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Page 1 of 8 MIN 5101 Pastoral TheologyExplores Pastoral Theology as a constructive practical theological enterprise focused on the religious care of persons, families and communities. As such, the course draws on interdisciplinary methods growing out of classical and contemporary theological traditions. It will draw and learn from theological conversation throughout the academy in order to enhance the students’ future practice of ministry in both congregational and specialized settings, such as chaplaincies or counseling contexts. The role of the minister as pastor will be a central focus. As well as considering such activities as visitation, such issues as advising on marriage, parenthood and dealing with crises such as death or illness, the pastoral dimension of preaching, worship, leadership and of congregational development will be discussed. It will be assumed that all of a minister’s tasks have a pastoral, that is, care of souls and of the community, dimension. 3 credits. Dr. Isaacs or Dr. David. MIN 5102 Worship and LiturgyThe course explores the role of liturgy and worship in the life of the congregation, as a tool for pastoral care, for spiritual growth, for invoking God’s mystery, and also as a pedagogical activity. The history of the development of Christian worship will be surveyed. Variety of style and content across a range of contemporary denominations will be discussed. The role of Eucharistic worship in some traditions will be explored. Unification specific ceremonies will also be studied. The role of culture will also be noted, using case studies of different places where Christianity has spread, moving initially from its base in the Jerusalem Temple and in the Synagogue into numerous cultural contexts. What attracts and repels people will be identified. There will be an opportunity for students to create and present their own liturgies. 3 credits. Dr. Isaacs or Dr. David. MIN 5103 Church Growth and EvangelismThe missionary commission, Matt. 28:19-20, mandates Christians to teach and to baptize, with the result that churches grow in numerical size. Beginning with a survey of how the Christian movement did in fact grow, the course will examine how the Church Growth movement uses case study and social scientific analysis of why particular congregations grow while others do not, to develop strategies and tactics for ministers and evangelists to adapt for their own contexts. The contribution of the movements’ founder, Donald McGavran, and of other contemporary and significant Church Growth theorists and leaders, such as Rick Warren, will be discussed alongside case studies of churches that have grown. Church Growth as inner spiritual development will also be considered, and some of the assumptions of the church growth movement will also be critiqued. A major concern will be the tension between the cultural concepts of church growth and the vision of a multi-cultural, multi-racial community of believers. 3 credits. Dr. Isaacs |
