DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this course is to identify and develop the central themes related to the practice of ministry. In this course, ministry is understood in its broadest New Testament sense as the service of the gospel, and therefore, as covering ordained and lay ministry, ministry in the church, and ministry in the world. Each student will be expected to work with these themes in ways which fit his or her own context and call. The focus will be on a wholistic approach to ministry, developed this quarter around the theme of the minister in personal relationship to God.

The course will attempt to: (1) provide foundational study and reflection on what it means to minister in the name of God, (2) build community between students (as well as one faculty member) to enhance understanding of the connection between ministry and the spiritual disciplines, (3) assist participants in understanding various spiritual disciplines so as to deepen their own personal lives and enrich the spiritual life of the communities in which they minister.

The course is spread over the academic year. Students may begin in any quarter (except summer) but are expected to complete the sequence within three quarters (GM 503, 504, and 505). Each quarter will contain the following components: monthly ministry seminars, weekly small groups, a focused retreat, and reading/reflection. Plenary classes will meet three Fridays each quarter (in Spring 2001: March 30, May 4, and June 1, 9:00-11:50 a.m.). Small groups will meet seven times each quarter. Students must be registered and attend one section consistently in a given quarter, but may register for different sections over the three-quarter sequence.

Foster, Richard. The Celebration of Discipline. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1978.

Nouwen, Henri. The Return of the Prodigal: A Story of Homecoming. New York: Continuum, 1995.

Peace, Richard. Desiring God. (small group guide).

Willard, Dallas. Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives. HarperSanFrancisco, 1990.

1. Regular attendance and participation in all aspects of the course.

2. Reflection paper on one of the course topics (5 pages).

3. Reflection paper on the experience of being a small group leader (2 pages).

None, but is to be taken as part of the three-quarter sequence.

When completed along with GM503 and GM504, this meets M. Div. core requirement in General Ministry (MIN1) or the M.A. in Theology requirement in Ministry Foundations (MINF).

None.