Field of Ministry
The Ministry field at North Park Theological Seminary equips students with practical leadership skills and theological grounding for diverse ministry contexts through courses in preaching, pastoral care, evangelism, spiritual formation, and intercultural engagement.
Studying Ministry at North Park Theological Seminary
The Ministry field provides seminary students the opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge in a variety of ministry contexts. Moreover, our field is deeply committed to the formation of students enabling them to engage the world with their head, heart and hands.
Core courses in our field include: Evangelism and Justice, Homiletics (preaching), Missiology, Field Education (contextual learning or internship, and Pastoral Care and Counseling.
Faculty
Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling Psychology
Chair of the Ministry Field
Elizabeth Odette Pierre, PhD, LPC
Specialties and Areas of Interest
Trauma, Race & Faith, the impact of sexual violence within the church, Global Learning and Service, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Favorite Course
MNST 5125 Introduction to Pastoral Care & Counseling—Focus on the pastoral concerns of the congregation, families, and individuals, and the broader community issues that contemporary pastors must face. Development of skills and attitudes for effective and theologically coherent pastoral care and counseling. Pedagogical approaches include case method, role play, demonstrations, readings, and lecture.
Assistant Prof MB Engebretson Chair in Evangelism & Justice
Michelle Dodson, PhD
Specialties / Areas of Interest
Church and Social Engagement, Multiracial Congregations
Favorite Course
Professor of Missiology
Paul DeNeui, PhD
Specialties / Areas of Interest
Favorite Course
Director of Contextual and Lifelong Learning
Bret Widman, D. Min
Specialties / Areas of Interest
Church and Social Engagement, Multiracial Congregations
Favorite Course
Publications by Faculty
Book
Even the Best of Us: Clergy Sexual Failure—The Church’s Hidden Sin
Elizabeth O. Pierre and Dwight A. Perry confront the crisis of clergy sexual misconduct, offering pastoral and theological reflection grounded in real-world ministry. Calling the “Church Too” movement “too late,” the authors explore the inner life of leaders, emotional health, abuse and trust, and the difficult process of recovery—equipping the church to respond with clarity, healing, and grace.