FCS6110EN - Methods & Skills for Faith Community Services

Course description

This course advances proficiencies and techniques of communication related to the professional practice of community services. Application of biblical principles and standards are at the core of practice. Course discussions analyze cultural sensitivities, professional interactions, and ethical self-awareness as they relate to day-to-day practice.

How this course benefits students

Being an integral part of the Mission of God lies at the core of service to God and His people. By participating in this course, students:

  1. develop advanced practice methods and skills for successful client practice;
  2. demonstrate the ability to apply existing practice skills to professional settings;
  3. formulate understanding of the impact of oppression and discrimination on diverse people’s individual and collective functioning;
  4. apply the understanding to a spiritually sensitive faith community service; and
  5. synthesize theories with practice in presentations and discussions with peers.

Why this course is important

This course provides advanced practice methods and skills to the Faith Community Services profession. It, not only provides an awareness of how to identify, refer and work in collaboration with public and private social services, it provides theoretical and practical opportunities to identify at-risk populations and provide targeted solutions and referrals. Students are provided assignments and learning experiences, that develop their ability to meet their clients where they are no matter the socio-economic, cultural, or racial context.

Credit hours
3 hours
Subject area
Faith Community Services
Educational level
Master
Learning type
Instructional
Prerequisites
None
Upcoming terms
Pending
* Schedule subject to change. Please contact the Registrar's office with schedule questions.
Professor
Dr. Abiola Olagbami, Professor of Christian Social Work

How this course relates to missional core values

Biblically based

1 Corinthians 10:31 states: “whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Through development of skills and methods, the Mission of God is fulfilled in daily lives.

Missionally driven

God is at work in the lives of His people and day after day, lives are encountered that need the touch of God. The ability to engage people in what matters is missional work that all are called to but few can integrate it into daily lives.

Contextually informed

A highly-skilled practice professional integrates faith and witness while involved in the challenges of others.

Interculturally focused

Communication is universal to the human experience. Developing advanced skills to communicate across cultures further enhances one's ability to identify needs.

Practically minded

Students synthesize their knowledge and skills to engage and walk alongside others through challenges of life and survival.

Experientially transformed

Students develop advanced skills that enhance their communication and motivate others to be at the giving and receiving end of difficult but solution-focused conversations.