PC201 - Ministry Formation

  • 0 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 4
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 5
    AQF level
  • pastoral churchUnit Discipline

Exclusions

EM216 and PC210

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

  1. The biblical evidence relevant to ministry
  2. Ministry call, formation and styles
  3. Personal identity, security and pastoral roles in ministry
  4. Community ethical standards

B. Be able to

  1. Outline the biblical evidence relevant to ministry
  2. Describe ministry formation and styles
  3. Under supervision, develop an approach to ministry
  4. Maintain personal spiritual life and practise self care

C. Be in a position to

  1. Use perspectives from their theological studies in Developing an approach to ministry
  2. Develop a pastoral identity and style in ministry
  3. Observe community ethical standards in ministry contexts

Content

  1. Introduction to ministry formation; review of candidates’ 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

Prescribed:

Benner, D., The Gift of Being Yourself (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2004).

Benner, D., Surrender to Love (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2003).

Stevens, R. P., The Other Six Days: Vocation, Work and Ministry in Biblical Perspective (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999).

Recommended:

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

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

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

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

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

Classics:

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).