Christian Formation and Ministry Minor

Disciple-making is central to the work of the Church in the world. This is the educational ministry of the Church ~ to help people as they are being formed toward the likeness of Christ. It is for this purpose that the Christian Formation and Ministry Department (CFM) of Wheaton College exists. Our mission is to facilitate the development of academically grounded, spiritually maturing, and practically skilled leaders who minister the Gospel and build up God's people in a constantly changing world. We seek to nurture wisdom and compassion in students who are becoming…

• Academically grounded in that they:

  • Articulate a biblical, theological, historical, and philosophical perspective of formation and ministry.

  • Identify a theoretical framework for ministry context analysis.

    • Demonstrate an understanding of the educational, spiritual, and ministry practices by which people mature in Christ.

• Spiritually maturing in that they:

  • Demonstrate a life of discipleship and spiritual growth as the foundation of effective ministry.

  • Identify one's gifts and calling, responding to areas of strength and challenge in preparation for serving the needs of the church and the world.

  • Respect every person, valuing the diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and traditions within the church.

• Practically skilled in that they:

  • Minister and teach effectively, integrating theory and scripture into creative practice with integrity, humility, and grace.

  • Serve collaboratively and compassionately, balancing the needs of others with adequate self-care.

  • Demonstrate the necessary skills of a ministry practitioner/scholar: critical analysis; oral communication; written communication; program evaluation.

Requirements for a Christian Formation and Ministry minor are 22 hours, including: