COLLEGE OF
THEOLOGY & CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
FROM HERE TO ANYWHERE
All of us at the College of Theology & Christian Ministry are on a journey of faith, and I invite you to join us. We are Christians who come from many different traditions, including Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Roman Catholic and nondenominational congregations. We are all on a journey together seeking to be obedient to God’s claim upon our lives. As a Christ-centered university, we create spaces for people to come together to read Scripture, ask big questions and listen closely. We see the Bible differently through our own eyes, we ask questions out of our own life experiences, and we listen to each other to learn from each other. We are also a place where individuals understand their sense of calling differently. We have students who imagine themselves as pastors, worship pastors or youth pastors. Some see themselves as teachers, musicians, entrepreneurs or community organizers. We have exciting conversations because we are trying to sort out our faith together as we follow God’s call upon our lives. With nine programs of study designed to help undergraduate students prepare for the unique calling God has placed upon them and with a unique counseling program for graduate students preparing to help others, we work carefully to provide a place where you not only discover your sense of purpose, but where you can prepare for it. Explore our programs, and get to know us. Allow us to get to know you. Let’s see if we can go on a journey of faith together! Many blessings to you in all things,
D R . D A R R E L L G WA LT N E Y Dean of College of Theolog y and Christian Ministry
1 0 0% of
2020 CTCM GRADUATES expressed
S AT I S FAC T I O N with Belmont education
Forbes’ T O P 2 0
HAPPI E ST CITIES TO WORK IN
STUDY THEOLOGY IN NASHVILLE Belmont’s College of Theology and Christian Ministry is set against the
like health care, tourism, education and, of course, music. Still, even in the
backdrop of a leading liberal arts university in one of the South’s most
midst of this fast-paced urban area, Nashville retains the heart of a small
vibrant cities. Tennessee’s capital, Nashville, is home to more than 700
town, a community committed to service and philanthropy. In fact, one-
church communities, from the newly planted to the deeply rooted. Plus, a
third of Nashville residents volunteer with a local church, nonprofit or
number of religious and denominational headquarters, Christian publishing
social enterprise. Here you can partner with numerous organizations that
houses and the Gospel Music Association all call Music City home.
are deeply committed to serving our neighbors in need and contributing
This thriving metropolitan area has experienced phenomenal growth and development in recent years with major Fortune 500 countries moving to town, and the city continues to be a strong hub for prominent industries
solutions to society’s most complex problems.
F I E L D E D U CAT I O N Nashville provides ample opportunities to explore and immerse yourself in a range of organizations, from churches big and small to companies and organizations carrying out God’s work in the world. As a student at Belmont, you’ll gain valuable experience through our highly regarded Field Education program, which allows you to explore the various ways you can practice ministry in a real, practical fashion. You’ll work with a Field Education advisor who will partner with your academic advisor to help you find a placement that best fits your needs and interests. Then, throughout the experience, you’ll receive ongoing feedback from professional practitioners who can guide you in your discernment of your next vocational steps.
Nashville is
H O M E TO
700+
CHURCHES
LEADERSHIPFOCUSED PROGRAMS C R E AT I N G C H R I S T- C E N T E R E D L E A D E R S The College of Theology and Christian Ministry offers a number of programs for students who aspire to do Christ-centered, hands-on ministry— whether within a church, parachurch or nonprofit setting—and who recognize that those positions require soft skills in addition to sound theological training.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP
WORSHIP LEADERSHIP
The courses in our Christian Leadership program are designed to help
Much more than music, Belmont’s worship leadership major helps
students dive deeply into their theological studies while building both
individuals develop the mindset and approach to oversee a worship
pastoral and leadership skills. This major equips graduates to pursue a
ministry through an exploration of the theology and arts as well as the
broad range of roles inside and outside of traditional congregational work.
diversity of worship experiences. Students in this program also select one
C H U R C H L E A D E R S H I P A N D A D M I N I S T R AT I O N Similar in nature to Christian Leadership, the Church Leadership and Administration major focuses on developing individuals who can lead. With this focus, however, the major is designed specifically to give ministers, pastors and clergy the tools needed to lead a staff, manage a budget and navigate the business needs of vocational ministry.
of five concentrations: audio engineering, theatre, design communications, music or video production.
DAMARIUS DRUMWRIGHT Worship Leadership Minor in Music
“My past year and a half studying in the College of Theology and Christian Music has been an influential experience because of the willingness of the faculty, staff, and students to have hard conversations and enact change.”
COMMUNITYFOCUSED PROGRAMS SERVING GOD IN THE COMMUNITY Do you sense God is calling you to serve outside of a church setting? Whether in a nonprofit, parachurch organization, civic life, medicine, within the justice system or in a creative endeavor, these majors prepare students to serve God in the beloved community.
FA I T H & S O C I A L J U S T I C E
RELIGION AND THE ARTS
With faith as your foundation, this major provides students with the
An interdisciplinary degree that allows students to combine the study of
academic knowledge, ethical formation and practical applications to
religion with the study of music, theatre or art, Religion and the Arts
enable you to make an impact on the world through your work. Tracks
creates opportunities to prepare for ministry in a wide variety of fields
include Advocacy and Activism, Policy and Development, and Missions
where faith intersects with culture.
and Ministry.
G R A C E C AT H E R I N E B E C K H A M Faith & Social Justice, Class of 2024
“Studying at the CTCM provides both the challenge and the space to reckon with what faith and theology truly mean — to society, to the academic sphere, but most importantly to yourself in relation to God. My time here has definitely shown me that a well-watered faith is one spent cultivating community, pressing into obedient discomfort, and clinging to our accountability to the truth of God’s Word.”
13:1
Student-to-faculty ratio
SCHOLARLYFOCUSED PROGRAMS PURSUING THEOLOGY FOR FURTHER STUDIES Can you picture yourself pursuing further education in theology after college? Or do you want to work in Nashville’s burgeoning Christian book publishing scene? These tracks equip students who want to attain masters
BIBLICAL STUDIES The Biblical Studies major allows students to closely examine the ancient
or doctorates in theology long term.
texts of Scripture, helping them to grasp a deeper understanding of their
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
of a denominational tradition, our broad-based, ecumenical approach will
With its solid liberal arts foundation, the Religious Studies major gives students a broad background to prepare for graduate pursuits with a variety of course options that all you to delve deeper into your specific interests, be they the Bible, history, theology, religion in society or world religions.
literary, historical and geographic contexts. Since Belmont is not a member enable you to see the Scriptures through a variety of theological lenses.
PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION An interdisciplinary major, Philosophy of Religion students will split their time between courses in the College of Theology & Christian Ministry
79%
of students complete 1 or more
INTERNSHIPS
and classes in the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences’ Department of Philosophy. Exploring the fields of religion and philosophy, as well as the connections between them, can prepare students for graduate studies and give them a firm foundation in the critical communication and critical thinking skills at the heart of well-rounded liberal arts education.
J A C K S O N WA L L A C E Biblical Studies Minor in Communication Studies
BIBLICAL LANGUAGES
“I cannot imagine what my time at Belmont would
A major in Biblical Languages not only enhances your personal
have looked like without the CTCM as my academic
understanding of Scripture, it can also give you distinct advantages in your
home. The friends I have made, relationships I’ve
pursuit of church leadership or master’s or doctorate programs in theology.
formed with professors, and experiences in CTCM classes
Understanding Hebrew and Greek will enrich your spiritual life while also
have been some of the most transformative pieces of my
give you unique insights into the original writers’ intent and the context in
undergraduate career.”
which the texts were written.
FA C U LT Y A N D A L U M N I T E S T I M O N I A L S
N I C O L E B R A N D T M I N YA R D Founder and Executive Director | Poverty and the Arts
“The CTCM challenged me intellectually, professionally, and personally. While an undergraduate, I began programs and filed for nonprofit status for Poverty and the Arts. As a Religion & the Arts major, I was not required to take business, marketing, or accounting classes and had to use my electives to prepare me for the arts administration and management side of my career; however, as a student in the CTCM, I was able to reflect and define the type of person I wanted to be. By studying various Christan traditions, I learned the importance of cultivating community, setting boundaries, and seeking justice. When I graduated, I continued to take classes at places like the Center of Nonprofit Management to grow my business skills, but I’ve never been able to find an environment that cultivates the other necessary personal and interpersonal skills I needed like I found at Belmont. I’m thankful that Belmont’s CTCM focused on my whole being instead of just pushing me academically. It made me the leader, alum, friend, and community member I am today.”
R E V. C O R W I N M A L C O L M D AV I S Ordained Deacon & PhD Candidate | African Methodist Episcopal Church
“The College of Theology and Christian Ministry served as one of my starting places for deep theological inquiry, keen critical thinking, and attentive pastoral care. Professors challenged me—and encouraged me to challenge myself—to think about how all of this combines in the efforts of serving the present age, and in the work of liberation and justice. ”
R E V. L A R R Y T E R R E L L C R U D U P Senior Pastor | Tabernacle Baptist Church, Adjunct Professor
“As a student of the School of Religion (pre-CTCM) I was prepared for seminary & doctoral work, as well as pastoral ministry. I am now an Adjunct Professor for the College of Theology and Christian Ministry, the very program that shaped my early academic and ministry career.”
R E V. K AT E H A R R I S W E I S H A U P T Pastor | United Methodist Churches
“My time at the CTCM nurtured my call to pastoral ministry by not only transforming me into a theologian but by preparing me practically for service to the Church and in the world. The professors invested in my growth, encouraged me, and enabled opportunities for me to apply what I was learning in the classroom practically, which has served as the foundation for my life and career of working for social justice, administering pastoral care and counsel, preaching of the Word, and leading and serving within Churches on three continents.”
D R . G I D E O N W. PA R K Assistant Professor of Religion
“The College of Theology and Christian Ministry is an ideal place to pursue big questions about the most pressing challenges of today. Biblical interpretation, theological reflection, and critical thinking are habits best formed in dialogue and community.”
DR. AMANDA MILLER Associate Professor of Religion
“One of the earliest names for the Jesus movement was “The Way,” and something I love about teaching in the CTCM is how we embody this vision of faith as a lifelong, communal journey of spiritual and academic formation.”
Belmont holds voluntary
CH A PE L SERVICES 3 times a week
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
CAMPUS LIFE At the College of Theology & Christian Ministry, we strive to provide our students with a multi-faceted education. And we believe that education doesn’t just come from the classroom. From honor societies to faith-based groups, we offer ample on-campus opportunities to help students grow their faith, broaden their horizons and develop lasting friendships.
STUDENT GROUPS AND EVENTS Academy of Preachers Belmont’s College of Theology & Christian Ministry is the home of the Academy of Preachers, an organization committed to inspiring young people in their call to Gospel preaching. We host campus and regional events designed to create opportunities for young men and women to preach. The Faith and Culture Symposium Each Spring, the College of Theology and Christian Ministry hosts a week-
Student-led Events
long Faith and Culture Symposium featuring speakers from across the
From “Friendsgiving” celebrations to taco nights, our students host
nation who explore ways that faith intersects with culture. We encourage
a variety of community-building events that serve to foster deeper
student participation in planning and hosting this symposium.
relationships with one another.
Faith Development Groups
Theologoi
Open to the Belmont community at large, more than 20 different
Open to all, Theologoi is a weekly meetup in the College of Theology &
denominational and nondenominational Faith Development Groups
Christian Ministry conference room, where students, faculty and staff meet to
meet regularly to experience fellowship and deepen their Christian faith.
discuss specific topics and hot-button issues related to culture and religion.
Special Speakers
Theta Alpha Kappa
Each semester the College of Theology and Christian Ministry invites a
The national honor society for theology and religious studies has an active
number of ministry leaders and cultural innovators to speak on campus.
chapter at Belmont. Students are elected on the basis of their academic
Many of these speakers also meet with our students in small groups,
performance. As a member, you can participate in society events, publish
inspiring them to live out their own world-changing ideas.
papers in society journals and compete for society scholarships.
Each year about
25%
of CTCM STUDENTS
STUDY ABROAD
STUDY ABROAD/ MISSIONS GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE There’s no question that our perspectives on faith are shaped in part by our location, family and cultural background. At the College of Theology & Christian Ministry, we want to ensure your point of view is broadened, that you get opportunities to experience other parts of the country and the world to gain a better understanding of yourself and your faith. Through partnerships with Belmont’s University Ministries, you can participate in domestic and international mission trips as well as discover service needs in Nashville. We also provide ample Study Abroad experiences to enable your global education, including:
BELMONT IN AFRICA Belmont takes an annual trip to South Africa, Botswana, and Tanzania. On the service learning study abroad trip, students partner with several local NGOs to work with individuals who have been affected by the AIDS epidemic. Students meet the needs of the community through service work, while being immersed in the local political, economic and cultural climates.
BELMONT IN PINE RIDGE
BELMONT IN THE BIBLICAL WORLD
Through our annual Belmont in Pine Ridge study away trip, students
Each May, Belmont takes a group of students to travel through the
immerse themselves in the culture of the Lakota Sioux and Arapaho at
Biblical World to participate in pilgrimages to sacred sites while engaging in conversation about the political, social, economic and cultural climate of the region.
the Pine Ridge, South Dakota and Wind River, Wyoming, reservations. Our students explore practices of reconciliation and justice through the lens of a Native American Christian context.
BELMONT IN EUROPE Students travel to Italy and Germany where they explore the role of the Reformation on our faith today.
BELMONT IN MADRID In the Maymester Study Abroad trip to Andalusia, Spain, students travel to Madrid, Toledo, Córdoba, Granada and Seville. Students can take a course to gain a foundational understanding of Abrahamic faith traditions and explore the ethics of convivencia (living together) and manifestations of hospitality among Jews, Christians and Muslims in historical Spain.
S E M E S T E R I N S T. A N D R E W S If you are interested in a longer study abroad experience, Belmont has a partnership with the University of St. Andrews in St. Andrews, Scotland. St. Andrews was founded in 1413, and over the past six centuries has established a reputation as one of Europe’s leading institutions. Belmont students may directly enroll in St. Andrews and attend for one semester or the entire academic year.
FACILITIES J A N E T AY E R S A C A D E M I C C E N T E R Opened in the Fall of 2014, the Janet Ayers Academic Center is a
Inside, the Ayers Academic Center houses more than 50 majors in three
186,000 square foot structure located on the corner of Wedgewood and
colleges—the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, the College of
15th Avenues. From the five-level underground parking garage to the
Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Theology & Christian
picturesque views of Nashville’s skyline from the top floor, the building
Ministry. Every undergraduate student takes courses in the building as
stands as a cornerstone for the University that seeks to serve both its
part of the University’s general education curriculum, and with dozens
growing student body and its dynamic hometown.
of classrooms and group study spaces, the building is designed for daily
The Ayers Academic Center is also top in its class in terms of environmental
interdisciplinary collaborations.
sustainability. It’s the first University building in the state of Tennessee to
A student-centered service area on the first floor allows for personal
be LEED-certified at the platinum level, the highest status, which means
assistance via numerous learning labs and a centrally located Service
its construction and operation save money and resources while also having
Learning and International Education office. Also on the first floor, the
a positive impact on the health of occupants and promoting renewable,
campus community can enjoy meals and snacks from Burrito Bowl and a
clean energy.
We Proudly Brew Starbucks outlet.
THE CHAPEL In addition, the Ayers Academic Center is also the home of Belmont’s beautiful 300-seat Gabhart Chapel, which hosts numerous worship services and special events throughout the year. Placing the Chapel in the heart of Belmont’s largest academic building is an architectural embodiment of the University’s mission to be a Christ-centered community of learning and service. Chapel services—which are held three times a week during the academic year—frequently feature student-led worship music and nationally acclaimed scholars who address a myriad of topics through the lens of faith.
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING MASTER’S DEGREE Belmont’s Master’s of Arts in Mental Health Counseling is unique
and the program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of
among contemporary counseling program in that it embodies Christian
Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
and pastoral theological understanding of the care of human beings. This perspective undergirds our approach in addressing the depth and complexity of human suffering.
What sets Belmont’s Mental Health Counseling program apart is the integration of the Church’s tradition of caring for souls with the knowledge, skills and resources of contemporary scientific counseling.
Within the College of Theology & Christian Ministry, this program seeks
This combination results in a distinctive education that provides graduates
to guide the forming of professionals who will act with integrity in the
informed perspectives on human nature and development; suffering and
world as agents of the ministries of healing and transformation. We prepare
psychopathology; treatment and the alleviation of suffering; guiding
our graduates to serve individuals, couples, families and large groups,
values; and ideals for living.
DR. JANET HICKS Director & Professor, Mental Health Counseling
“Our program trains counselors so they can help others find hope and healing in the midst of trauma, fear, depression, anxiety and uncertainty. This mean our students learn more, do more and achieve more for themselves and others than they ever dreamed possible.”
This ecumenical program draws students from a variety of faith background and is led by a diverse faculty and staff who represent different denominations of the Christian faith, as well as varied life experiences and
S P E C I A LT Y T R A C K S I N
educational backgrounds. Their diversity of thought not only challenges
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
you to think differently, but it also prepares you for the variety of people
• Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
you will encounter in professional practice. This degree offers four specialty tracks to prepare graduates for a variety of care approaches, practice settings and licensing requirements:
• Clinical Pastoral Therapy • School Counseling
LEARN MORE
V I S I T A N D A P P LY ! You’ve now read a bit about what all the opportunities in the College of Theology & Christian Ministry—now come see for yourself! Schedule a campus visit at Belmont.edu or call 615.460.5552 to learn more about all we have to offer. Ready to apply? You can also go ahead and begin your application by starting a BU4U account at https://www.belmont.edu/bu4u/ and selecting the major that stands out to you. We are excited and honored to walk with you in this exciting season of discernment for God’s will in your life!
COLLEGE OF THEOLOGY AND CHRISTIAN MINISTRY 1900 Belmont Boulevard Nashville, TN 37212 615.460.5552 belmont.edu/theology
/belmonttheology
@belmonttheology
@belmonttheology
Nondiscrimination statement: Belmont University is a Christian community. The University faculty, administration, and staff uphold Jesus as the Christ and as the measure for all things. As a community seeking to uphold Christian standards of morality, ethics, and conduct, Belmont University holds high expectations of each person who chooses to join the community. In compliance with federal law, including provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Sections 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Belmont University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service, or sexual orientation in its administration of education policies programs or activities; its admissions policies; or employment. Consistent with applicable civil rights law, the University seeks employees of Christian faith who are committed to the mission of the University. The University has appointed the director of the Office of Human Resources to serve as coordinator of compliance with Title VII and IX issues and questions for staff and faculty. The Director of Title IX Compliance and Prevention Programs serves as coordinator of compliance for Title IX issues and questions for students. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to: Lauri Chaudoin, Director, Title IX Compliance and Prevention Programs, Freeman Hall, 3rd Floor, 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37212. Phone: 615.460.5661. Email: lauri.chaudoin@belmont.edu. Leslie Lenser, Chief Human Resources Officer/Sr. Director & Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Office of Human Resources, Fidelity Hall, Room 426, 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37212. Phone: 615.460.6456. Email: leslie.lenser@belmont.edu. For more information on Belmont’s nondiscrimination policy, visit www.belmont.edu/nondiscrimination.
CTCM-202970