Undergraduate Certificates
Faith-Based Community & Economic Development
BA Religious Studies
Faith-Based Community & Economic Development
This certificate introduces congregations to effective planning and implementation of economic strategies that positively impact underserved communities.
Prepares individuals to deliver sermons that speak truth to power, address social justice issues, and inspire transformation within faith communities.
CAREERS
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COURSES
REL490 What Is Faith-Based Community and Economic Development? (3cr)
This course introduces Faith-Based Community and Economic Development, exploring how faith principles and practices can empower underserved communities. Students will examine models of holistic development that integrate spiritual, social, and economic growth, emphasizing strategies for community transformation, social justice, and economic empowerment driven by faith-based initiatives.
REL 490A Biblical Foundations and Ethical Issues in Faith-Based Community and Economic Development (3cr)
This course examines the biblical principles and ethical considerations that underlie Faith-Based Community and Economic Development. Students will explore scriptural teachings on justice, stewardship, community empowerment, and contemporary moral issues arising from the application of faith-based models to social and economic transformation. Special emphasis is placed on developing ethical leadership frameworks and responsible community development engagement.
REL 490 B Legal Issues in Faith-Based Community and Economic Development (3cr)
This course offers an overview of the legal frameworks and regulatory considerations that affect Faith-Based Community and Economic Development. Students will explore nonprofit incorporation, tax-exempt status, governance, compliance, and liability concerns. The course emphasizes understanding how legal principles intersect with ethical leadership and sustainable development practices within faith-based initiatives.
REL 490 C Faith-Based Real Estate Development (3cr)
This course explores the principles and practices of Faith-Based Real Estate Development as a means for community empowerment and economic growth. Students will examine strategies for acquiring, developing, and managing property to meet housing needs, create community facilities, and foster economic revitalization. Special emphasis is placed on ethical considerations, partnerships, financing, and sustainability within faith-based development models.
REL 490 D Grantsmanship—Public and Private Resources for Faith-Based Community and Economic Development (3cr)
This course provides practical guidance on securing funding and resources for Faith-Based Community and Economic Development initiatives. Students will explore strategies for identifying, applying for, and managing grants from public and private sources. The course emphasizes grant writing, partnership building, developing sustainable funding models, and adhering to compliance to support practical and ethical development efforts.
REL 490 E Economic Development and Wealth Creation from the Church Base (3cr)
This course explores how faith-based organizations can actively contribute to economic development and wealth creation in their communities. Students will examine principles and models for developing sustainable economic initiatives, including entrepreneurship, financial literacy, asset building, and cooperative economics. Emphasis is placed on leveraging church resources, partnerships, and strategic planning to promote economic and social empowerment.
This course introduces Faith-Based Community and Economic Development, exploring how faith principles and practices can empower underserved communities. Students will examine models of holistic development that integrate spiritual, social, and economic growth, emphasizing strategies for community transformation, social justice, and economic empowerment driven by faith-based initiatives.
REL 490A Biblical Foundations and Ethical Issues in Faith-Based Community and Economic Development (3cr)
This course examines the biblical principles and ethical considerations that underlie Faith-Based Community and Economic Development. Students will explore scriptural teachings on justice, stewardship, community empowerment, and contemporary moral issues arising from the application of faith-based models to social and economic transformation. Special emphasis is placed on developing ethical leadership frameworks and responsible community development engagement.
REL 490 B Legal Issues in Faith-Based Community and Economic Development (3cr)
This course offers an overview of the legal frameworks and regulatory considerations that affect Faith-Based Community and Economic Development. Students will explore nonprofit incorporation, tax-exempt status, governance, compliance, and liability concerns. The course emphasizes understanding how legal principles intersect with ethical leadership and sustainable development practices within faith-based initiatives.
REL 490 C Faith-Based Real Estate Development (3cr)
This course explores the principles and practices of Faith-Based Real Estate Development as a means for community empowerment and economic growth. Students will examine strategies for acquiring, developing, and managing property to meet housing needs, create community facilities, and foster economic revitalization. Special emphasis is placed on ethical considerations, partnerships, financing, and sustainability within faith-based development models.
REL 490 D Grantsmanship—Public and Private Resources for Faith-Based Community and Economic Development (3cr)
This course provides practical guidance on securing funding and resources for Faith-Based Community and Economic Development initiatives. Students will explore strategies for identifying, applying for, and managing grants from public and private sources. The course emphasizes grant writing, partnership building, developing sustainable funding models, and adhering to compliance to support practical and ethical development efforts.
REL 490 E Economic Development and Wealth Creation from the Church Base (3cr)
This course explores how faith-based organizations can actively contribute to economic development and wealth creation in their communities. Students will examine principles and models for developing sustainable economic initiatives, including entrepreneurship, financial literacy, asset building, and cooperative economics. Emphasis is placed on leveraging church resources, partnerships, and strategic planning to promote economic and social empowerment.