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 spheres of church, family and friendships, work, and civic community.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Cognitive: Students will grasp the key role of the whole people of God in the ministry of the church; develop a fuller understanding of the nature of clergy and laity and the relationship between the two; build biblical and theological foundations for an empowering model of church leadership. Skills: Students will develop analytical and interpretive skills concerning leadership, church structures, and culture; participatory leadership skills; and skills in curriculum development. Affective: Students will experience increased passion to draw the broad range of God's people into ministry and greater commitment to developing as leaders in this direction.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Congregational leaders must prepare and release others to use their gifts in ministry, and they should help others to embrace broad understandings of ministry . Only as the whole people of God engage in the work of God will the church live into its very nature. This class will point students to the benefits and challenges of living out this theology in local congregations and will give them tools they can use in their congregations.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet weekly for three-hour sessions. Class time will include lectures, Bible studies, large and small group discussions, group presentations, and guest speakers. Interviews and a group project will be done outside of class.

REQUIRED READING:

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

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

Hohensee, Donald, Richard F. Houts, and C. Peter Wagner. Wesley Spiritual Gifts Questionnaire. Pasadena, CA: Charles E. Fuller Institute of Evangelism and Church Growth, 1983.

Stevens, R. Paul. The Other Six Days: Vocation, Work, and Ministry in Biblical Perspective. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999.

Course reader.

1. Complete all reading on time, attend all classes, and actively participate in class sessions.

2. Postings in on-line forum: (a) One reading reflection each week (several paragraphs each; 25%); (b) Two interactions each week with others' reading reflections (several sentences each; 5%).

3. Leadership development paper (900 words; 5%).

4. Faith Connections project (20%): (a) conduct 3 interviews with people in your congregation following class guidelines; (b) write a short summary of themes from the interviews (no word minimum); (c) write a sermon that addresses some of these themes (1000-1500 words).

5. Pastor interview (interview transcript and 600 word analysis; 10%).

6. Group project, class presentation, and project analysis paper (500 word paper, 15%).

7. Final project: develop 3-session curriculum; test and evaluate one session (approx. 14 pages, 20%).