSxxx Choir (2 semesters)
- MUS1103 Sight Singing Fundamentals and MUS1104 Vocal Skills
- MUS1103 Sight Singing Fundamentals and MUSxxxx Choir (1 semester)
- MUS1104 Vocal Skills and MUSxxxx Choir (1 semester)
Practical Theology - 44 credits
EDU3215 Teaching Religion or EDU3315 Teaching Religion 5-12
MUS4201 Lutheran Worship
THE2101 The Theology & Practice of Ministry
THE2103 Biblical Interpretation
THE3001 Christian Doctrine I
THE3002 Christian Doctrine II
THE3101 Introduction to Youth & Family Ministry
THE3110 Foundations of Evangelism
THE3111 Congregational Assimilation & Retention
THE3120 Parish Education
THE3130 Caring & Counseling
THE3131 Parish Visitation
THE3140 Organization & Administration in the Parish
THE3142 Developing and Training Leadership
THE4001 Lutheran Confessional Writings
Professional Education - 6 credits
EDT3003 Instructional Technology
EDU3001 Classroom Management Basics
PSY2002 Psychology of Human Growth and Development
Free Electives - 19 credits
Students may take a combination of 1, 2, or 3 credit courses to meet the minimum requirement of 130 credits for graduation.
Field Experiences - 18 credits
EDU1401 Early Field Experience I
THE2102 Staff Ministry Early Field Experience II
THE3102 Staff Ministry Early Field Experience III
THE3103 Individual Staff Ministry Field Experience
THE4150 One Semester Staff Ministry Internship
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