CCMV Launch
Nov 25, 2008
Southwest launches Theological Education for Laity Center
Through its programs and degrees, the Center for Christian Ministry and Vocation (CCMV) at Seminary of the Southwest provides educational opportunities in which people of faith can deepen their knowledge of Christian thought and practice, as well as pursue specialized training in chaplaincy, counseling or youth ministry and education.
"Founded on the principle that all Christians are called to serve God through the exercise of their unique gifts and experiences, CCMV exists to help people discern God's call in their lives," said Ellen Jockusch, Center director.
"The Center's programs are open to men and women of all denominations - and to those who do not have a denomination. We offer a variety of programs, both credit and non-credit," Jockusch said. The Center was created this semester following a recommendation from a Southwest faculty task force.
It gathers together Southwest's master's degree programs, online offerings and training opportunities for youth ministers and Christian educators. Long dedicated to providing theological education for lay persons who do not seek ordination, Southwest launched an innovative master's degree program for working lay people in the mid-1990s. Complete details
The Center offers three master's degrees - counseling (MAC), arts (MAR) and chaplaincy and pastoral care (MCPC) with both part-time and full-time study options available. MAC and MCPC courses are offered on weeknights and on alternate weekends to accommodate the schedules of working people. Most students in these programs are part-time.
The MAC program combines foundational education in Bible, ethics, and theology, together with all the courses necessary to prepare students for certification by the State of Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Southwest graduates work in secular and church environments, both in institutional and private practice.
MCPC coursework engages students in Bible, ethics, theology, pastoral theology and theory, as well as in a range of more specialized courses dealing with chaplaincy work in its various contexts - hospital, prison, workplace, school or faith community chaplaincy. The degree meets the academic requirements for board certification by the Association of Professional Chaplains.
The MAR program offers a broad theological education with a primarily academic emphasis. Courses are offered in Bible, theology, ethics and church history and students produce a project or an inter-disciplinary thesis. Students can major in one of those four academic areas, Hispanic Church Studies or Christian Education.
A fourth program in spiritual formation - offered in both degree and diploma form - has been submitted for accreditation. This innovative program is open to any person who seeks a deeper understanding of the principle concepts, movements and practices of classical and contemporary Christian spirituality.
In addition to these campus-based programs, CCMV includes the seminary's Online School for Spirituality and Mission and the Certificate Programs in Christian Education and Youth Ministry.
The Online School offers seven-week non-credit courses in fall and spring terms. Taught by seminary faculty, the courses are designed for lay persons interested in a fuller understanding of Christian faith and practice and for clergy and lay ministers seeking continuing education to support their vocation.
Youth ministers and Christian educators from throughout the country have been coming to campus twice a year for one-week sessions since 1996. Each session of skills training and theological education includes instruction, discussion, theological reflection, practical ministry skills, worship and spiritual formation.
