Sustainable Community Development

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Program Overview

Why Study Sustainable Community Development at TFC?

The Sustainable Community Development major produces graduates who integrate the pursuit of truth with godly character pertinent to professionally helping community leaders to identify needs and create sustainable solutions. Students learn to practice sustainable lifestyles and plan sustainable projects while participating in local faith communities. This major is an interdisciplinary degree that integrates biblical principles with sustainable economic and environmental practices. The Global Ministries Department is committed to the training of SCD workers that possess an attitude that desires for people to know Jesus Christ and become His disciples, while at the same time prays and yearns for people to have a sustainable lifestyle that meets their physical needs.

Students that are interested in studying agriculture may be interested in this mission-centered agricultural approach. Students majoring in Sustainable Community Development learn ways to practice sustainable lifestyles, plan sustainable development with community leaders, and establish locally appropriate communities of faith among all people, including unreached people groups. Many classes are at the Lawson Center for Sustainable Community Development, the farm that is on the campus of TFC.

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Minors:
  • Social Work
  • Biology
  • Outdoor Leadership & Education
  • Global Engagement
  • Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language (TESOL)
Program Video

Sustainable Community Development

“Everything we do at The Lawson Center is to disciple our students and teach them discipleship principles that they can carry out into the world so that they can be equipped to disciple others and ultimately share the love of Jesus with them.”

Scott Davis
The Lawson Center Farm Manager

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Degree Layout

Sustainable Community Development Courses

The Sustainable Community Development major is a 126 hour program that includes 70 hours of general education courses (including 30 hours of Bible & Theology), 15 hours of open electives, and 42 hours in Sustainable Community Development-specific courses.

Featured Courses:

  • Introduction to Sustainable Development
  • Sustainable Agriculture & Conservation
  • Principles of Sustainable Development
  • Urban Community Development
  • Training & Discipling
  • Personal & Professional Appreciative Inquiry
Kristen Towe

Testimonial

Sustainable Community Development at TFC has made my life better. I was originally hesitant to join SCD because I do not have a background in agriculture, but the professors have taught me everything I need to know. They demonstrate a culture of slowing down, asking questions, and being slow to speak as the Bible tells us in James 1. I feel prepared to enter the world at large and am excited for the opportunities to create social community development practices and key in on agricultural and physical sustainability practices. The small class sizes create intimacy which promotes friendships, and I love the intentionality of professors to connect with students. Each year, a dinner is hosted for everyone in SCD to get to know each other better. We eat farm-grown food under the creek-side pavilion, play games, and win special prizes such as local honey, flowers, and goat soap. It is a magical experience that reflects the SCD program at TFC well!
Kristen Towe, Class of 2025
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Career Options

What can you do with a Sustainable Community Development degree?

When you earn a degree in Sustainable Community Development, you will find that there are many career opportunities available to you. Graduates are qualified for a wide range of jobs, such as:

Farm/Agricultural Manager

Many sustainable community development graduates pursue a career in farming or agriculture. These positions supervise farm workers and livestock. This also includes the oversight of budgets and crops.

International Missionary

Those who earn a degree in sustainable community development are particularly passionate about reaching the lost with the gospel through meeting tangible needs, which makes them well-suited to become a missionary.

Church Planter

Many denominations or faith-based organizations support church planting positions. These positions are pastors that are committed to the specific work of investing the time and energy necessary to establish new local Christian congregations.

Church Director

In many churches, there are a variety of directors who serve under the Pastor. Graduates with a global engagement degree are a perfect fit for these positions, specifically positions related to missions.

Meet the Professors

Global Engagement

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Scott Davis Operations Manager for Sustainable Development scdavis@tfc.edu
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