DESCRIPTION:

This course will challenge current and future church leaders to consider ways in which they can contribute to whole congregations being engaged in the mission of God. A biblical foundation will be laid for seeing the whole people of God as ministers. Appropriate leadership models for forming missional congregations will be considered. We will explore the goals and methods of congregational empowerment as well as the obstacles that must be addressed. Attention will be given to how all members of the local church can minister within the church, in the work setting, and in the family structure.

Cognitive: biblical and theological foundations for an empowering model of church leadership; contemporary approaches to this issue. Affective: deeper appreciation for the importance of all Christians in the ministry of God; commitment to developing their leadership in this direction. Skills: analytical and interpretive skills concerning church, work, and family; curriculum development.

The course will meet weekly for three-hour sessions. Class time will include lectures, large and small group discussions, student presentations, and guest speakers.

Banks, Robert J. Redeeming the Routines: Bringing Theology to Life. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1993.

Bass, Dorothy, ed. Practicing Our Faith: A Way of Life for a Searching People. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1997.

Clapp, Rodney. Families at the Crossroads: Beyond Traditional and Modern Options. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Stevens, R. Paul, Michael Green, and Dan Williams. The Equipper's Guide to Every-Member Ministry: Eight Ways Ordinary People Can Do the Work of the Church. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1992.

Yoder, John Howard. The Fullness of Christ: Paul's Vision of Universal Ministry. Elgin, IL: Brethren Press, 1987.

Course Reader.

1. Reading assignments completed according to schedule; reading log (25%).

2. Attendance (10%).

3. Family and work autobiographies (600 words each) (10%).

4. Pastor interview: gain insight into issues related to empowering the congregation and write a summary report (600 words) (10%).

5. Final project: curriculum development, teaching, and evaluation concerning non-ordained ministry (30%).

6. Book reflections (3 @ 600 words each) (15%).

Meets MDiv core requirement in Christian Formation and Discipleship (MIN 4);
meets requirement for Ministry of the Laity Concentration of MACL.

None.