Religious Education
Through the Offices of The Chaplain and Church Relations, Hendrix College offers a program to prepare students and other interested individuals for service to the church in religious education, church music, and youth ministry. The goal of the program is to provide opportunities for individuals to cultivate expertise in church careers while deepening and broadening the sensibility that leads them toward such vocations. In this way the College seeks to provide to the church individuals who move toward careers in service based on a firm foundation of liberal education, practical experience, and carefully guided vocational reflection.
Students who successfully complete the requirements of the Program in Religious Education, Church Music, and Youth Ministry, as set forth below, will be recognized by Hendrix and by the North Arkansas or Little Rock Conference Council on Ministries of the United Methodist Church with a certificate of completion. This recognition will indicate to employers or prospective employers that the graduate has satisfactorily accomplished the aims of the program and is thereby commended for a relevant church vocation.
The program for Hendrix students comprises four elements which are stated and described below.
- Majors and course work
A student seeking to complete the program should pursue an academic major in a relevant field offered by the College. The liberal arts tradition prepares students to respond with integrity to the wide range of opportunities and challenges that must be faced in life. While Hendrix College does not offer a major in religious education, the College is committed to helping students prepare for such a career. Students interested in this program should consult with the coordinator of the program. Below are recommended major fields and supplemental course work:
- Suggested majors:
Religion, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, English, Education, Music, or History
- Representative Course Work:
- Bible: At least two courses are recommended, Introduction to Hebrew Bible and Introduction to New Testament
- Religion in a Global Context
- Variations of Early Christianity
- Philosophy of Religion
- State of the World
- Seminars
A student seeking to complete the program will participate in six seminars designed to provide students with specific vocational insights and skills. Leading professionals and church educators from seminaries, local churches, the General Board of Discipleship, and the two Arkansas conferences of the United Methodist Church will conduct sessions for students in the program. Core seminars will be required, and others may be selected according to need and interests. Representative topics appear below.
- Core Seminars:
- Stages of Faith Development
- Methodist History, Theology, and Polity
- Religious Education
- Introduction to Christian Education: Its Nature, Purpose, and Practice
- Teacher Training and Development
- Developing and Implementing the Church School Curriculum
- Working with Various Age Levels in the Church
- Church Music
- Integrating Music into the Worship Experience
- Directing Church Choirs (vocal and handbell)
- Hymnology: Using the Hymnal
- Working with the Changing Voice
- Youth Ministry
- Programs: Where You Find Them and Who Leads Them
- Building Community: Retreats, Recreation, and Rules
- Adopting Biblical and Theological Resources for Youth
- Who are the Youth of the 21st Century?
- Internship
A student seeking to complete the program will participate in a supervised internship in a local church. The internship is an extended practicum experience carried out by the student under the general direction of the coordinator of the program and under the immediate supervision of the local pastor or other appropriate church professional. It is to be an action-reflection learning experience. The student will have an opportunity to study and practice religious education, church music, or youth ministry in a local church setting. The student will also be responsible for integrating the internship into his or her total educational experience. The specific elements of the internship include the following:
- The student will write an initial paper outlining the goals and expectations he or she has for the internship experience. The paper is to be submitted to the coordinator of the program and the internship supervisor. All the parties will meet to discuss the paper.
- The student is expected to become familiar with the structure and polity of the United Methodist Church (or other denominational equivalent). This awareness should include reading appropriate literature and attending various board and committee meetings of the local church as agreed upon by the student and internship supervisor. These goals and agreements will be placed in writing. The student should meet at least one time during the internship with the District Superintendent (or equivalent denominational leader). This meeting will be for the purpose of learning how the District Superintendent relates to the local church and to the denomination as a whole.
- The student will write a weekly reflection paper about an event or situation experienced during the execution of his or her responsibilities. These shall be submitted to the internship supervisor.
- The student will meet weekly with the internship supervisor to discuss the reflection paper and any other appropriate matters.
- The student, the internship supervisor, and the coordinator of the program will meet for a final evaluation of the internship experience. This meeting will include a discussion of whether the goals and expectations of the internship have been met, how well the student has fulfilled the agreed-upon duties and responsibilities, and how well the church has provided an appropriate learning experience.
- Pretheological Fellowship
Students interested in completing the Program in Religious Education, Church Music, and Youth Ministry should participate in the Hendrix College Pretheological Fellowship. The Pretheological Fellowship provides an opportunity for students to meet for discussion of professional, spiritual, and vocational goals, as well as support and encouragement. The group meets under the guidance of the Chaplain. Students will also be encouraged to participate in mission or service projects, fellowship teams, and campus worship services.
For additional information contact the Office of the Chaplain, 450-1263.