The current understanding of the pastoral function goes back to the description found in the New Testament and the practice of the early church. One who has a sphere of Christian influence and mentorship finds that they are doing pastoral work. This is especially true of those who are small group leaders. This is an introductory course to the biblical and theological foundation for the basic personhood and work of being of one who provides pastoral care. Particular attention will be given to creating insight into the appropriate contextual missional responses for a wide range of ministries.
The bachelor level course is intended to be both an introduction and an intensification of topics covered in other courses as the student begins to prepare for the life and role of Christian service.
the life and work of a Christian ministry has to move beyond exegesis. The assignments will move the student into “real world experiences.
The course is built upon Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” Although this is a Messianic prophecy, it also describes the purpose of all believers in a hurting world. There are those who are in a prison of guilt and shame. Other need both physical and spiritual healing. Still others are held captive by experiences in the past.
this particular course will examine how to Christian and equipped to go where God is already working among hurting people.
This course will prepare works with a foundation to be and do ministry both within and outside the walls of the local congregation.
Our world and our nation is made up of intercultural communities that require the ability to list, learn and be in incarnational ministry. These course provides an introduction and an advance understanding of how a Christian work is an expression of incarnational ministry.
The structure of teaching and the assignments will keep this information crossing the bridge from academic discussion to practical applications.
The students will be assigned a project that moves this information from reflection to actual engagement
