Course Schedule
There are three required courses for all students seeking a camp/retreat ministry certificate or certification:
- Faith Formation & Christian Living:
This course explores the biblical foundations of camp/retreat ministry and faith formation. It includes finding creative strategies for reaching out and welcoming people of the twenty-first century into faith formation experiences; preparing intentional pathways for people to connect and deepen their relationship with God; developing effective methods for teaching core elements of Christian faith and discipleship; and providing participants and guests with opportunities to practice Christian discipleship with one another and all God's creation. Strengthening the partnerships among camp/retreat ministry, local congregations, and conference ministries for long-term faith formation and developing spiritual leaders are important aspects of this course. The course will also cover the unique dynamics of Christian hospitality and faith formation when hosting culturally diverse guests and groups and those that are not church-related.
- The Ecology & Theology of Common Ground:
This course focuses on the role of camp/retreat ministry in inspiring and training spiritual leaders who shape society by engaging communities and congregations in ministries of earth care and social justice as an expression of holy common ground. Students will study biblical and theological perspectives on the link between faith in God and loving interdependence among people and all creation. The course further gives a basic overview of key ecological principles and environmental concerns facing contemporary societies; studies the global social justice aspects of the ecological crisis; explores site operational practices that establish camp/retreat/conference centers and communities as Common Ground Centers where people practice Christian stewardship of creation, justice and mercy. The course offers strategies for training and involving both urban and rural leaders for Common Ground Ministries that reach out beyond the camp/retreat site or local congregation.
- The Ministry of Camp/Retreat Center Management:
An introduction to religiously affiliated camp/retreat/conference center administration: leading a mission-driven ministry; discerning shared visions and implementation; offering Christian hospitality; selecting and developing volunteer and paid staff; partnering with local churches and judicatories; designing participant experiences and guest hosting; managing food service; maintaining grounds and facilities; providing safety and healthcare; relating ethically; managing budgets; serving diverse people groups; marketing and public relations; establishing operational standards, procedures, and guidelines; continuing education and renewal; strengthening boards and committees; grounding operations in faith formation and stewardship of the earth. Much of this course will relate to issues of leadership and spiritual leadership, and will introduce participants to resources for ongoing learning since all the topics cannot be fully covered in a single course.
In addition to the core courses, students choose two electives from a variety of courses that relate directly to camp and retreat ministries. We encourage people to choose electives that address their weaknesses rather than strengths.
Note: United Methodist students who have not already taken United Methodist studies (history, doctrine and polity), you must take that course as one of your electives.
For a list of upcoming courses, dates, and locations, please see
www.drew.edu/theo-content.aspx?id=11601
If you need more details about a particular course, please contact Anne Yardley, Associate Dean at Drew Theological School. Phone: 973-408-3647 or 973-408-3419. Fax: 973-408-3534. E-mail: ayardley@drew.edu.
Photo by Deb Smith, Project Director of the High Potential Metro Church Initiative, General Board of Discipleship.