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 not only within the paradigm of
participation, but also within a Trinitarian perspective. Students will also be
encouraged to view pastoral ministry as a holistic engagement with the
contemporary culture, challenging the "sacred-secular divide" syndrome.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will be able to (1) discuss
the nature of the church and its relationship to the kingdom of God within the
perspective of mission, with special focus on the congregation and its witness
to God incarnationally, kerygmatically, and diakonally; (2) appreciate the
Trinitarian basis and ordering of the church as a community of faith;
(3) understand the passion for mission in the heart of God; (4) appreciate
the privilege of the church to participate in the missio Dei in the
power of the Spirit; (5) reflect theologically on the concept of
contextualization in ministry, with particular reference to the "sacred-secular
divide" syndrome; and (6) acknowledge the need for spiritual integrity in
ministry formation.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: By grounding the course in a robust Trinitarianism,
students will receive 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, thus preparing them for effective Christocentric pastoral and
missional leadership. Students will discover conceptual tools enabling them to
engage in theologia viatorum as they wrestle with contemporary issues at
the cutting edge of pastoral ministry. They will also acquire a critical
paradigm for ministry that confronts the seductiveness of both activism and
pragmatism, two temptations that rob many pastors of joy in ministry.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet daily in four-hour class sessions for two
weeks (except July 4). Students will be expected to participate interactively
in class discussions, case studies, and groupwork.
REQUIRED READING: