DESCRIPTION:

This is a course on biblical, theological and practical foundations for creating a learning community in which the whole people of God, laity and clergy, are formed for community and mission. Many aspects of a church's life and activities (worship, small groups, story telling, education, spiritual disciplines, organizational development) will be viewed regarding their role in forming and equipping the congregation so that it engages its context and world in mission. Topics include the relationship between clergy and lay leaders, intergenerational and intercultural life, the relationship of careers to the life and mission of a church, and resources in spiritual formation.

The class will help participants (1) make connections between theology, church models, leadership development, and congregation-formation; and (2) develop plans and curriculum to advance congregational life that promotes learning, deepened relationships, full participation, and missional characteristics.

The class will meet for two hours, twice weekly, for ten weeks. Class times will include lectures, individual and group exercises, reflective discussions of materials and experiences, and guest speakers.

Campbell, Dennis. Congregations as Learning Communities. Alban Institute, 2000.

Foster, Charles. Educating Congregations. Abingdon, 1994.

Guder, Darrell, ed. Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending Church in North America. Eerdmans, 1998.

O'Connor, Elizabeth. Servant Leaders, Servant Structures. The Servant Leadership School, 1991.

Stevens, R. Paul and Phil Collins. The Equipping Pastor. The Alban Institute, 1993.

Westerhoff, John H. Will Our Children Have Faith? HarperCollins, 1976.

Class Reader.

Anderson, Herbert and Edward Foley. Mighty Stories, Dangerous Rituals. Jossey-Bass, 1998.

Diehl, William. Ministry in Daily Life. Alban Institute, 1996.

Ogden, Greg. The New Reformation: Returning the Ministry to the People of God. Zondervan, 1990.

Yoder, John Howard. Body Politics: Five Practices of the Christian Community Before the Watching World. Discipleship Resources, 1994.

1. Read assignments as scheduled; keep a reading log for submission; arrive ready to discuss readings. Read texts and assigned articles plus minimum of 200 additional preapproved pages. (30%)

2. Write nine short papers: 300-400 words each on Foster, Campbell, O'Connor, and Westerhoff; three 300-400 word papers on Guder; 700-800 words on Stevens & Collins; and 300-400 words on your additional readings. Each paper must synthesize major issues and note insights for yourself and your church. (45%)

3. In teams, develop a major ministry plan with a multifaceted curriculum (including a written handout) for promoting congregational formation that moves toward being a learning community in which all members come to see themselves as ministers. Provide a 20 minute "briefing" to the class (as if to a committee or board). (15%)

4. Final Exam: An in-class paper. (10%)

Meets the M. Div. core requirement in Christian Formation and Discipleship (MIN 4).