Spring 2006/Pasadena
CF565
Muthiah

CF565: EMPOWERING THE PEOPLE OF GOD. Robert Muthiah.


DESCRIPTION: This course will challenge current and future church leaders to consider ways in which they can contribute to whole congregations being engaged in the mission of God. A biblical foundation will be laid for seeing the whole people of God as ministers. Appropriate leadership models for forming missional congregations will be considered. We will explore the goals and methods of congregational empowerment as well as the obstacles that must be addressed. Attention will be given to how all members of the local church can minister within the spheres of church, family, work, and community.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Cognitive: Students will grasp the key role of the whole people of God in the ministry of the church; develop a fuller understanding of the nature of clergy and laity and the relationship between the two; build biblical and theological foundations for an empowering model of church leadership. Skills: Students will develop analytical and interpretive skills concerning leadership, church structures, and culture; participatory leadership skills; and skills in curriculum development. Affective: Students will experience increased passion to draw the broad range of God's people into ministry and greater commitment to developing as leaders in this direction.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Congregational leaders must prepare and release others to use their gifts in ministry, and they should help others understand ministry as including the spheres of church, family, work, and community. Only as the whole people of God engage in the work of God will the church live into its very nature. This class will point students to the benefits and challenges of living out this theology in local congregations and will give them tools they can use in their congregations.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet weekly for three-hour sessions. Class time will include lectures, Bible studies, large and small group discussions, student presentations, and guest speakers.

REQUIRED READING:

Banks, Robert J. Redeeming the Routines: Bringing Theology to Life. Wheaton, IL: Victor, 1993.

Bass, Dorothy, ed. Practicing Our Faith: A Way of Life for a Searching People. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1997.

Hohensee, Donald, Richard F. Houts, and C. Peter Wagner. Wesley Spiritual Gifts Questionnaire. Pasadena, CA: Charles E. Fuller Institute of Evangelism and Church Growth, 1983.

Robinson, David. The Family Cloister: Benedictine Wisdom for the Home. New York: Crossroad, 2000.

Stevens, R. Paul. The Other Six Days: Vocation, Work, and Ministry in Biblical Perspective. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999.

Online articles.

ASSIGNMENTS:
  1. Complete all reading on time and actively participate in class sessions.

  2. Personal blog postings (you will be walked through the steps to set up your own blog):
    a. Weekly reading reflections posted online (150+ words each, 25%).
    b. Leadership and work autobiographies (900 words each; 10% each x 2 = 20%).
    c. Pastor interview: gain insight into issues related to empowering the congregation; post interview transcript and additional 600-word analysis (10%).

  3. Weekly written responses in an online group forum (10%).

  4. Group project, class presentation, and 500-word written evaluation of group process (15%).

  5. Final project: develop 3-session curriculum; test and evaluate one session (20%).

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Christian Formation and Discipleship (MIN 4); meets requirement for Ministry of the Laity Concentration of MACL.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.