Pastoral Leadership

PAST 600 — Theology and Ministry. 3 hours.

The purpose of this course is to understand the significance of theologically formed patterns of ministry and pastoral leadership, and to develop theologically reflected models for ministry. Special attention will be given to the issues of ecclesiology as they relate to theological leadership.

PAST 610 — Christian Leadership. 3 hours.

A focused learning conversation among friends exploring the spiritual foundations, the primary influences, the relational context, current literature and authorities of the theory of leadership, and the priority principles and best practices of effective Christlike leadership. Class members will apply this holistic view of leadership to the context of ministry in which they currently serve or may serve in the future.

PAST 620 — Life Management and Personal Renewal. 3 hours.

Explores the significance of spiritual development and personal renewal in the life of a leader, with attention to practice and implementation as well as strategies for modeling and teaching healthy patterns as leaders.

PAST 630 — Pastoral Leader as Prophet. 3 hours.

Explores the central content of the Christian message, especially as a theological vision of soteriology/holiness and the role of the pastoral leader as the primary theologian for a local congregation.

PAST 640 — Preaching and Worship as Pastoral Leadership. 3 hours.

Consideration of the critical roles of the pastoral leader as primary preacher and worship leader. Attention will focus on the critical interaction between theology in practice and confession and how it is formed in practices of worship.

PAST 650 — The Teaching Church. 3 hours.

A comprehensive approach to developing the local church as a teaching community. Attention will focus on assessment and planning of effective and wholistic teaching processes.

PAST 660 — Pastoral Leader as Priest. 3 hours.

Examines the critical role of the pastoral leader in defining the shape, or patterns, of the Christian life. This includes consideration of the proper biblical understanding of the Christian life, the Pastor as model/mentor, and the church as a community of formation.

PAST 670 — The Church as a Community of Formation. 3 hours.

Explores the dynamics of the church as a community which forms by the patterns and practices it cultivates and encourages. Attention is given to identifying the characteristics of Christian life and character that can and should be encouraged and formed by the life of the community.

PAST 680 — The Church in the World. 3 hours.

Focus on the intersection of the church (as a Kingdom community) and the world. Examination of the competing value systems and formation of an approach to developing a church that effects transformation in its community and world.

PAST 690 — Pastoral Leader as King. 3 hours.

This course will consider the role of the pastoral leader as an organizational leader. Attention will be given to Kingdom values which should be embodied in the organizational structures of the local church and development of an approach to effecting those values in the local church.

PAST 700 — Visionary Leadership. 3 hours.

The task of pastoral leadership to effectively communicate and perpetuate a vision of Kingdom community is the focus. Study includes identification of core values and definition of mission, as well as strategies for effectively casting vision for a local church.

PAST 710 — Development of a Ministry Plan. 3 hours.

An application project integrating the coursework and ideas of the program of study into a specific and comprehensive plan for congregational leadership and development.