Fall 2005/Pasadena
PM503
Kernaghan

PM503: PASTORAL THEOLOGY. Ronald Kernaghan.

DESCRIPTION: In this course students will explore the practical areas of ministry in the local church that will help them understand their own call to serve God. We will study the call to become a pastor, the nature of pastoral ministry, and the basic tasks of the pastoral ministry. Subjects to be covered include

the theology of ministry (call, ordination, gift, and role);
the nature of the church;
the role of worship in the life of the church, including weddings and funerals;
worship and sacraments;
leadership and the dynamics of change;
healing in the church.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will develop a clear sense of calling and explore the dynamics of power and authority in ministry. They will learn how to perform basic pastoral functions like conducting funerals, and they gain an appreciation of the relationship between justice and worship.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: This is a core course in the Ministry Division and is recommended for students who are pursuing a call to become a pastor or staff member in a local congregation. We will study biblical material and practical examples of life, ministry, and conflict in the church.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Classroom learning activities will include lectures, discussion of biblical texts, case studies, and analyses of assigned reading. Students will be evaluated not only on their written work, but on their participation in classroom discussions as well.

REQUIRED READING:

: Callahan, Kennon L. Effective Church Leadership. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1990.; Guder, Darrell, L., ed. The Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.; Oden, Thomas. Pastoral Theology. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1982.; Smedes, Lewis B., ed. Ministry and the Miraculous: Case Study at Fuller Theological Seminary. Waco, Tex.: Word, 1987.; Willimon, William H. Worship as Pastoral Care. Nashville: Abingdon, 1979.

ASSIGNMENTS:

Complete all assigned readings.
Prepare an evaluation form for worship services and evaluate three services.
Prepare pastoral prayers and blessings.
Prepare one written funeral service.
Prepare one 10-15 page research project due at the end of the quarter.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Pastoral Ministry and Theology (MIN 6).

FINAL EXAMINATION: Final project due at the end of the quarter.