Fall 2008/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 dynamics of congregational ministry;
- 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.
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 will gain an
appreciation of the relationship between justice, evangelism, 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:
- Gibbs, Eddie. Churchnext: Quantum Changes in How We Do
Ministry. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2000.
- 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.
- 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 one written funeral service.
- Prepare one 20-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) or the requirement in Ministry Foundations (MIN F) for
other master's degrees.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Final project due at the end of the quarter.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (8/08)