DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this course is to identify and develop the central themes related to the practice of ministry, particularly in the case of experienced pastors within the Latino North American context. The principal objective is to help the students refocus their calling according to a mature perspective on ministry. Each student will be expected to work with these themes and experiences in ways which fit her or his context and call. The focus will be on a holistic approach to ministry, emphasizing self understanding and its relationship to effective ministry, and spiritual formation as the foundation for ministry.

The course will attempt to: (1) develop a deepened and renewed understanding of the nature of ministry to help the student to rediscover his or her personal dimension of ministry; (2) stimulate reflection on what it means to minister in the name of God; (3) build a new vision and motivation for ministry; (4) assist participants in clarifying their strengths and weaknesses in their practice of ministry to help them be more effective; (5) help students develop a deepened and renewed relationship with God as the foundation for their ministry.

The course will be developed through presentations by the professor, research projects, group activities in class, extensive readings, class discussions and personal interviews. The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

Atiencia, Jorge. Como pastorear y ser pastoreados. Buenos Aires: Ediciones Certeza, s.f.

Castro, Emilio, gen. ed. Pastores del pueblo de Dios en América Latina. Buenos Aires: Editorial La Aurora, 1973.

McDonald, Gordon, Ponga orden su mundo interior. Miami: Editorial Caribe, s.f.

Nouwen, Henri, J. M. The Living Reminder: Service and Prayer in Memory of Jesus Christ. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1990.

Ortiz, Manuel. The Hispanic Challenge: Opportunities Confronting the Church. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

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

2. Reflection paper: The Meaning of the Call to Ministry Today (5 pages minimum).

3. Reflection papers on five of the books in the bibliography (3 pages each).

4. Paper: Reflection on the personal life of the minister (5 pages).

5. Three quizzes throughout the quarter.

Five years of pastoral ministry; Spanish

Meets M. Div. core requirement in General Ministry and Spirituality (MIN 1).

No.