Beyond the Books: Immersive Experiences in Concordia Texas’ B.A. in Ministry Program

"The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people."

This quote from Richard Foster captures the heart of Concordia University Texas' approach to ministry education. Our Spiritual Disciplines course takes students far beyond theological theory into life-changing practices that build spiritual depth.

Real-World Spiritual Training

What makes this particular course in our B.A. in Ministry program stand out? Students don't just study spiritual practices – they live them. Here are just a few examples from the course:

• Silent Retreat: Students spend two hours in nature with only their Bible – no phones, no technology – developing the lost art of listening to God in silence.
• Prayer Exploration: From labyrinths to breath prayer to contemplative practices, students engage with diverse prayer traditions that expand their ministry toolkit.

Ministry Skills in Action

The course transforms classroom concepts into practical ministry skills:

During the Memorization Dialogue, students create a mini-message that weaves together three memorized scriptures with a personal story – essential practice for future teaching moments.

By the end of the semester, students develop two concrete plans: one for their personal spiritual growth and another for leading others in a ministry setting. These aren't theoretical exercises but practical roadmaps for youth groups, small groups, or discipleship settings.

This hands-on approach to ministry education exemplifies Concordia's commitment to developing ministry leaders who don't just understand spiritual concepts – they live them.

Learn more about Concordia University Texas' immersive ministry training on our website: School of Ministry