Fall 2004/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 practices of spiritual formation will be engaged.
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 practices of spiritual formation.
COURSE FORMAT:
- This course is the first part of a three-part series that is spread
over the academic year. Students must begin the series in the fall. 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 for and attend either the Wednesday
evening or the Friday morning section. On the weeks when there is not a plenary
session, students will meet in required small groups for ninety minutes;
students must commit to remaining in the same small group for all three
quarters. However, students may register for and attend the Friday morning
plenary section in Winter and/or Spring, but must remain in the same small
group formed in the Fall 2004 quarter. Plenary sessions for this section will
meet on three Wednesday evenings: September 29, October 27, December 1.
REQUIRED READING: (Fall Quarter)
- Peace, Richard. Small Group Reader for GM503. 2004.
- Van Gelder, Craig. The Essence of the Church: A Community Created by the
Spirit. Baker, 2000.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Regular attendance and participation in all seminars and small groups.
- Read Course Reader and Small Group Reader
- Write a church autobiography with theological reflection (1000 words).
- Reflection paper on the small group experience (400 words).
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.