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 that fit his or her own context and call. The emphasis in the winter quarter will be upon personal and spiritual formation, with a focus on the importance for leaders to understand and adopt practices and resources that lead to personal, relational and spiritual health. The course will use autobiography, reflection, psychological testing, and small groups.

The course will attempt to: (1) develop a deepened understanding of the nature of the leader's spiritual, personal and relational health; (2) build community among students to enhance understanding and the practice of ministry; (3) use testing for personal growth and to learn about ministry resources.

This course is the second part of a three-part course that is spread over the academic year. Students are advised to begin the series in the fall, but may begin in any quarter (except summer); the sequence must be completed within three quarters (GM 503, 504, and 505). Each quarter will contain the following components: three plenary seminar sessions (taught by various faculty members), seven small group meetings, and reading/reflection. Students must register and attend either the morning or the evening section each quarter but can chose the other section for another quarter. However, students must choose a time-of-day for their small group and remain in the assigned group throughout the three quarters. Plenary sessions for this section will meet on three Thursday evenings: January 10, February 7, and March 14.

Foster, Richard. Celebration of Discipline. 3rd ed. HarperSanFrancisco. (For students who have read Foster: Willard, Dallas. The Spirit of the Disciplines. HarperSanFrancisco.)

Peace, Richard. Course Reader for GM 504.

1. Regular attendance and participation in all seminars (20%) and small groups (20%).

2. Read text and Reader (20%).

3. Participate in testing (MMPI & 16PF) (10%). (There is a cost for testing.)

4. Write a spiritual autobiography with theological reflection (5 pages; 20%).

5. Reflection paper on the small group experience (2 pages; 10%).

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

When completed along with GM503 and GM505, this meets M. Div. core requirement in General Ministry (MIN1) or the requirement in Ministry Foundations (MINF) for other master's degrees.

None.