Fall 2003/Pasadena
GM503
Branson/Peace
GM503: FOUNDATIONS FOR MINISTRY 1 (Wednesday evening section).
Mark Lau
Branson and Richard Peace.
DESCRIPTION:
- The purpose of this course is to identify and develop the central
themes related to the practice of ministry. In this course, ministry is
understood in its broadest New Testament sense as the service of the gospel,
and therefore, as covering ordained and lay ministry, ministry in the church,
and ministry in the world. Each student will be expected to work with these
themes in ways that fit his or her own context and call. The focus in the fall
quarter will be upon congregational formation, specifically the initiation and
ongoing reformation of a church as a spiritual, social, located missional
people. The skill of theological interpretation will be introduced. In the
small groups the nature of call/vocation will be considered. A more complete
description of the three-quarter series is available from the Advising
Office.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- The course will attempt to: (1) develop a deepened understanding of
the nature of ministry from a missional church perspective, (2) build community
between students so as to enhance understanding of the practice of ministry,
(3) explore the question of a call to ministry.
COURSE FORMAT:
- This course is the first part of a three-part course that is spread
over the academic year. Each quarter will contain the following components:
three plenary seminar sessions (taught by various faculty members), seven small
group meetings, and reading/reflection. Students must register and attend
either the morning or the evening section each quarter but can chose the other
section for another quarter. However, students must choose a time-of-day for
their small group and remain in the assigned group throughout the three
quarters. Plenary sessions for this section will meet on three Wednesday
evenings: October 1, October 29, and December 3.
REQUIRED READING: (Fall Quarter)
- Hauerwas, S. and W. Willimon. Resident Aliens: Life in the
Christian Colony. Nashville: Abingdon, 1989
- Peace, Richard. Course Reader for GM 503.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Regular attendance and participation in all seminars and small groups.
- Read text and Reader.
- Write a church autobiography with theological reflection (5 pages).
- Reflection paper on the small group experience (2 pages).
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- When completed along with GM504 and GM505, this meets M. Div. core
requirement in General Ministry (MIN1) or the requirement in Ministry
Foundations (MINF) for other master's degrees.
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- None.