2009 - 2010 Academic Catalog - Westminster Theological Seminary

{Course Descriptions}
Practical Theology – D.Min. Modules
D.Min. Modules
Pastoral Track
Module PM 1 Nurture
Purpose:
• To examine the importance of a shepherding ministry for
the health and growth of the church. Students will critically
assess various models of shepherding in the church
and develop a usable model for use in their churches
• To examine the importance of pastoral counseling
as an instrument of nurture in the church. Students
will also be introduced to the “Dynamics of Biblical
Change” under the leadership of CCEF faculty
Module PM 2 Communication
Purpose:
• To consider important principles in order to improve
effective communication of biblical truth
• To help pastors reflect upon and improve their
own teaching and preaching skills
• To help refresh and renew students in their enthusiasm
and effectiveness in communicating God’s word
Topics such as the life of the pastor, communication theory and
principles of learning will be covered.
Module PM 3 Evangelism and Missions
Purpose:
• To equip pastors with a biblical theological framework
to understand the mission of the church
• To help pastors understand the latest trends in Mission so
that they can help design a missions program for their church
• To give pastors a biblical understanding of
evangelism and how to pastor a community
Topics include contextualization, evangelism, social concern, and
current trends in global mission. The practicum will provide instruments
for diagnosing church health/growth patterns and for building
growth strategies.
(Not given in 2009-2010.)
Module PM 4 Leadership
Purpose:
• To clarify the biblical calling and job description
of a pastor in the light of contemporary cultural,
church, and kingdom developments
• To glean principles of spiritual leadership from Nehemiah
• To help students lead their homes, gain and impart
vision to their churches, establish workable structures
for fulfilling the Great Commission in their churches
and communities, train and work with their elders as
a team, and set priorities and manage their time
This module is designed so that in class discussion, students
can apply these principles in very practical ways to their particular
situations. Topics include the dynamics of spiritual renewal, cell
church model for pastoring, discipling, evangelizing, and individual
philosophy of ministry.
(Not given in 2009-2010.)
Module PM 51 Pastor as Physician of the Soul
Purpose:
• To revisit a neglected aspect of pastoral care which
viewed the pastor as the “physician of the soul,”
whose work was called “the cure of the souls”
• To understand the dynamics of conversion experiences
and how churches can foster an environment in
which sincere inquirers are genuinely welcomed
• To understand the dynamics of spiritual growth, with particular
focus on the importance of community in genuine growth
• To study the doctrines of salvation from the
perspective of how they actually impact the
hearts as well as heads of parishioners
Topics covered will constantly press the issue of experiential use
of the doctrines of grace. This will include a “case study” approach
to Christian experience.
(Not given in 2009-2010.)
2009–2010
135