Fall 2005/Pasadena
GM509
Martínez
GM509: LAS BASES DEL MINISTERIO (Foundations for Ministry). Juan F.
Martínez G.
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this course is to identify and develop the central
themes related to the practice of ministry, particularly in the case of
experienced pastors within the Latino North American context. The principal
objective is to help the students refocus their calling according to a mature
perspective on ministry.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: In this class students will:
- Develop a deepened and renewed understanding of the nature of ministry to
help the student to rediscover his or her personal dimension of ministry.
- Reflect on what it means to minister in the name of God.
- Build a new vision and motivation for ministry.
- Clarify strengths and weaknesses in one's practice of ministry to help him
or her be more effective.
- Develop a deepened and renewed relationship with God as the foundation for
his or her ministry.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Students that have been in ministry for a while
need to take time to reflect on their call, on their self understanding and its
relationship to effective ministry, and on spiritual formation as the
foundation for ministry.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet in two-hour sessions twice a week. The
course will be developed through presentations by the professor, research
projects, group activities in class, small groups, extensive readings, class
discussions and personal interviews.
REQUIRED READING:
- Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Vida en comunidad. Ediciones
Sígueme, 1985.
- Clinton, Robert. La hechura de un líder. (Private translation
available in Bookstore).
- Nouwen, Henri, J. M. The Living Reminder Service and Prayer in
Memory of Jesus Christ. Harper, 1990.
- Ortiz, Manuel. The Hispanic Challenge. InterVarsity Press,
1993.
RECOMMENDED READING
- Castro, Emilio, ed., Pastores del pueblo de Dios en
América Latina. Editorial la Aurora, 1973.
- Floristán, Casiano. Teología práctica.
Ediciones Sígueme, 1998.
- McDonald, Gordon. Ponga orden su mundo interior. Editorial Caribe,
s.f.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Regular attendance and participation in all aspects of the course (15%).
- Reflection paper: The Meaning of the Call to Ministry Today (5 pages
minimum) (15%).
- Reflection papers on two of the books in the bibliography (3 pages each) (15%).
- Paper: Reflection on the personal life of the minister (5 pages) (15%).
- Participate in a small group and report on the experience (3-5
pages) (40%).
PREREQUISITES: Five years of pastoral ministry; Spanish.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in General Ministry
and Spirituality (MIN 1).
FINAL EXAMINATION: No.