DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this course is to identify and develop central
themes related to the practice of ministry and to develop basic skills in
theological reflection as a mode of learning. In this course, ministry is
understood in its broadest New Testament sense as the service of the gospel,
and therefore includes ordained and non-ordained, paid and otherwise. Each
student will be expected to work with these themes in ways that fit his or her
own context and call. During two quarters the course will interweave the topics
of congregational formation, spiritual formation, and missional formation. All
three topics will be addressed as matters of both personal and corporate
identity and agency. The Fall quarter will begin with attention to matters of
congregational formation, specifically the initiation and ongoing reformation
of a church as a spiritual, social, located missional people. In the small
groups, various practices and disciplines of spiritual formation will be
engaged. Also, self-awareness will be resourced through a personality
inventory.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: (These outcomes apply to the two-course sequence of GM506A
and GM506B.) (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 (1) develop a deepened understanding
of the nature of ministry from a missional church perspective, (2) build
relationships among students so as to enhance understanding of the practice of
ministry, (3) explore practices of spiritual formation.
COURSE FORMAT: This course is the first of a two-part series that is spread
over two quarters. The class will meet weekly for three hours during the first
nine weeks of each quarter; most sessions will include a seminar presentation
and small group meetings. Small groups will also convene a five-hour
retreat.
REQUIRED READING: (Fall Quarter)