DESCRIPTION:

It is the purpose of this course to cover the major areas of pastoral ministry other than preaching. This course is intended to supplement on a practical level the required courses in the ministry division for the student who envisions a pastoral vocation. Pastoral ministry areas to be covered: (1) Theology of Ministry -- call, ordination, definitions of ministry. (2) Worship -- exploration of worship in its relationship to the pastor's holistic work responsibility, the worshipping congregation, and the greater community. (3) Music -- the pastor and the music program, includeing relationships with staff. (4) Sacraments -- pastoral duties and practices regarding Baptism and Eucharist. (5) Weddings and Funerals -- practical study, including visit to a mortuary. (6) Teaching -- the privileges and limitations surrounding the pastor as educator. (7) Visitation -- hospital, nursing home, and home. (8) Pastoral Care/Nurture -- survey of typical pastoral care needs and exploration of crises. (9) Administration -- practical discussion of administrative styles and organizational procedures. (10) Leadership -- surveying traditional and contemporary roles of leadership. (11) Church Evaluation -- survey of tools for evaluating the life and health of the church. (12) Stewardship -- theology, approaches, and programs. (13) Lay Ministries -- the theology, recruiting, and development of lay ministries. (14) Pastoralia -- as time permits, multiple staff, personal finance, community relationships.

This is a core course in Pastoral Theology and is specifically directed toward the concerns of those who will probably move into parish responsibility, either on staff or as the head pastor. It will consider carefully both a biblical and a practical approach to pastoral work, with case studies and mentoring in the local church to keep the course in vital contact with contemporary parish life.

Lectures, reading assignments, discussion, and participation in the "Enactments" (case studies). The course will meet twice a week during the first five weeks of the term (April 1-May 3) for three-hour sessions.

Hunter, George G., III. The Celtic Way of Evangelism: How Christianity Can Reach the West Again. Abingdon, 2000.

Killen, Patricia O'Connell and John de Beer. The Art of Theological Reflection. Crossroad, 1994.

Oden, Thomas C. Pastoral Theology: Essentials of Ministry. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1982.

Peterson, Eugene. Under the Unpredictable Plant: An Exploration in Vocational Holiness. Eerdmans, 1994.

Callahan, Kennon L. Effective Church Leadership. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1990.

1. Reading is expected for each topic in the description above.

2. Written responses to the "Key Questions" and "Enactments" (case studies) given as part of the lectures by the instructor.

3. Students will prepare in writing services of (1) Baptism; (2) Wedding; (3) Funeral; and (4) Easter or Holy Communion Service.

4. Attend class sessions and participate in class activities.

5. Class notes will be turned in at the end of the quarter.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Pastoral Ministry and Theology (MIN 6).