Winter 2006/Pasadena
GM504
Branson/Fredrickson

GM504: FOUNDATIONS FOR MINISTRY 2 (Thursday afternoon section).
Mark Lau Branson and Kurt Fredrickson.


DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this course is to identify and develop the central themes related to the practice of ministry. In this course, ministry is understood in its broadest New Testament sense as the service of the gospel, and therefore, as covering ordained and lay ministry, ministry in the church, and ministry in the world. Each student will be expected to work with these themes in ways that fit his or her own context and call. The focus in the Winter quarter will be upon personal and spiritual formation, specifically the importance for leaders to understand and adopt practices and resources that lead to personal, relational, and spiritual health. The course will use autobiography, reflection, psychological testing, and small groups.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: (These outcomes apply to the three-course sequence of GM 503, 504, 505.) (1) Increased conceptual clarity concerning the nature of ministry and the topics of congregation formation, spiritual formation, and missional formation; (2) a basic understanding of theological reflection and an increased commitment to the practice of personal theological reflection concerning oneself and one's ministry; (3) participation in and increased commitment to resources that contribute to spiritual, psychological, and relational health; (4) participation in and commitment to the role of accountable, mutual relationships in one's ministry; (5) perspectives that provide assistance in a student's considerations concerning Christian ministry and one's own possible directions.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The course will attempt to (1) develop a deepened understanding of the nature of the leader's spiritual, personal, and relational health; (2) build community between students so as to enhance understanding of the practice of ministry; (3) use testing for personal growth and to learn about ministry resources.

COURSE FORMAT: This course is the second part of a three-part course that is spread over the academic year. Each quarter will contain the following components: three plenary seminar sessions (taught by various faculty members), seven small group meetings, and reading/reflection. Students must register and attend either the evening or the afternoon section each quarter but can chose the other section for another quarter. However, students must remain in the small group established in the Fall quarter. Plenary sessions for this section will meet on three Thursday afternoons: January 5, February 2, March 9.

REQUIRED READING:

Peace, Richard. Spiritual Disciplines (small group discussion guide).

Course Reader.

ASSIGNMENTS:
  1. Regular attendance and participation in all seminars and small groups.

  2. Read the Spiritual Disciplines textbook and the course reader.

  3. Write a family autobiography with theological reflection (1000-1200 words).

  4. Compose a reflection paper based on the small group guide (500-600 words).

PREREQUISITES: GM503.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: When completed along with GM503 and GM505, this meets the MDiv core requirement in General Ministry (MIN1) or the requirement in Ministry Foundations (MINF) for other master's degrees.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.