Practical

Christian Ministries
Handbook

2021-2022

.
“Moreover it is required in stewards,
that a man be found faithful.” (1 Cor. 4:2)

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 Table of Contents

Why we have a Practical Christian Ministries Program……………….............................……. 3

Basic Guidelines for Fulfilling Your Practical Christian Ministries…………………………... 5

Brief Overview of the Practical Christian Ministries Guidelines…………………………….... 6

Who needs to do Practical Christian Ministries? …………………….…………………………. 8

Student’s Requirements for Receiving Credit for their Practical Christian Ministries………. 10

Attitudes and Responsibilities when Doing Your Practical Christian Ministries……………. 14

Rewards of Ministry…………………………………………………………………………... 15

Suggestions for Evangelism/Church/Organization Ministries………………………………... 16

Academic Majors and Practical Ministry Suggestions………………………………………... 17

Non-Academic Probation…………………………………………………………………....… 20

Contact Information…………………………………………………………………………… 20

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Welcome to Calvary University’s Practical Christian Ministries
Program!

Why do we have a Practical Christian Ministries Program?

1st Reason: Our Bible accreditation association requires it. The Association of Biblical
Higher Education (ABHE) requires each student to be involved in Practical Christian Ministries
in a formal way. Because it is required, we provide an official permanent record of your Practical
Christian Ministries on your university transcript. Therefore, it is essential that you complete all
the program’s requirements in order to graduate from Calvary University.

2nd Reason: To help you prepare for a life of faithful and fruitful service and to further
God’s kingdom! We have this program because we believe that Practical Christian Ministry
experiences are a necessary and crucial part of your training. By properly choosing your
Practical Christian Ministries, it gives you the opportunity to have a personal, God-directed
discipleship program. Therefore, we encourage you to seek the LORD and choose your Practical
Christian Ministries prayerfully and wisely. In doing this, it can give you experiences in specific
fields of ministry wherein God can better prepare you for a life of fruitful service and to help
prepare you to be able to fulfill your God given destiny. Our desire is that your Practical
Christian Ministries will help prepare you for life and future ministry while also helping you
build a resume of meaningful ministry experiences.

Best Reason: It is how Jesus discipled His disciples.

We have Christian ministry because it is how Jesus Christ trained His disciples. He not only
taught the disciples, but He sent them out to minister. Jesus sent His disciples into the
marketplace to put into practice what they had seen and what they had been taught by Him.
Following their practical ministry, they reported back to the LORD and He questioned them and
answered their questions. We pray the Debriefing Interview will be helpful in answering your
questions and guiding you through your learning experiences in your Practical Christian
Ministries. By sending the disciples out into ministry Jesus was discipling them and preparing
them for their future ministries when He would no longer be physically with them. Therefore, we
believe that the practical training received through your participation in the Practical Christian
Ministries program will be vital to your understanding of God’s call upon your life and how to
fulfill it.

Our prayer is that God will use local churches, pastors, lay leaders and ministries along with
Calvary’s faculty and staff to work together to give you the best discipleship experience possible.

How to get the most out of your Practical Christian Ministries experience!
In the Practical Christian Ministries Program, you will find that we give you some structure and
require some accountability. However, we also give you freedom to choose what you discern
God would have you do for a Practical Christian Ministry.

Fulfilling your Practical Christian Ministries responsibilities gives you the opportunity to
develop a pattern of seeking the LORD for His personal direction and a deepening of your

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understanding on how He personally leads you. If you seek the LORD and choose your Practical
Christian Ministries wisely and prayerfully, He can give you the right experiences in the fields of
ministry that will help prepare you for God’s purpose for your life.

We believe that the practical training received through your participation in the Practical
Christian Ministries program can be vital to your understanding of God’s call upon your life. It
can also help you put into practice what you are learning in the classroom.

We want you to grow and learn to walk in confidence that you are following His leading and His
perfect will whether it is in the secular arena or in full time ministry. Remember, you are the key.
A good spirit toward your Practical Christian Ministries now can be one of the most helpful
things you can do to receive the most from this program. Please look at the requirement of
Practical Christian Ministries as an opportunity to serve the LORD and grow in Him rather than
just an obligation to fulfill. Our prayer is that you will experience the joy of ministry and the
benefits of this program. May you and those to whom you minister be blessed through this
program. Blessings…Numbers 6:24-26.

Please Remember: Ministry is a privilege and it is an honor to be called by God and to serve
HIM.

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 Basic Guidelines for Fulfilling Your Practical Christian Ministry
What are your responsibilities for Practical Christian Ministry?
(How all students fulfill their Practical Christian Ministries requirements are the same for
all students, both graduate and undergraduate. However, the number of credits required
for graduate students are not the same as undergrad students - Seminary/Graduate student
credit requirements are on page 9.)

1. Attend a local church: A minimum of 2 services per week when doing a regular
Practical Christian Ministry or Church Search.

Christ is building His church (universal), and the local church is an important part of His
plan to accomplish this goal. The local church is not a man-made idea but it is God
ordained. Much of the New Testament is written directly to local churches. Everywhere
Paul went he sought to establish a local body of believers who would work together to
worship the LORD and further His kingdom.

You are given your first semester to find a local church where you can feel at home for
worship, fellowship, and service (2 Cor. 2:9; 10:5; 1 Tim 3:15). Please remember that
Scripture exhorts us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together (Heb. 10:24-25).
Developing a healthy relationship with a great family of believers is what we really desire
for you. Our prayer is that you will see the need for and want to be at church far more
than the minimum requirements. When you attend your church’s worship services,
Sunday school, home Bible studies, prayer groups, etc., we want you to be there because
you desire to be there, rather than just being there to fulfill your obligation.

2. The opportunity to serve Jesus through Practical Christian Ministries: Your

Practical Christian Ministries should provide ministry experience in either evangelism,
local church/ministry organization, or in the area of your academic major. We encourage
you to have some form of evangelism and discipleship and the use of your biblical
training as part of all your Practical Christian Ministries.

The actual amount of Practical Christian Ministries required will depend upon the length
of your academic program and your time at Calvary.

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 Brief Overview of the Practical Christian Ministry Guidelines

I. Why is Practical Christian Ministry important?

The moment we accept Jesus as our Savior we are changed spiritually. This is a gift
of grace from Jesus to those who choose Him. It is imperative that we understand we
are not saved by our good works but to do good works. From the moment our spirit
is transformed, we must persevere in the transformation of our mind in the challenge
of growing more and more like Jesus every second of every day so that we can do the
will of our Father in Heaven. We are to be in constant training for the race that is
given so wisely to us by Jesus. We need to strive to learn to give an answer to those
who are seeking and diligently study so that we are able. We must determine to set
our minds and hearts on the glorious revelation that ministry is not what we do-it is
who we are! He is WHOSE we are, and the outcome of His ministry is eternal. This
is the beginning of the joy set before us!! May we endure all He allows us to go
through, seeing each moment as a sacred learning lesson, a refining process, so that
we no longer see through a glass dimly, but we KNOW Him. May EVERYTHING
we do, think, say, and dream be for His glory and His alone! So be it, Lord Jesus!
a. Ephesians 2:8-10
b. Romans 12:2
c. Hebrews 12:1-3
d. 2 Timothy 2:15
e. Matthew 6:19-20
f. Philippians 4:13
g. 1 Corinthians 11:11-13
h. 1 Corinthians 10:31

II. How many Semesters do I need?

-Each semester you attend Calvary

III. What do I need to do?

1st Semester:
1. Check Canvas for your Practical Christian Ministries assignments.
2. As you fulfill a Practical Christian Ministry – find a church home (Church Search).
Seek the LORD as to where He wants you to attend and serve.
3. Fill out the form (Practical Christian Ministry and Church Attendance/Search
Verification Form).
✓ Church Attendance (at least 2 services per week)
✓ Practical Christian Ministry (searching for a home church while at Calvary)
4. You may only do one semester of church search.
Remaining Semesters at Calvary:
1. You will be registered for Practical Christian Ministry on Canvas.
2. Do a Practical Christian Ministry – consult the rest of the CM Handbook for details.
Start seeking the LORD now, concerning what He would have you do.
3. Fill out a Practical Christian Ministry and Church Attendance/Search Verification Form
• Church Attendance (at least 2 services per wk.)
• Practical Christian Ministry (12 wks., 2 hrs. per wk. or 24 hours)

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 4. If required, meet with the Practical Christian Ministries Director for a Debriefing
Interview during the semester: Freshman-fall, Sophomore-spring, Junior-spring, Senior-
fall
IV. Non-Academic Probation happens when a student habitually fails to fulfill the requirements
of the Practical Christian Ministries program and does not respond to encouragement to do
so.

Guidelines for Paperwork

The following is a schedule when the Practical Christian Ministries forms are due.

Documents Fall Ministry Spring Ministry

For each semester while attending Calvary Fill out your Practical Fill out your Practical
(You will only need to do a church search one time) Christian Ministry Christian Ministry
Practical Christian Ministry and Church and Church and Church
Attendance/Search Verification Form. To verify Attendance /Search Attendance /Search
Verification Form. Verification Form.
faithfulness in searching for a church home and to verify
service in local ministry Mentor will fill out, Mentor will fill out,
with you, if possible, with you, if possible,
the Practical the Practical
Christian Ministry Christian Ministry
Mentor Form Mentor Form

Freshman and Senior: Sophomore and

Debrief Junior: Debrief
Graduating Seniors – If you are doing a CM your Dec. 1 May 1
Debriefing Interview and/or paperwork must be
completed and turned in to the CM Office via Canvas by:

*A ministry done between semesters may be counted during either the spring or fall semester.
This portion is a brief overview - please read and always consult the rest of your Practical Christian
Ministries Handbook for complete details and instructions. If you have any questions, please email the
Director of Practical Christian Ministries or come by the office – the Director will be glad to answer any
questions you might have. We are here to help you fulfill your requirements, and more importantly, help
you fulfill God’s plan for your life.

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 Who Needs to do Practical Christian Ministry?
The following Calvary students are required to complete a certain amount of Practical Christian Ministry
credits in order to graduate from Calvary University:
• All Undergraduate students
• Early College and Dual Enrolled students enrolled in an associate degree Program or the One
Year Certificate Program.
• Graduate students in the following programs:
- Master of Arts in Bible and Theology
- Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling
- Master of Divinity
- Master's Degree in Elementary Education that Leads to State Certification.
- Master of Business
• All students who are not required to do Practical Christian Ministries in our Master
degree programs and our Doctor of Philosophy in Bible & Theology program are
allowed and encouraged to participate in the Practical Christian Ministries program either
in part or the whole if they so desire.

Practical Christian Ministries Credits and Debriefing Interviews needed for graduation for all
Undergrad Students:
Each undergrad student will need to complete the following CM credits and Debriefing
Interviews for graduation via Canvas:
1. Fill out your Practical Christian Ministry and Church Attendance /Search
Verification Form-1 per semester while attending Calvary (50 points)
2. Mentor will fill out, with you, if possible, the Practical Christian Ministry Mentor
Form-1 per semester while attending Calvary (does not apply to Church Search)
(50 points)
3. Debrief (50 points)
a. Freshman and Senior: fall
b. Sophomore and Junior: spring
Practical Christian Ministries Credits and Debriefing Interviews needed for graduation for
Graduate Students:
Master of Arts in Bible and Theology
Degree requires 2 PCM credits with 1 Debriefing Interview
Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling
Degree requires 1 PCM credit during internship with a paragraph submitted by your
university supervisor
Master of Divinity
Degrees requires 4 PCM credits with 2 Debriefing Interviews
Master of Divinity 5-year BA and Master of Divinity
Degree requires 7 PCM credits and 2 Debriefing Interviews
Master's Degree in Elementary Education that Leads to State Certification.
Degree requires 1 PCM credit during internship with a paragraph submitted by your
university supervisor
Master of Science and Organization Development
Degree requires 1 PCM credit during internship with a paragraph submitted by your
university supervisor

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*Requirements for earning a Practical Christian Ministry Credit are the same for all students as outlined
later in this Practical Christian Ministries Handbook.

Early College and Dual Enrollment Students enrolled in a two-year Associates Degree Program are
required to fulfill the regular Practical Christian Ministry credits of 1 per semester with one debriefing per
year.

Early College and Dual Enrollment Students enrolled in a One Year Certificate Program are
required to fulfill the regular Practical Christian Ministry credits needed to earn a One Year Certificate
which is 1 Practical Christian Ministry credit per semester with 1 Debriefing Interview.

Early College and Dual Enrollment Students that are not in an Associate Degree Program or the One
Year Certificate Program are not required to participate in the Practical Christian Ministries program but
are encouraged to be involved in practical Christian ministry and a local church. However, if at any time
they decide to pursue a degree program, they are responsible for fulfilling the Practical Christian Ministry
credits required during the time they are a degree-seeking student at Calvary (1 CM credit per semester
with 1 Debrief Interview annually).

Non-Degree Seeking Students are not required to participate in the Practical Christian Ministries
program but are encouraged to be involved in practical Christian ministry and a local church. However, if
at any time they decide to pursue a degree program, they are responsible for fulfilling the Practical
Christian Ministry credits required during the time they are a degree-seeking student at Calvary (1 CM
credit per semester with 1 Debrief Interview annually).

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 Student’s Requirements for Receiving Credit for Their
Practical Christian Ministries

Church Search:
Every new undergrad student’s 1st semester’s Practical Christian Ministry is a “Church Search”
and requirements for it are:
Church Search: We allow you the first semester to find a church home.
1. Fill out the Practical Christian Ministry and Church Attendance/Search Verification
Form (50 points) Canvas
*There is no charge for this credit
2. Pray and seek the LORD’s will for a home church.
3. Attend 2 church services per week:
If you need to find a church, we encourage you to visit as many churches as you
need to find a church home.
If you are unable to find a church home your first semester you will still need to
continue to look for one, but you can only use one semester for a “church search”
credit.
4. If you have a church home already: attend 2 services per week for the semester and
you will earn a Practical Christian Ministry credit for a “Church Search”.
5. Complete a Debriefing Interview if required (50 points) Canvas
Freshman-fall, Sophomore-spring, Junior-spring, Senior-fall
• For on campus students: There will be signup sheets outside the Director’s
office (Room #112 East Education Building) for you to select a time to come
in for your Debriefing Interview. Please follow signup instruction carefully.
• For off campus and/or online students: You will need to set up Debriefing
Interview through emails with the Director of Practical Christian Ministries or
at cmin.sec@calvary.edu. You may meet in person, webcam/skype or by
phone (your choice).
6. Have your mentor, if possible, with you, fill out the Practical Christian Ministry
Mentor form on Canvas (50 points)

Ministry Credit:
Requirements for fulfilling Practical Christian Ministry:
1. Prayerfully seek the LORD’s will for what He would have you do for a ministry.
2. You will be registered for Practical Christian Ministry CM-099
*There is no charge for these credits
3. Attend 2 church services per week
a. Faithful attendance (not perfect attendance)
b. Services that qualify:
• Morning Worship, Sunday School, Evening Service, Youth meeting, Mid-
week, Small group, etc.
*The service you minister in can be counting as one of the 2 services
c. 2 services is the minimum; we would encourage you to attend other services as
well. We want you to plug into your church family.
d. If you have a special problem in attending 2 services please discuss this with the
Director of Practical Christian Ministries.

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4. Minister a minimum of 24 hours per semester in your selected ministry:
a. Ideally it should be for at least 2 hours per week for 12 weeks or for a total of 24
hours for the semester.
b. What can you count as ministry time?
a. Time spent: in prayer for your ministry, in preparation, in ministry, and
time spent with people to whom you are ministering.
b. If serving during a service (sing/play for worship, teach Sunday School,
Youth Group, etc.) you count the time of the whole service. That service
also counts as a service that you attended.
c. Travel time does not count for ministry time unless you spend that time in
prayer or going over your lesson.
d. We believe that prayer and your preparation time are a very important
part of your time spent in ministry.
c. You may do a summer ministry of at least 24 hours and it counts as a ministry in
either the previous or following semester or as a second ministry in either
semester.
d. Important: Your ministry should provide ministry experience in either
evangelism, local church/ministry organization, or in the area of your academic
major.
a. For Business, Counseling, Education, Intercultural Studies, Ministry
Studies, and Worship Arts majors, your senior year internship will fulfill
your Practical Christian Ministry requirement for that semester.
e. Use your Practical Christian Ministries to explore areas that you sense God is
leading you.
f. You will need to have someone to report to and who will mentor you.
g. If you have difficulty finding a ministry or fulfilling your hours, please contact the
Director of Practical Christian Ministries as soon as possible.
5. Complete a Practical Christian Ministry and Church Attendance/Search Verification
Form on Canvas. (50 points)
6. Your mentor will fill out, with you, if possible, the Practical Christian Ministry
Mentor Form on Canvas. (50 points)
7. Complete a Debriefing Interview: If it is a semester you need to meet with the
Director of Practical Christian Ministries for a Debriefing Interview, toward the
middle of the semester you will need to set up at time to meet with them. This will
take 20 to 30 minutes. The purpose is to help you evaluate your ministry and discuss
what you have learned from it.
a. Check Canvas to see if you will need to meet for a Debriefing Interview with the
Practical Christian Ministries Director. Your Debriefing interview will count as
50 points.
b. If you are on campus you will need to meet in person with the Director of
Practical Christian Ministries. There will be a signup sheet outside the Directors
office for you to select a time to come in for your Debriefing Interview. Please
follow signup instruction carefully.
c. If you are off campus and/or an online student, you may select one of the
following:
1. Meet with the director in person

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2. Webcam/Skype
3. Phone
Please indicate which you prefer on your verification form.
You will need to set up a time through email. Cmin.sec@calvary.edu
1. The following students will be required to meet with the Practical Christian
Ministries Director as displayed on Canvas:
i. Freshman-fall semester, annually
1. This will allow students to find a church home before
beginning a ministry
ii. Sophomores-spring semester, annually
iii. Juniors-spring semester, annually
iv. Seniors-fall semester, annually
1. This will allow seniors to prepare for graduation
2. You will need to fill out the Practical Christian Ministry and Church
Attendance/Search Verification form each semester.
3. You will need to have your mentor fill out, with you, if possible, the Practical
Christian Ministry Mentor Form each semester.
4. Grading: Canvas
• All students will be preregistered for Practical Christian Ministry on
Canvas
i. Church search-50 points
1. The student will fill out the Practical Christian Ministry
Attendance/Search Verification form
2. The student will pass Practical Christian Ministry for
their first semester
ii. Practical Christian Ministry every semester while attending
Calvary-50 points for submitted form/50 points for debriefing
interview with the Director of Practical Christian Ministries if
applicable
1. The student will fill out the Practical Christian Ministry
and Church Attendance/Search form
2. The student will meet in person or via phone call with
the Director of Practical Christian Ministries per their
debriefing requirement
3. The student will pass Practical Christian Ministry for
the semester
iii. Practical Christian Ministry Mentor Form-50 points
1. The mentor will fill out the form, with the student if
possible
• For Business, Counseling, Education, Intercultural Studies, Ministry
Studies, and Worship Arts majors:
i. Internship will count toward Practical Christian Ministry credit.
• For transfer students:
i. Practical Christian Ministry requirements will begin upon the
start of the student’s classes at Calvary.
• For returning students:

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 i. Any students who have nearly completed or have completed
their Practical Christian Ministry requirements will continue
under the requirements they began with at Calvary.
• For students who have earned a bachelor’s degree and are returning for
a second bachelor’s degree:
i. 1 Practical Christian Ministry credit per semester maximum.

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 Attitudes and Responsibilities When Doing Your
Practical Christian Ministries
1. Demonstrate a commitment to Christ and the local church by:
a. Coming to your ministry fully prepared
b. Attending worship services and ministry faithfully
c. Following the policies and procedures of the church or ministry organization
d. Dressing in a manner honoring to Christ
Importance of a healthy attitude towards ones ministry:
When Christ measures our service in ministry, faithfulness is key (1 Cor. 4:2). Our personal
abilities and skills in ministry are important but only play a small part when we stand before the
LORD to be rewarded (1 Cor. 3:9-15). Have we been faithfully serving Him? That will be a
major question that will be brought to light when we stand before Him. Along with our
faithfulness Christ is also concerned with our motives and our willingness to serve Him (Isaiah
6:8: Matt. 28:19a). Are we willing to go wherever He sends us and serve Him selflessly? Are we
taking advantage of the opportunities Christ brings our way and serving Him for the right
reasons? To be given greater responsibilities by God in the future, we need to learn to be faithful
in the little things He asks of us now.
2. Show commitment and respect to your ministry leaders
a. Understand what is expected of you
b. Be in open and intentional communication with your ministry leaders
c. Have a good attitude
d. Be teachable
e. Be enthusiastic
f. Refrain from criticism
g. Notify your leader/mentor with whom you minister when you are ill or when you
will need to be absent
One of the purposes of Practical Christian Ministries is to train students in the importance of
being faithful (1 Cor. 4:2). For this reason, consistent attendance in ministry and church
involvement is expected. We understand, however, that there will be times when you will be
absent. The following excused and unexcused absences apply to the guidelines of 12 weeks of
ministry per semester and can count as ministry time when excused.
Excusable absences
• Cancellation of church or
ministry activity
• Emergency at home
• Illness
• Poor weather

Inexcusable absences
• Studying/homework
• Traveling
• Social activity
• Oversleeping
• Employment

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In general, you are responsible to plan your employment and schoolwork around your church
and ministry involvement. You are held liable when you fail to inform your employer of times
that you cannot work because of your ministry commitment.

Furthermore, you are obligated to notify your ministry leaders of all college-sanctioned holidays
when you will be absent from your ministry. Also, you must inform your ministry leaders
immediately if you are ill or if an emergency arises. Please be sure to notify your ministry
leaders if you do not plan to return the next semester.

In order for a regular Practical Christian Ministry to be approved it should:

a. Involve the student with people.

b. Use the student’s Bible education.
c. Provide ministry experience in either evangelism, local church/ministry
organization, or in the area of the student’s academic major (see the chart on
pages 14-17).
d. Be for a minimum of 2 hours per week for 12 weeks (or a total of 24 hours per
semester).
e. If a student seeks to do a Practical Christian Ministry that is uniquely different
from the norm they need to seek approval from the Director of Practical Christian
Ministries.
f. Internships required by or related to a student’s major may be used for a Practical
Christian Ministry.

The Rewards of Ministry

Sometimes ministry can be hard and difficult but there is a real joy that comes when
individuals to whom you are ministering turn to the LORD and/or surrender their life to Him.
God promises to be with us and that He will never forsake us. He has also promised to give us
eternal rewards for our faithful service. Earning rewards started the day we trusted Jesus Christ
as our Savior. What a God we serve! Let us love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength,
seeking to please Him in all that we do.

Each year at Honors Chapel, Calvary honors three of our graduating seniors with a Practical
Christian Ministry Award. These awards are granted on the basis of competence, faithfulness,
spiritual ministry, and potential for future contribution to Christ and his Church.

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Suggestions for how to be involved in Evangelism, Local Church, and
Ministry Organizations

Ministry Experiences
Needed Examples

Evangelism • Help with visitation (e.g., follow-up of absentees and

visitors, door-to-door calling, street witnessing).
• Participate in a drama presentation of the gospel.
• Tell a story or lesson that ends with a gospel
presentation.
• Share the gospel, an object lesson, or personal testimony
with a group (e.g., CEF, youth group, Awana, rescue
mission).
Church or Organization • A teaching role (e.g., Sunday school, small group Bible
study, CEF)
• Assisting a teacher
• Group leader (e.g., youth group, evangelism team, Good
News Club)
• Visitation (see examples above)
• Chair a committee
• Spiritual mentoring (e.g., follow-up of new Christians,
train somebody one-on-one)
• Music accompaniment (e.g., singing or playing an
instrument)
• Church planting

Practical Christian Ministries Fair: To assist you and help you find a local church
and/or a Practical Christian Ministry, we host a Practical Christian Ministries Fair at the
beginning of each fall semester. We have approximately 30+ churches and ministries
represented at the fair. This provides a way for you to get to know and be aware of the
churches and ministries that are in the area and the opportunities for service that they may
have for you to fulfill your Practical Christian Ministries. Freshmen and new/first
semester students are required to attend this event and all other students are encouraged
to attend as well.

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 Academic Majors and Practical Ministry Suggestions
This involves practical experience in the area of the student’s academic major

Academic Examples
Major
Bible and Theology Any ministry in which you regularly use your Bible
education: teaching, assisting a teacher, church
planting

Biblical Counseling Counseling people about issues, mentoring people in

the faith, GotQuestions.org, Internship, project
Children’s Ministry 1. Teaching children
2. Directing a children’s ministry
Elementary/Middle/Secondary 1 semester – tutor, 2 semesters – teacher’s aide, 1
Education semester – student teaching
Intercultural Studies Work cross culturally: English partner, missions trip,
church planting, evangelism
Music Education 1. Ministry with Calvary music groups: Chorale,
small ensemble during the school year or summer,
chapel praise team, music group/team leader
2. Helping and leading music for children, youth, or
adults in church and/or local school. Get as much
teaching and classroom experience as possible.
a. School: music teacher assistant, choir
director assistant, band/orchestra director
assistant, help with sectionals, do some
teaching/directing/rehearsing, vocal
ensemble director or assistant,
instrumental ensemble director or
assistant, music teacher, choir director,
band/orchestra director, choir accompanist,
music intern.
b. Church: pianist, song leader, worship
leader, guitarist, choir director (children’s
youth, adult), praise team leader (youth,
adult), youth group music leader, Sunday
School leader, Awana music leader,
children’s church music leader, music
leader at a Christian camp, music leader
for VBS.

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 3. You may do non-music teaching in a church or
other situation to gain teaching experience and
fulfill Practical Christian Ministry assignments.
Final Practical Christian Ministry assignment is
internship.
Music Performance & Pedagogy 1. Ministry with Calvary music groups: Chorale,
small ensemble during the school year or summer,
chapel praise team, music group/team leader.
2. Ministry with local church music ministry.
Examples: pianist, song leader, worship leader,
choir member, church ensemble member,
orchestra member, praise team member, guitarist,
choir director (children’s, youth, adult), praise
team musician or leader (youth, adult), youth
group music helper or leader, Sunday School
music helper or leader, Awana music helper or
leader, children’s church music helper or leader,
music helper or leader at a Christian camp, music
helper or leader for VBS.
3. Do some in pedagogy in your area of expertise:
tutor, private lessons to child or youth, teach
class/group in music.
Pastoral Ministry Local church ministry participation & leadership –
teaching and/or leading SS classes and/or small
groups, interim pulpit supply, worship service
leadership, outreach and/or visitation ministry, pastor,
pastor assistant, Pastoral Internship (Junior/Senior
year)
Professionally Directed Studies Any ministry that relates to your major or minor.
Theatre Arts 1. Directing or being part of the cast and production
crew of a show or play. The more spiritual content
the better (for up to 2 CM credits).
2. Directing or acting in an acting recital scene (but
not for credit).
3. Participation in Chapel Theatre for non-credit
4. Participation in student's church theatre program
5. Directing a church theatre production
6. Teaching Sunday School or children's church
(storytelling responsibilities)
7. Performing for/teaching at homeless ministry,
soup kitchen, or any other charitable organization
8. Directing scenes for the acting recital (but not for
credit)

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Worship Arts & Youth 1. Ministry with Calvary music groups: Chorale,
small ensemble during the school year or summer,
chapel praise team, music group/team leader
(when not taken for credit).
2. Do some in children or youth ministry (church or
para-church organization). See the Youth
Ministries advisor to receive okay in this area.
3. Do some in local church music ministry.
Examples: pianist, song leader, worship leader,
choir member, church ensemble member,
orchestra member, praise team member, guitarist,
choir director (children’s, youth, adult), praise
team musician or leader (youth, adult), youth
group music helper or leader, Sunday School
music helper or leader, Awana music helper or
leader, children’s church music helper or leader,
music helper or leader at a Christian camp, music
helper or leader for VBS.
4. Students are required to have one semester of
Worship Arts and Youth Field Experience.
Youth Ministry Lead Bible study, camp counseling, spiritual
mentoring, 1 semester – internship (Junior/Senior
year).

*Other Ministries can be approved by the Practical Christian Ministries Director.

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 Non-Academic Probation
Non-Academic Probation happens when a student habitually fails to fulfill the requirements of
the Practical Christian Ministries program. The procedures and consequences of non-academic
probation are as follows:
i. The student will be warned that he/she is being placed on non-academic probation.
ii. A student can appeal being placed on Non-Academic Probation. He/she can appeal
the decision by meeting with the Practical Christian Ministries Director to explain the
circumstances. If the Director still feels Non-Academic probation is necessary, the
student may request to meet with the Practical Christian Ministries Committee. The
decision of the Committee is final.
iii. Once placed on Non-Academic Probation, the student must complete the following:
a. Write a one-page paper which acknowledges why he/she has been placed on Non-
Academic Probation, affirm that the reasons for being placed on Non-Academic
Probation will not happen again, and detail a plan concerning a change within the
semester. This paper is to be submitted by the time given and must be approved
by the Director of Practical Christian Ministries.
b. The student will arrange a meeting with both his/her Academic Advisor and the
Practical Christian Ministries Director before the last 2 weeks of the semester.
c. By the end of the semester, the student must have enacted the plan that was laid
out in the aforementioned paper.
iv. If the above actions are performed, the student will be removed from Non-
Academic Probation. However, if the paper is not submitted at the prescribed time,
and no appeal has been made; Or, if the student does submit a paper, but fails to meet
the requirements of that paper, or does not meet with his/her Academic Advisor or the
Practical Christian Ministries Director, the student will be recommended for non-
academic dismissal from Calvary.
v. Students not complying with Practical Christian Ministries requirements will not
be cleared by the Practical Christian Ministries Committee for graduation.

As a Bible focused and driven University, Calvary views Practical Christian Ministries and
church attendance as important factors in maturing the student’s Christian life and
service. Therefore, neglect of these activities is viewed seriously. You are important to us, and
so is your preparation for the rigors of life and ministry ahead!

How to Contact the Practical Christian Ministries Office

Room 112, East Education Building
Office: 816-425-1862
Alternate: 816-783-7149
dawnita.phillips@calvary.edu

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