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--notably worship, mission and pastoral care--not only within the paradigm of participation, but also within the perspective of Trinitarian thinking. 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.

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 that confronts the seductiveness of both activism and pragmatism, two temptations that 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.

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.

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

(1) A 15-20 page major paper, reflecting theologically on the central ideas presented in the course (70%; due August 27). (2) Two two-page reviews of a required text selection other than Buxton (20% [10% each]; due July 9 and July 14). (3)A two-page evaluation paper based upon a selected chapter of Dancing in the Dark (10%; due July 23).

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