East Texas Baptist University
Ministry Formations
RLGN 2340
Fall 2014
MWF 2:00 p.m. SCRB 207
Scott Bryant, Ph.D.
Office: 903.923.2178
Office in Ornelas Spiritual Life Center
Office Hours: TR – 10-11:30 WF – 8-9:30
other times by appointment
SYLLABUS
I. Course Description
This course provides students the opportunity to understand more fully their calling and the various aspects of Christian ministry as particularly expressed through the local church. There is a ministerial testing fee for this course. The course includes field and laboratory experiences.
II. Textbooks
Spooner, Bernard M., ed. Handbook for Baptists: What Every Baptist (New or Longtime) Should know. Coppell, TX: Christian Leadership Publishing, 2013. 978-1479349418
Willimon, William H., ed. Pastor: A Reader for Ordained Ministry. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002. 978-0687097883
III. Student Learning Objectives
1. The student will be able to define and discuss the meaning and concept of their call to ministry.
2. The student will develop a general understanding of Texas Baptists, broader Baptist affiliations and distinctive Baptist doctrines.
3. The student will examine biblical perspectives on ministry and of select ministry functions.
4. The student will be introduced to an understanding of personal spiritual development and interpersonal dynamics as related to ministry, particularly as it connects to Christian servant leadership.
IV. Course Policies
1. Attendance Policy
In accordance with East Texas Baptist University academic regulations, “to be eligible to earn credit in a course, the student must attend at least 75% of all class meetings.” Students causing a disruption in class will be asked to leave and counted as absent.
You are expected to arrive on time and remain for the full duration of the class. If tardiness or early departure is unavoidable, please enter the room quietly and take a vacant seat nearest the door. Three late arrivals and/or early departures will constitute one absence. It is the responsibility of the students to notify the instructor in advance of an upcoming university-approved absence.
2. Late Assignments and Make-Up Policy
Assignments are due at the beginning of the assigned class period. A penalty of ten points is accrued for every weekday an assignment is late.
3. Examination Policy
Examination questions will be drawn from all assigned textbooks and readings as well as from class discussion and lectures.
A student who misses an examination for any reason will be permitted to complete a make-up examination only at the discretion of the professor. The professor reserves the right to deny a student the opportunity to take a make-up examination if the reason for missing is deemed unacceptable. The professor may impose a 10-point penalty depending on the reason for the absence and/or how promptly the student contacts the professor regarding the absence. Students should endeavor to inform the professor prior to any such absence. The professor’s email and office phone number are listed at the beginning of the syllabus.
In all circumstances the student is responsible for contacting the professor concerning the need to schedule a make-up examination. No make-up exams can be taken after the last regular scheduled class before the final examination. Examinations missed and not rescheduled will be graded a “0”.
Concerning the final examination please note that students may request a change in or special administration of their final exam for the following reasons: 1) Four scheduled exams on the same day; 2) Serious personal illness; and 3) Death of an immediate family member. For full information please see “Request to Reschedule the Final Exam” on the forms page of the ETBU website.
4. Use of Cell Phone, Other Electronic Equipment and Food/Drinks
Please turn off all cell phones and other electronic equipment prior to class. If you are using your cell phone or any other electronic device for a non-class-specific purpose, you will be asked to leave the class and will be counted as absent for the day. No laptops will be allowed in the classroom. No food or drinks are allowed in the classroom.
5. Academic Integrity
Students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity and are to avoid all forms of cheating, plagiarism, and collusion. Students are expected to adhere to the ETBU Religion Department Honor Code and Agreement which states in part:
I hereby pledge to avoid all academic dishonesty, including cheating and plagiarism, and to conduct myself in the classroom in ways that honor both God and my calling: to be respectful of others; to maintain a high level of personal integrity, moral purity, and honor; to take seriously my academic commitment to God and to all those who support me financially and emotionally; and to seek excellence and professionalism in everything I do.
A full copy of the Academic Integrity Statement is available online. Any violation of academic integrity will result in an immediate “0” for that assignment or examination. Violations will also be reported to the Dean of the School of Christian Studies which may result in further action including forfeiting any chance of receiving credit and earning an “F” for the course.
6. Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
Students with a disability may request appropriate accommodations for this course by contacting the Office of Academic Success and Graduate Services, located in the Marshall Hall 301. If accommodations are approved by the Disability Accommodations Committee, the Office of Academic Success and Graduate Services, at the student’s request and upon receipt of a signed consent form, will notify the professor of the approved accommodations. The student will then meet with her/his instructor to discuss the accommodation(s). If a student’s request for accommodation(s) should change, it is expected that the student will complete and submit an update form in a timely manner. All proctored exams for students receiving accommodations will be given in the Mamye Jarrett Library, under the direction of the ACE office. The five individual testing rooms are equipped for recording video and audio, so the student can be monitored by the testing coordinator and faculty can review the video for up to forty-eight hours after the test is given. Tests will be delivered to the testing coordinator two class days prior to the test date. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the test date one week prior to the test and time using the ACE website (www.etbu.edu/ace). Exams will be given on the same day as the scheduled test as determined by the course schedule. A student must provide her/his own scantron/green book.
7. Class Participation
Students are expected to attend every class, demonstrate thorough preparation and be able to interact and dialogue with the professor and each other in relation to course material in general and the assigned material for each session in particular.
8. Submission of Assignments
Please note that all written assignments must be submitted in class as well as electronically through the Turn It In module of Blackboard. To submit this assignment to Turn It In via Blackboard, go the “Assignments” page in Blackboard. Click the “View/Complete” link and then follow the online instructions to upload your paper.
V. Course Requirements
1. Reading and Participation
Prior to each class session, students will complete the relevant reading assignments as indicated in the course schedule. Students should thoroughly prepare by being able to orally summarize each assigned reading as well as respond to questions that may emerge from the reading. Students are expected to interact and dialogue with the professor and each other in relation to the reading as well as to fully participate in all class discussions.
2. The Birkman Assessment
The course includes a ministry vocation assessment called the Birkman First Look Report. This instrument is intended to assist the student in self-awareness and call clarification. Each student will complete the Birkman Assessment online and the professor and/or other representatives will help the student interpret and apply the data. Details regarding how to complete the online Birkman assessment will be provided by the professor. Both the due date for the online Birkman assessment and the scheduled interpretative session will be marked on the course outline. Attendance of the interpretative session is essential. In addition to the regularly scheduled session from 2:00 – 2:50p.m., there will be an additional Birkman session from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Although attendance is not required at the additional Birkman session, attendance is strongly encouraged, and students will find this additional session relevant and beneficial.
The Birkman Assessment is worth 50 points.
3. Personal Ministry Reflection Journal
Prior to each class session, students are to answer questions relating to the assigned reading for that session. Students are to address the questions prior to the class session and bring their reflection to class. Please answer the following questions :
What jumped out to you in this selection?
How does this fit in with your theology and your calling as a minister?
Expectations:
1. Students are expected to personally reflect on the question at hand and with honesty seek to assess their own personal and corporate experiences.
2. Reflection journals will be held in confidentiality but they will be read by the professor.
3. Reflections must be typed.
4. It is anticipated that most questions will be answerable in approximately 150-175 words (roughly 3-5 sentences).
5. Journal grades will be based primarily on content (the depth and thoroughness of the reflection) though writing style (which may be reasonably informal but should conform to standard English spelling, grammar, syntax, etc.) will be a factor in assigning a grade to the journal.
Each individual reflection is due PRIOR to the start of the corresponding class session. A student can not wait until the end of the semester to do the various reflections.
Students will be required to turn in 30 reflections at the end of the semester. Students choose which reading assignments they want to reflect upon.
The Personal Ministry Reflection Journal is worth a maximum of 150 points.
4. Ministry Self-Assessment Essay
Students will compose a Ministry Self-Assessment Essay describing your present understanding of your call to ministry as a vocation. The essay should address:
· What constitutes a call to Christian ministry?
· Am I called to Christian ministry as a vocation?
· How did you determine that God was calling you to vocational Christian service?
· What area or type of ministry is especially appealing and/or is there a ministry need that is continuously calling to you?
· Have you encountered specific Bible verses that have given you direction with regard to a call to ministry?
· What leadership characteristics do you believe it will be necessary for you to develop to minister within the calling God has placed on your life?
General Notes Regarding the Ministry Self-Assessment Essay
· Style for all essays is Turabian
· Essay should be double spaced
· Word count does not include title, heading, footnotes or bibliography
· The heading and title on the first page should be formatted:
Name of Student (left aligned)
Course Title and Number (left aligned)
(two blank spaces)
Ministry Self-Assessment Essay (bold and centered)
(two blank spaces)
Start Ministry Self-Assessment Essay
· While a limited use of 1-3 additional sources is encouraged, as a self-assessment essay additional sources are not necessarily needed
· The Ministry Self-Assessment Essay should not include long or numerous quotes. Citing the biblical reference (i.e., Gen. 12:4) is usually sufficient
· Depth is better than breadth
The evaluation of the Self-Assessment Essay will include both content (how and to what extent the above questions are addressed) and structure (organization of thoughts, clarity, paragraph and sentence structure, spelling, and grammar).
The essay should be between 1000-1200 words. A copy of the essay must be submitted in class as well as electronically through the Turn It In module on Blackboard. To submit this assignment to Turn It In via Blackboard, go the “Assignments” page in Blackboard. Click the “View/Complete” link and then follow the online instructions to upload your paper.
The Ministry Self-Assessment essay is worth up to 100 points.
5. Lord’s Supper, Wedding, Funeral Write up
Each student will type up what they would say at a Lord’s Supper, Wedding, and Funeral.
It must be the original work of the student.
The services assignment is worth up to 150 points.
6. Presentation
Each student will select a reading and make a 8-12 minute presentation to the class. The presentation should include some historical context of the author and a summary of the selection. Attention should be given to why the selection is important. Creative and educational presentations are encouraged.
The presentation is worth up to 100 points.
7. Examinations
There will be two exams and a comprehensive final exam on the dates indicated on the course outline. Each exam will be worth 150 points.
8. Course Evaluation
Birkman Assessment 50 points
Ministry Self-Assessment Essay 100 points
In Class Presentation 100 points
Personal Ministry Reflection Journal 150 points
Lord’s Supper, Wedding, Funeral Write up 150 points
Exam 1 150 points
Exam 2 150 points
Final Exam 150 points
9. Grading Scale
900 – 1000 points A
800 – 899 points B
70 – 799 points C
60 – 699 points D
Below 600 points F
VI. Ministry Formations Tentative Course Outline and Assignments
*Subject to change at the discretion of the professor
Date / Reading / Assignment Due DatesAugust 25 / Course Introduction and Syllabus Review
27 / Luther, “The Nobility of the Ministry” / Willimon: 11- 21
29 / Brown Taylor, “Vocation” / Willimon: 22- 30
September 1 / Polhill, “Toward a Biblical View of Call” / Blackboard
3 / Continue Polhill discussion / Due: Ministry Self-Assessment Essay
5 / Peterson, “On Being Unnecessary”
Tozer, “The Pursuit of God”
Presentation: Willard, “The Cost” / Willimon: 90-95
Blackboard
8 / Lischer, “The Real Presence”
Pres: Wesley, “Loving One” / Willimon: 96-102
10 / Lineberger, “Personal Faith”
Pres: Edwards, “Engagement” / Spooner: 1-14
12 / Rose, “Local Church”
Pres: Bonhoeffer, “Christ in Community” / Spooner: 15-26
15 / Long, “Preaching as Bearing Witness”
Pres: Bunyan, “Exercising” / Willimon: 103-110
17 / Peterson, “Back to Square One: God Said”
Pres: Francis, “Harvest of Souls / Willimon: 111-123
19 / Chrysostom, “Temptations of the Teacher”
Pres: Spurgeon, “Sermon on Revival” / Willimon: 124-131
22 / Forsyth, “The Preacher and His Church”
Pres: Jones, “Habit of Reading the Bible” / Willimon: 132-140
24 / Fosdick, “Learning to Preach”
Pres: Dillard, “To See Clearly” / Willimon: 141-150
26 / Lischer, “Help Me, Jesus”
Huggett, “Learning the Language of Prayer”
Pres: Buttrick, “A Simple Regimen” / Willimon: 151-156
Blackboard
29 / Exam I
October 1 / Nouwen, “The Wounded Healer” / Willimon: 158-168
3 / Cyprian, “On Facing Martyrdom”
Pres: Calvin, “The Joy of Self-Denial” / Willimon: 169-176
6 / Sanders, “Talking with Children about Faith, Baptism, and Following Christ” / Spooner: 73-86
8 / Proctor, “The Pastor as Intercessor” Pres:Brother Lawrence, “An Habitual…” / Willimon 177-187
10 / No Class – Fall Break
13 / Campbell, “Brother to a Dragonfly”
Pres: Ignatius, “Movements Produced” / Willimon: 189-202
15 / Niebuhr, “Leaves from a Notebook”
Pres: Julian, “The Highest Form of Prayer” / Willimon: 203-209
17 / Herbert, “The Country Parson”
Pres: Smith, “Recovering the Joy of service” / Willimon: 210-212
20 / Gushee, “Clergy Sexual Misconduct” / BlackBoard
22 / Williams, “Church Staff Relations” / BlackBoard
24 / MacDonald, “Creation in Christ”
Main, “Moments of Christ” / BlackBoard
27 / Eckhart, “Sermon 34”
Tolstoy, “The Lion and the Honeycomb” / BlackBoard
Due: Online Birkman Assessment
29 / Murray, “The Glory of God”
Law, “God the Rule and Measure” / BlackBoard
31 / Exam 2
November 3 / Williams, “Who are the Baptists…” / Spooner: 27-42
5 / The Birkman
Additional Birkman Session, 3:00 – 3:50pm
7 / Pinson, “What are Some Basic Baptist Beliefs” / Spooner: 43-58
10 / Spooner, “How Do We Relate…” / Spooner: 59-72
12 / Newbigin, “The Pastor as Evangelist”
Pres: Nyssa, “Running the Race” / Willimon: 213-222
14 / Augustine, “Confessions”
Pres: Teresa, “Striving to Make” / Willimon: 223-236
17 / Hauerwas & Willimon, “Empowerment for Ministry”
Pres: Merton, “Ways of Meditation” / Willimon: 237-246
19 / Martin Luther King Jr., “Letter from Birmingham Jail” / Willimon: 247-263
21 / Epstein, “Sister Aimee”
Pres: Catherine of Siena, “Overflowing” / Willimon: 264-278
24-28 / No Class
December 1 / Chrysostom, “The Glory of the Priesthood”
Pres:John of the Cross, “Purifying the Soul” / Willimon: 280-287
3 / Neuhaus, “The Pursuit of Holiness”
Pres: Fox, “Walking in the Power of God” / Willimon: 289-312
5 / Spurgeon, “The Preacher’s Private Prayer”
Pres: Kempis, “Dealing with Temptation” / Willimon: 313-321
8 / Kempis, “Imitation of Christ”
Palmer, “Way of Holiness”
Marshall, “A Closer Walk” / BlackBoard
10 / Chesterton, “Enjoying the Floods” / BlackBoard
12 / Review
17 / Final Exam
1:00 – 2:50pm
VII. Supplemental Reading