DESCRIPTION:

The seminar is designed to integrate previous work and to explore particular aspects of ministry in Christian Formation, bringing together biblical, theological, personal, vocational, and ministry concerns. Learning will be personalized for each student with learning contracts developed to help facilitate the student's readiness for ministry. Included will be practical emphasis on 1) deepening the student's spiritual formation; 2) increasing the student's knowledge of herself/himself as a leader; 3) facilitating readiness for the student's next step in a ministry period; and 4) mentoring in such areas as discipling, group planning and leadership, Bible studies, teaching, etc.

This course equips students with ministry insights and skills in the areas mentioned above as student needs demand.

Students will meet four hours a week for eight weeks (some in seminar and some with personalized mentoring by the professors) and for a day retreat (tentatively scheduled for January 23, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). The basic format will be presentation of key issues, provoking of questions, use of self awareness tools that reveal preferences and strengths, reading concerns, and personal insights into person and ministry.

See assignments.

Reading assignments of 700-1000 pages will be negotiated with each student so as to give a broad base of understanding and to undergird the student's interests and ministry concerns. Tapes, selected readings, videos, and testing instruments will be utilized.

In addition to regular informed participation in the seminar and completion of the assigned tasks above, students will prepare individualized projects negotiated in contract--again in line with the student's needs for moving into ministry. They will experience three extended times of communication with God of 6 hours each (one of which will be done during a regular class session at a retreat location).

Two CFD courses or permission of instructor. No auditors.

Elective.

None.