Winter 2004/Pasadena
PM511
Blackmon
PM511: THE PERSON AND PRACTICE OF MINISTRY. Richard A. Blackmon.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course focuses on the person of the pastor as a central
organizing concept. We are created by God in our particularity as well as our
common humanity, and the course will emphasize the importance of understanding
both, and the implications of those understandings for ministry--
for how
one does ministry, for living as a pastor, for serving in a specific church and
denominational context. The second focus of the course is on the theological
implications of these understandings, as applied to the practice of ministry.
Students will be asked to participate in the process of theological reflection
around each of the topics of the course.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- The course is designed to encourage an integration of the personal,
experiential, theological, and spiritual for the practice of ministry.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The class will meet weekly for a three-hour session. Class will be
a combination of lecture/discussion and individual and small group exercises.
REQUIRED READING:
- Herrington, Jim; Robert Creech; and Trisha Taylor. The Leader's
Journey: Accepting the Call to Personal and Congregational Transformation.
Jossey-Bass, 2003.
- Howatch, Susan. Glittering Images. Random House, 1996.
- Oswald, Roy. Clergy Self-Care: Finding a Balance for Effective
Ministry. Alban Institute, 1991.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Friedman, Edwin. Generation to Generation. Guilford Press,
1985.
- Hart, Archibald. Unmasking Male Depression. Word, 2003.
- OR Hart-Weber, Catherine. Unveiling
Depression in Women: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Overcoming
Depression. Fleming H. Revell, 2002.
- Rutter, Peter. Sex in the Forbidden Zone. Fawcett, 1991.
- Tavris, Carol. Anger: The Misunderstood Emotion. Simon &
Schuster, 1982.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Attendance and participation are required, two papers (4-6 pages
and 8-12 pages) which apply course topics to student's specific ministry
issues; occasional in-class projects. Grading is 40% class
attendance/participation, 20% first paper and 40% second paper.
PREREQUISITES:
- At least one year of ministry-related experience; at least one year
of seminary. Highly recommended for senior year students.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in Pastoral Ministry and Theology
(MIN 6).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- None.