MIN103: Introduction to Rescue Missions: Ministry with the Homeless & Addicted 2

Instructor & Contact Information

The People tab in Canvas provides information on the course instructor and you can send a message to your instructor following these instructions. Faculty are expected to: 1) grade and return assignments, with feedback, within 7 days from the date of submission; 2) reply to your Canvas messages within 72 hours; 3) reply several times each week in total  in the discussion forums (not to each individual student); and 4) demonstrate the core values of City Vision University.

Course Description

This course is intended as an introduction to help students understand rescue missions and similar ministries that serve the homeless and addicted. Students in this course will develop the skills and attitudes needed to serve effectively in these ministries.

This is an “onramp” freshman level course intended for students to take first, or early on in their studies with City Vision. This course was originally designed to target graduates of rescue mission recovery programs and new interns/staff at rescue missions, but it could be helpful for others with a passion to serve the homeless and addicted in a Christian ministry.

This course requires the following:

• Weekly attendance at a live video conference with the instructor.
• Having a supervisor or mentor (see mentor qualifications & expectations) 

Do not register for this course unless you can meet the above requirements.

MIN103: Introduction to Rescue Missions and Ministry Serving the Homeless & Addicted is part 2 of a two part course series. Students are encouraged to take MIN102: Introduction to Rescue Missions and Ministry Serving the Homeless & Addicted 1 before this course, but they can take them out of order if they prefer.

Course Outcomes

After completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Describe the motivational interviewing process, including the factors that contribute to an individual’s ability to change.
2. Describe how to balance grace and truth in service ministry
3. Develop effective communication skills for giving instructions, as well as responding to difficult people
4. Develop strategies to help hold clients accountable and move toward change
5. Identify techniques to use for listening, asking questions, and leading discussions, both with clients and staff
6. Identify steps to improve teamwork within the ministry workplace, including by addressing conflict and control issues
7. Identify steps to take to prevent personal burnout & compassion fatigue
8. Describe the basis of servant leadership in ministry

Degree Program Outcomes

Program outcomes are the overall skills and knowledge we expect you will have after successfully completing a certificate or degree program at City Vision University. This course supports the following program outcomes in the Christian Ministry & Leadership program, marked with an asterisk (*). After completing the program, City Vision’s graduates will be able to do the following:

1. Bible. Use sound principles of Biblical interpretation to analyze the structure, themes and content of the Bible and apply that to local contexts.
2. Theology. Apply the foundational truths of Christian theology grounded in Scripture to local contexts.
3. Calling. Create a synthesis of a reflective life vision and plan to enable 24/7 ministry based on God’s purposes for work and their own unique calling. *
4. Leadership. Develop a personal philosophy and plan for leadership based on principles of leadership and effective ministry management. *
5. Life Balance. Develop plan for him/herself and others to establish life balance in a society saturated with technology and addiction.
6. Cross-Cultural Ministry. Develop strategy for effective cross-cultural management and ministry and apply that to their own organizational or ministry context.
7. Specialization. Develop skills and apply learning and concepts in one area of specialty ministry. *

Required Texts

Students are required to obtain these texts before the first day of classes. 

• Minor, Lorraine (2016) Called to Serve, Servant Leadership Jesus Style.  Kansas City, MO. Rescue Mission Books, 199 pages. ISBN: 978-0-9968312-0-8. (Free PDF, Kindle ($1)).
• Alcorn, Randy (2003) The Grace and Truth Paradox, Responding with Christlike Balance, Colorado Springs, CO. Multnomah Books, 93 pages. ISBN: 978-1-59052-065-9

Guidelines for Written Work

All written work must follow our Writing Format and Forum Requirements. You must read these to understand how to cite sources appropriately.

Critical Policies to Read for This Course

Note: These policies are critical for all students to read. In case of change, we have linked to the versions on our website to make sure you have the latest version.

• Grading Scale 

• Deadlines to Drop Courses

• Attendance, Late Policy and Extensions

• Technology Requirements for Courses

• Standards of Academic Integrity & Plagiarism Policy

• What plagiarism is and how to avoid it 

• Credit Hour Policy, Grading Policy and Other Academic Policies

• ADA Policy, Learning Accommodations & Disabilities Services
• Student Code of Conduct 

• Library Services

• Privacy Policy

• Consumer Disclosures
• Additional policies are listed in our catalog

This syllabus is subject to change without notice up until the first day of the semester. Last updated: February 16, 2022