DESCRIPTION:

The determining thesis in the course is that the authenticity of ministry is expressed not in terms of effect but in terms of source. Drawing from contemporary insights into the dynamic relationality of the Trinity, the course will present an interpretation of Christian ministry as participation in the relational life of the triune God of grace who is continuously working in his creation through his Spirit to reconcile all things under Christ. Students will be invited to consider a number of key dimensions in pastoral ministry within the paradigm of participation, notably worship, mission and pastoral care. Students will also be encouraged to view pastoral ministry as a holistic engagement with the contemporary culture, with particular reference to postmodernism, science and spirituality. The course will also address a range of issues related to church structures, ministry vocation and soul care.

Grounded in a robust trinitarianism, the course will prepare students for pastoral leadership, offering a clear biblical and theological foundation for ministry as participation in the ongoing ministry of Christ in the world in the power of the Spirit. Students will be encouraged to engage in theologia viatorum as they wrestle with contemporary issues at the cutting edge of pastoral ministry. One of the primary goals of the course is to offer a paradigm for ministry which confronts the seductiveness of both activism and pragmatism, two temptations which rob many pastors of joy in their experience of ministry.

The course will meet daily in four-hour class sessions for two weeks. Students will be expected to participate interactively in class discussions, case studies and groupwork.

Buxton, G. Dancing in the Dark: The Privilege of Participating in the Ministry of Christ. Paternoster, 2001.

Fiddes, P. S. Participating in God: A Pastoral Doctrine of the Trinity. Darton, Longman & Todd, 2000.

Pinnock, Clark H. Flame of Love: A Theology of the Holy Spirit. InterVarsity Press, 1996.

Torrance, James B. Worship, Community and the Triune God of Grace. InterVarsity Press, 1996.

Van Engen, Charles and Jude Tiersma, God So Loves the City. Monrovia, CA: MARC, 1994.

Course Reader.

Anderson, Ray S. The Shape of Practical Theology. InterVarsity Press, 2001.

Barbour, I. G. When Science Meets Religion: Enemies, Strangers or Partners? HarperCollins, 2000.

Benner, David G. Care of Souls: Revisioning Christian Nurture and Counsel. Baker, 1998.

Brueggemann, W. Cadences of Home: Preaching Among Exiles. Westminster John Knox, 1997.

Drane, J. Cultural Change and Biblical Faith: The Future of the Church. Paternoster, 2000.

Hall, D. J. Thinking the Faith: Christian Theology in a North American Context. Fortress, 1991.

Peterson, Eugene H. Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity. Eerdmans, 1987.

Taylor, J. V. The Go-Between God: The Holy Spirit and the Christian Mission. SCM Press, 1972.

1. A 15-20 page major paper, reflecting theologically on the central ideas presented in the course (70%).

2. A two-page reflection paper on two of the selected required readings (20% [10% each paper]).

3. A two-page evaluation paper based upon a selected chapter of Dancing in the Dark (10%).

Meets M.Div. core requirement in Pastoral Ministry and Theology (MIN6).