Theology and Practice of Pastoral Ministry

Related Information

Upcoming Event Details:

The Theology and Practice of Pastoral Ministry (PRTH 621)

June 2-6, 2008

Calvin Theological Seminary
3233 Burton SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

The central thesis of this course is that strong pastoral identity is the key to sustaining pastoral excellence. Today's church has witnessed a breakdown of consensus regarding the role of the pastor. This course is a study of the theology and practice of pastoral ministry with a view to creatively and critically engaging changing views of the church and its ministry in our contemporary culture, and enhancing the practice of pastoral ministry. The course will integrate this theological understanding of pastoral ministry with the basic practices of pastoral ministry: worship, preaching, teaching, evangelism, pastoral care, and congregational leadership.

Instructors

Duane Kelderman, Vice President for Administration and Professor of Preaching
Kathy Smith, Director of Continuing Education and the Making Connections Initiative

Readings (show | hide)

Required Reading:

Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry by William Willimon (Nashville:Abingdon Press, 2002) ISBN: 0687045320

The Leader's Journey: Accepting the Call to Personal and Congregational Transformation by Jim Herrington, R. Robert Creech, Trisha Taylor (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2003) ISBN: 078796266X

Recommended Reading:

Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Leading by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky (Boston: Harvard Business School Press, 2002) ISBN: 1578514371


Schedule (show | hide)

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday (with an hour for lunch)
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Friday

Hear from Past Participants (show | hide)

For those who have been in ministry for only a short time, it will help them put a foundation under their ministry and help them form their identity as a pastor. For more experienced pastors it's a wonderful time of fellowship, sharing and laughter as we see how God works-often in spite of us. It's a course that builds you up and encourages you for the ministry that is waiting for you back in your parish.
Course participant Jacob Boer

Your members should know that you will return from this class poised and ready to pursue the kind of leadership that will serve God and them best--neither as their CEO nor as their spiritual "hired hand." They will have on their hands a pastor who will help them narrow the gap between stated goals and current condition-- with greater skill and a keener sense of what real ministry is.
Course participant David Den Haan


Suggested Lodging Options (show | hide)

  • Prince Conference Center
    Calvin College

    616-526-7200
    1-866-526-7200

    Free continental breakfast
    Wireless internet access
  • Comfort Inn
    4155 28th St SE

    616-957-2080
    1-800-228-5150

    Free continental breakfast
    Wireless internet access
  • Ramada Plaza Hotel
    3333 28th ST SE

    616-949-9222
    1-800-2Ramada

    Complimentary breakfast buffet
    Free high speed wireless internet
    Water park with pools, Jacuzzi
    Restaurant on site

For more information on the content of the course please contact Kathy Smith.

The cost to participate as a visitor is $60 (USD). Visitor status does not involve a transcript but 5 Continuing Education Units can be given upon request. If you would like to take a course for credit as an Unclassified student please email Seminary Admissions or download and complete the Short-term Application Form and send it, complete with transcripts of all academic work done to-date, to the attention of the Director of Enrollment, Calvin Theological Seminary, 3233 Burton SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

Register


Please contact Kathy Smith for more information.