PC001-812 - Ministry Formation

  • 2,976 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 8
    AQF level
  • Category foundational unit
    A
  • pastoral churchUnit Discipline

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code PC501.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

1. Demonstrate Advanced knowledge and understanding of ministry and its personal and formal requirements, including the methods and standards of professional, safe and ethical practice.

B. Be able to

1. Examine the biblical evidence relevant to ministry

2. Assess ministry formation and styles

3. Develop personal spiritual life and practise self-care

4. Evaluate evidence-based perspectives on ministry formation

C. Be in a position to

1. Apply knowledge and Critical thinking skills from ‘Ministry Formation’ to contemporary Christian life and ministry practice as a reflective practitioner.

Content

  1. Introduction to ministry formation; review of students’ past and present ministry experience as a resource for ministry formation.
  2. Reflection upon biblical passages relevant to ministry call, style and pastoral perspectives such as Exodus 3:1–4:17; Isaiah 6; Ezekiel 1–3; Mark 10:35–45; Acts 20:17–35; 2 Corinthians 4–5; Ephesians 4:1–16; 1 Timothy 3:1–7; 1 Peter 5:1–11.
  3. A brief historical overview of pastoral roles in Christian ministry.
  4. Vocation and guidance in the Christian life. The relation between individual and corporate Christian ministries.
  5. Personal security and identity; integrity; identifying strengths, limitations and uniqueness; developing a personable style; ministerial codes of ethics.
  6. The search for a pastoral identity: who/what is a pastor; identifying and negotiating expectations, including disparate expectations.
  7. Ministry formation issues in theological education: critical study of the Scriptures; theological education and spiritual growth.

Set Readings

This unit's indicative bibliography is currently being revised. Students should contact their home college for further details at the time of taking this unit.


Cohen, M., The Divided Self (London: Marshall Pickering, 1996).

Cullinan, A., Sorting it Out: Discerning God’s Call to Ministry (Valley Forge, PA: Judson, 1999).

Drescher, J., If I were Starting My Ministry Again (Nashville: Abingdon, 2002).

Duce, P. and D. Strange, Keeping Your Balance (Leicester: Apollos, 2001).

Fraser, E., Confessions of a Beginning Theologian (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1998).

Hunt, R. A., et al, Clergy Assessment and Career Development (Nashville: Abingdon, 1990).

Kinast, R. L., Let Ministry Teach (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical, 1996).

Lewis, G. D., Meeting the Moment: Leadership and Well-being in Ministry (Nashville: Abingdon, 2002).

McGrath, A. E., Understanding Doctrine: Its Relevance and Purpose for Today (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1990).

Messer, D., Contemporary Images of Christian Ministry (Nashville: Abingdon, 1989).

Peterson, E., Working the Angles (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991).

Schnase, R., Ambition in Ministry: Our Spiritual Struggle with Success, Achievement and Competition (Nashville: Abingdon, 1993).

Tidball, D., Builders and Fools (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1999).

Tovey, P., Growing in Ministry (UK: Grove, 2000).

Willimon, W., Calling & Character: Virtues of the Ordained Life (Nashville: Abingdon, 2003).

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