Courses Offered through the School for Correctional Ministries

CE 301/CFM 501. Dimension of Correctional Ministries. (Formerly Introduction to Correctional Ministries). This course will provide an overview of ministry to offenders and their families and the biblically-based role of the Church in that effort.  In addition, the course will examine the basic structure and functions of the criminal justice system and the cultural distinctives that govern it.  The primary focus will be on the multiple ministry opportunities present in each of the various phases of the criminal justice system—presentencing, long-term incarceration, and reentry.

CE 302/CFM 502. Dynamics of Working with Offenders. This course will examine the common characteristics of offenders, the specialized approaches to ministering within a correctional facility, and the biblical corollaries for transformation as they pertain to offenders. Special attention will be given to the psycho-sociological factors that contribute to criminality, as well as to ways institutional conditions damage family structures, add to the pains of incarceration, and impair successful reentry.  Students will examine possible solutions for overcoming these deficits and helping inmates prepare for a return to their communities.

CE303/CFM 503. Leadership and Spiritual Formation of Offenders. This course is designed for those in correctional ministry to develop personal leadership, be effective witnesses and be equipped to encourage others to grow in their faith as followers of Christ.

CE 304/CFM 504. Foundations of Correctional Chaplaincy. An overview of correctional chaplaincy as it functions in jails and prisons.  The course will examine the history of correctional chaplaincy, the special skills and abilities the professional chaplain must possess, the critical dimensions of the multiple roles a chaplain assumes, and the constitutional mandates that govern the delivery of religious services in an institutional setting.  Special focus will be placed on the chaplains as “agents of change,” the “ministry of presence,” on effective volunteer management, and the development of individualized ministry plans. (3)

CE405/CFM 505. Foundations of Offender Reentry. This course will provide participants knowledge of the biblical foundation for reentry ministry and reentry statistics that will help them describe the issues, barriers, and challenges to successful ex-offender reentry.  The course will also describe the phases and key principles of reentry with emphasis on making decisions related to practical planning for your ministry along with the reality of the collaborative nature of individuals, churches, organizations, and the community to assist the ex-offender with reentry. (3)

CE406/CFM 506. Correctional Ministries Program Development and Evaluation. This course equips those who work in correctional ministries plan, administrate and provide learning experiences that help offenders/ex-offenders develop life skills, transform their thinking and encounter the person of God and the truths of His Word. (3)

CE407/CFM 507. Organizational Administration for Non-Profit Correctional Ministries. This course provides an overview of the principles and practices for leading and managing a not-for-profit organization.  Topics introduced will include leadership, ethics, strategic planning, operating policies, board governance, human relations, marketing, fundraising, financial management, collaborative partnerships, and program evaluation as they relate to non-profit correctional organizations.  Each topic will be approached from a biblical perspective. (3)

CE408/CFM 508. Care and Counseling in Correctional Ministry. This course provides an introduction to the unique challenges and strategies involved in care and counseling within a correctional setting as presented by correctional staff, the incarcerated and the families of offenders.  Focus will be given to an introductory knowledge of the problems of human suffering, biblical foundations for care in ministry, rudimentary person-to-person helping skills, as well as general counseling theories and techniques applicable to the correctional setting.  Consideration will be given to ethical issues, knowing one’s limits of competence and knowledge, and of when and to whom one should refer.  Attention will be given to issues of diversity and their implications for the utility of the concepts of this course where possible. (3)

CE409/CFM 509. Case Management and Mentoring Offenders. The course will examine theories and practices in case management and mentoring for successful reentry of offenders. Assessment and program development will be discussed.  Opportunities for role play and application will be utilized. (3)

CE493/CFM 593. Correctional Ministry Capstone Project. The Capstone Project requires critical evaluation of important issues in the field of correctional ministry and the integration of both theory and practice.  The project is planned and conducted under the supervision of the Capstone Advisor and includes both a written and oral evaluation. (3)

CE496/CFM 596. Correctional Ministries Practicum. This course provides an opportunity for students to develop skills and learning in a correctional ministry area under the guidance of an experienced ministry supervisor and the Internship Coordinator. Interns must follow the Correctional Ministries Internship Guidelines. Prerequisites: Students must be enrolled in the Correctional Ministry Credential Program and receive IPM Director’s approval prior to course enrollment. (3)

Revision Date: May 1, 2010