Writing as Ministry
This ministry emphasis is directed at developing the student's understanding of writing as a ministry and honing his or her skills. A primary goal of this emphasis is writing as public ministry, so attention is often focused on writing for publication, with students learning ways of determining audience and doing market research. The Writing emphasis fits within the larger ESR curriculum, and the study of theological disciplines provides background and context for students writing in these areas. In addition to the core curriculum, Comprehensive Seminar, and electives of their own choosing, students do their Supervised Ministry in a setting that develops an understanding of writing as ministry such as an internship at a publishing house or leading writing workshops in a local meeting or church. Students will take the following courses: Aspects of Writing as Christian Ministry, Writing for Public Ministry, and Writing for Publication. Students will take an additional fourth course devoted exclusively to the discipline of writing or take an Independent Study with faculty whose expertise fits with their goals.
Students in this emphasis also staff the annual Ministry of Writing Colloquium, working in areas such as publicity, hospitality, and registration.