Ministry Portfolio 

This student learning outcome is meant to show that I have a tangible grasp on Christian scripture, and demonstrate that I have learned how to interpret it effectively and responsibly. Considering this outcome is vast I have included several projects to reflect my competency. 

1. The Importance of Archaeology for Studying the Old Testament: This paper, from a gradute OT course, shows my ability to understand archaeology and how it alligns with Christian scripture and how archaeology plays an important role in understanding scripture. 

2. An Exegetical Analysis of Jeremiah 8:19-9:1: This paper, also from an OT course, showcases my ability to interpret scripture in its historical and cultural context. This paper is one of my most extensive works. 

3. The Portrayal of Jesus in the Gospel: A final reflection in my Jesus in the Gospels course shows my ability to understand the multiple dimensions of Christ from the perspective of each gospel writer. 

4. Development of Canon: This paper is a final reflection of the role of the canon of scripture in interpretation, including an awareness of the development of the canons of the OT and NT. 

5. The Story of God: This is a demonstration of how the word of God is expressed in both the Old and New testaments as parts of a unified story.

This learning outcome is meant to show my ability to engage and interact with academic research related to church history, theology, scripture, and Christian missions. Below is a combination of undergraduate and graduate papers. 

1. Church History semester one "Athanasius on the Incarnation": a detailed reflection on the treatise written by Athanasius and an example of critical analysis 

2. Church History semester two "Thomas Aquinas: On Reason and Revelation": another example of critical analysis on a primary text from church history 

3. Church History semester two "Martin Luther: The Christian View of Government": another example of critical analysis on a primary text from church history 

4. World Missions (seminary course) research paper on "Gladys Aylward": an example of critical analysis and research on a Christian leader and their beliefs 

5. World Missions (seminary course) book review: Christianity Rediscovered: an example of critical analysis 

6. Christian Thought in a Roman Greco World research paper "Tertullian On Idolatry": a research paper written in my final fall semester church history class that exlores Tertullian and his treatise on idolatry

7. Medieval Christianity (seminary course) research paper on penance: a research paper on penance in the Medieval Church and how it developed over the past several centuries 

The papers below are a combination of reflection and research regarding the topic of church history and church practices. 

1. Church History Final Reflection: A final reflection of my work in church history and how its development impacts the doctrine, theology, and practices of the church today. 

2. Hold Hands and Say Grace: A research study of churches in the Johnson City area and how they view the sacrament of communion as well as my own views on its importance. 

3. The Lord's Prayer in the Early Church: A research paper on the use of prayer (specifically the Lord's Prayer) and how it was used in the early church/daily life.  

This learning outcome is meant to show that I can reflect theologically on contemporary culture and discern the challenges and opportunities for the church to embody a faithful presence within that culture. 

1. Ministry in a Changing Culture "Theological White Paper": This paper details the importance of ministry and how it interacts with culture. 

2. World Missions Reflection on the Good News: This paper from my seminary course in world missions is a reflection on N.T.Wright's book Good News and how this good news impacts our culture and daily life. 

3. Ministry in a Changing Culture project: This project is a seven day liturgy for the ordinary laity and an example of how the church can engage with culture in a tangible way. 

4. Evaluation of Christian Mission Today: This paper from my seminary course in world missions is a reflection on Michael Goheen's book on christian missions and how it applies to our culture today. 

This learning outcome is meant to show how I approach church leadership from theological, philosophical, cultural, and practical ways. Most of the papers below are from practical ministry courses taught by current leaders in ministry. I want to show that I can take things I have learned in the classroom and translate them into the real world. 

1. Theology of Leadership Paper: A paper written in the spring of 2021 at Emmanuel Christian Seminary is a reflection upon the needed character and skillset of a leader. 

2. Leadership Portfolio: A portfolio written in the spring of 2021 at Emmanuel Christian Seminary is a detailed example of my leadership skills and how I have used them thus far in my career. 

3. Mission and Vision Project: A research project conducted in the spring of 2021 at Emmanuel Christian Seminary is a document evaluting the mission and vision of an organization that I am actively working/involved in. 

4. Internship Final Paper: A final reflection on my internship in the fall of 2020, which includes my experience, areas of growth, and lessons I learned. 

5. Church Planting Project: A research project on a potential church planting site/launch. (example of practical/cultural understanding of ministry) 

6. Church Planter Interview Paper: A paper written after interviewing a current full-time church planter. (example of practical understanding of ministry/cultural context)

7. Guiding Philosophy of Discipleship: Written in the fall of 2020 this paper is an example of my understanding of discipleship. 

8. Ministry-Specific Discipleship System: Written in the fall of 2020 this paper is an example of how I would create a discipleship system in a ministry that I was currently serving in. 

9. Discipleship Video: A video created in the fall of 2020 as a creative way of describing discipleship. 

This learning outcome is meant to show my competency in preaching, teaching, and speaking. 

1. Theology of Preaching Paper: Written in the sping of 2021 this paper explains my understanding and theology behind preaching. 

2. Sermon Manuscript: Coming Spring 2022

3. Senior Sermon: Coming Spring 2022

4. Next Gen preaching submission: Mini sermon filmed in fall of 2019 for the Next Gen Preacher competition (preliminary video) 

5. Next Gen final sermon: Final sermon given for Next Gen Preacher competition (semi-finalist) 

The letters below are from different organizations, leaders, and mentors who speak of my personality, spiritual growth, maturity, professional skills, and preparedness for ministry.

1. Jim Rusnak: Focus on the Family (supervisor) 

2. Nikki Hunt: Mentor

3. Ron Kastens: Director of Milligan University (Ministry Leadership Program) 

4. Katy Woodward: Campus House (supervisor/mentor) 

5. Gerri Baker: East 91st Christian Church (supervisor) 

6. Preparedness for ministry: (paper written in senior capstone course reflecting on my college career and my preparedness for ministry)