Spring 2004/Pasadena
GM505
Branson/Peace
GM505: FOUNDATIONS FOR MINISTRY 2 (Friday morning 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 emphasis in the
spring quarter will be on missional formation, with a focus on understanding
the world around us and developing the forms and practices of congregational
outreach and leadership development. The course will use autobiography,
reflection, lectures, web modeling, vocational interest testing, and small
groups. A more complete description of the three-quarter series is available
from the Advising Office and the TAs.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Concepts: Understanding the context of mission, including
historical and social analysis; approaches, including models and practices; and
theology, including missiology and "engaging the powers." Skills: Qualitative
and quantitative research and interpretation. Conation: Commitment to and
vision for church-based, holistic engagement with the congregation's
neighborhood and world.
COURSE FORMAT:
- This course is the third 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 choose 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 Friday mornings:
April 2, April 30, May 28.
REQUIRED READING:
- McAlpine, Thomas. By Word, Work, and Wonder: Cases in Holistic
Mission. Eugene,OR: Wipf & Stock, 1995.
- Peace, Richard. Course Reader for GM 505.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Regular attendance and participation in all seminars and small groups.
- Read textbook and Reader.
- Participate in testing (the Strong Interest Inventory) and any recommended
followup consultation. (There is a cost for testing and interpretation.)
- Write a reflection paper on a ministry vision for the future (5 pages).
- Write a reflection paper on the small group experience (2 pages).
PREREQUISITES:
- GM504.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- When completed along with GM503 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.