Related Information
Upcoming Event Details:
The Theology and Practice of Pastoral Ministry (Course 690)
June 7-10, 2010
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
Readings (show | hide)
Required Reading:
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:
Deep Church by Jim Belcher (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press; 2009) ISBN 978-0-8308-3716-8
Schedule (show | hide)
| 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Monday |
| 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Tuesday - Thursday (with an hour for lunch) |
(lunches are provided T, W, Th)
Hear from Past Participants (show | hide)
As a young pastor, I need much wisdom. This course affirmed many of my inclinations and also challenged many of my assumptions. I leave this week with a framework with which to see myself and the congregation, plus golden nuggets of wisdom to sustain me.
Course participant Jana VanderLaan
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
We have reserved a few rooms for course participants from Mon, June 7 (check-in Mon) - Thurs, June 10 (check-out Fri am). The rate is $75 per night. Please mention the title of the course when calling.
- 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 $75 (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.
Registration now open!
Please note: This course focuses on pastoral ministry in North America. We are unable to extend invitations to pastors from other continents at this time.
Please contact Kathy Smith for more information.