Fall 2011/Pasadena
PM503
Kernaghan
PM503: PASTORAL THEOLOGY. Ronald Kernaghan.
DESCRIPTION: In this course students will explore the practical areas of
ministry in the local church that will help them understand their own call to
serve God. We will study the call to become a pastor, the nature of pastoral
ministry, and the basic tasks of the pastoral ministry. Subjects to be covered
include
- the theology of ministry (call, ordination, gift, and role);
- the dynamics of congregational ministry;
- the role of worship in the life of the church, including weddings and
funerals;
- leadership and the dynamics of change;
- healing in the church.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: This is a core course in the Ministry
Division and is recommended for students who are pursuing a call to become a
pastor or staff member in a local congregation. We will study biblical material
and practical examples of life, ministry, growth and conflict in the church.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will develop a clear sense of calling and explore
the dynamics of power and authority in ministry. In studying the dynamics of
power and authority, they will learn the legal requirements for reporting child
abuse. Students will also learn how to perform basic pastoral functions like
conducting funerals, and they will gain an appreciation of the relationship
between justice, evangelism, and worship.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.
Classroom learning activities will include lectures, discussion of biblical
texts, case studies, and analyses of assigned reading. Students will be
evaluated not only on their written work, but on their participation in
classroom discussions as well.
REQUIRED READING:
- Branson, Mark Lau. Memories, Hopes, and Conversations:
Appreciative Inquiry and Congregational Change. Herndon, VA: Albans, 2004.
ISBN: 1-56699-288-5. Pub. Price $18.00.
- Gibbs, Eddie. LeadershipNext: Changing Leaders in a Changing
Culture. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2005. ISBN: 0-8308-3283-1. Pub.
Price $16.00.
- Guder, Darrell, L., ed. The Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending
of the Church in North America. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998. ISBN:
0802843506. Pub. Price $28.00.
- Willimon, William H. Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained
Ministry. Nashville: Abingdon, 2002. ISBN: 0687045320. Pub. Price
$29.00.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
- Complete all assigned readings.
- Write two book reports from assigned texts.
- Prepare an evaluation form for worship services and evaluate three
services.
- Prepare one written funeral service.
- Prepare one 20-page research project due at the end of the quarter.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Pastoral Ministry
and Theology (MIN 6) or the requirement in Ministry Foundations (MIN F) for
other master's degrees.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Final project due at the end of the quarter.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (July 2011)