Explore Social Work & Ministry

Welcome

The Department of Social Work & Ministry develops culturally competent servant leaders grounded in biblical truth to practice generalist social work in diverse settings worldwide advancing human and community well-being.

Why Social Work & Ministry Studies?

A dynamic relationship exists between the Christian life and social work practice. Christians in social work & ministry ought not to be motivated by temporal wealth, power, or security. Christians in social work ought to examine and evaluate all human ideologies and social work theories and methods as to their consistency with the Bible, their consciences, social laws, and professional codes of ethics. Christians in social work & ministry ought to work for the temporal and external well-being of all human beings, and for the redemption of persons, communities and social institutions.

Why Missional University?

Social Work & Ministry studies at Missional University are based on six core values:

Biblically Based:

The core of the professional curriculum is integrated with biblical concepts and values. This allows students to respond to human needs from a biblical world and life view. This careful integration is essential to developing Christian social workers & ministers who are caring, committed, and competent.

Missionally Driven: 

Christians in social work & ministry ought to support and submit themselves to the highest standards of professional education, practice, and ethics. Christians in social work & ministry ought to use the insights of their faith in helping people by following the example of Jesus Christ. Christians in social work & ministry should be gospel-centered living each day joining in the mission of God around them.

Interculturally Focused:

The National Association of Social Workers (2001) defines cultural competence as a process by which individuals and systems respond respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and other diversity factors in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals, families, and communities and protects and preserves the dignity of each. The mission is to adhere to these standards as well as integrate Christian values of faith and love within the social work practice. Emphasizing this in education can promote students into practitioners that will utilize a holistic approach while practicing social work.

Contextually Informed:

The Department of Social Work & Ministry programs address current trends in the field. Students will learn how to work with persons in various environments using evidence-based practices, social science research methodology, and biblical truths about the understanding of humankind and his/her condition.

Practically Minded:

The Department of Social Work & Ministry programs offer insights, techniques, and interventions that teach learners to how meet the needs of their clients. Learners will be able to apply their knowledge and put it into their direct practice setting.

Experientially Transformed:

The Department of Social Work & Ministry program will extensively use case studies of the experiences of clients/ people who are in need. Learners will learn to listen and to respond effectively to the need of these people. Learners will also learn to do self-care to protect themselves from burnout.