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.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: (These outcomes apply to the three-course sequence of GM 503, 504, 505.) (1) Increased conceptual clarity concerning the nature of ministry and the topics of congregation formation, spiritual formation, and missional formation; (2) a basic understanding of theological reflection and an increased commitment to the practice of personal theological reflection concerning oneself and one's ministry; (3) participation in and increased commitment to resources that contribute to spiritual, psychological, and relational health; (4) participation in and commitment to the role of accountable, mutual relationships in one's ministry; (5) perspectives that provide assistance in a student's considerations concerning Christian ministry and one's own possible directions.

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 Thursday afternoon 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 2005 quarter. Plenary sessions for this section will meet on three Thursday afternoons: September 29, November 3, December 1. Small groups meet on intervening Thursday afternoons.

REQUIRED READING: (Fall Quarter)

Peace, Richard. Small Group Reader for GM503. 2005.

Van Gelder, Craig. The Essence of the Church: A Community Created by the Spirit. Baker, 2000.

1. Regular attendance and participation in all seminars and small groups.

2. Required completion of the 16PF psychological test, administered by Fuller Psychological and Family Services for a $25 fee (to be paid when registering for the class).

3. Complete required readings as scheduled.

4. Write a church autobiography with theological reflection (1000 words).

5. Weekly written reflections on the small group experience; assembled at end of term (400 words).