Spring 2006/Pasadena
GM505
Fredrickson/Branson

GM505: FOUNDATIONS FOR MINISTRY 3 (Wednesday evening section).
Kurt Fredrickson and Mark Lau Branson.


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 emphasis in the Spring quarter will be on missional formation, with a focus on understanding the world around us and developing the forms and practices of congregational outreach and leadership development. The course will use autobiography, reflection, lectures, web modeling, and small groups.

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 framework for understanding missional formation as the gospel connecting with persons and powers; (2) build community among students around themes of spiritual traditions so as to enhance spiritual resources and commitments; (3) use testing for personal growth and understand personality factors in ministry.

COURSE FORMAT: This course is the third part of a three-part course that is spread over the academic year. Each quarter will contain the following components: three plenary seminar sessions (taught by various faculty members), seven small group meetings, and reading/reflection. Students can register and attend either the afternoon or the evening section but must remain in the small group established in the fall quarter. Plenary sessions for this section will meet on three Wednesday evenings: (March 29, April 26, May 25).

REQUIRED READING:

Peace, Richard. Spiritual Traditions (small group discussion guide).

Course Reader.

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

  2. Read Course Reader and small group discussion guide.

  3. Write a reflection paper on a ministry vision for the future (1200 words).

  4. Submit small group reflections as composed following each session (700 words).

PREREQUISITES: GM504.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: When completed along with GM503 and GM504, this meets the MDiv core requirement in General Ministry (MIN 1) or the requirement in Ministry Foundations (MIN F) for other master's degrees.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.