Summer 2003/Pasadena
Two-week Intensive
PM538
Buxton
PM538: PARTICIPATION IN THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST. Graham Buxton.
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 within the paradigm of
participation, notably worship, mission and pastoral care. Students will also
be encouraged to view pastoral ministry as a holistic engagement with the
contemporary culture, with particular reference to postmodernism, science and
spirituality. The course will also address a range of issues related to church
structures, ministry vocation and soul care.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Grounded in a robust trinitarianism, the course will prepare
students for pastoral leadership, offering 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. Students will be encouraged to engage in
theologia viatorum as they wrestle with contemporary issues at the
cutting edge of pastoral ministry. One of the primary goals of the course is to
offer a paradigm for ministry which confronts the seductiveness of both
activism and pragmatism, two temptations which rob many pastors of joy in their
experience of ministry.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The course will meet daily in four-hour class sessions for two
weeks. Students will be expected to participate interactively in class
discussions, case studies and groupwork.
REQUIRED READING:
- Buxton, G. Dancing in the Dark: The Privilege of Participating
in the Ministry of Christ. Paternoster, 2001.
- Fiddes, P. S. Participating in God: A Pastoral Doctrine of the
Trinity. Darton, Longman & Todd, 2000.
- Pinnock, Clark H. Flame of Love: A Theology of the Holy Spirit.
InterVarsity Press, 1996.
- Torrance, James B. Worship, Community and the Triune God of Grace.
InterVarsity Press, 1996.
- Van Engen, Charles and Jude Tiersma, God So Loves the City.
Monrovia, CA: MARC, 1994.
- Course Reader.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Anderson, Ray S. The Shape of Practical Theology.
InterVarsity Press, 2001.
- Barbour, I. G. When Science Meets Religion: Enemies, Strangers or
Partners? HarperCollins, 2000.
- Benner, David G. Care of Souls: Revisioning Christian Nurture and
Counsel. Baker, 1998.
- Brueggemann, W. Cadences of Home: Preaching Among Exiles.
Westminster John Knox, 1997.
- Drane, J. Cultural Change and Biblical Faith: The Future of the
Church. Paternoster, 2000.
- Hall, D. J. Thinking the Faith: Christian Theology in a North American
Context. Fortress, 1991.
- Peterson, Eugene H. Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral
Integrity. Eerdmans, 1987.
- Taylor, J. V. The Go-Between God: The Holy Spirit and the Christian
Mission. SCM Press, 1972.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- A 15-20 page major paper, reflecting theologically on the central ideas
presented in the course (70%).
- A two-page reflection paper on two of the selected required readings (20%
[10% each paper]).
- A two-page evaluation paper based upon a selected chapter of Dancing in
the Dark (10%).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M.Div. core requirement in Pastoral Ministry and Theology
(MIN6).
FINAL EXAMINATION: No.