Catalogue 2008 Book - Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

DEPARTMENT OF THE CHURCH’S MINISTRY
CM.331 CHRISTIAN PRACTICES: THEORY AND PRACTICE
Students explore Christian practices as activities that engage our participation in God’s work
in the world. Attention is given to practices such as hospitality, forgiveness, peace-making,
living in community and keeping the Sabbath, including their internal and external benefi ts
to people of faith. The aim of this course is for students to grasp the importance of Christian
practices for congregations and to gain knowledge of how to foster a culture of practices.
Prerequisite: CM.220 or CM.222. Six credits. Mr. White
II. LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
CM.199 PUBLIC LEADERSHIP: A CASE ANALYSIS APPROACH
This course introduces students to several of the most signifi cant current leadership models.
Students employ these theoretical models to analyze a variety of situations using contemporary
fi lms and television programs based on the experiences of political and public fi gures. This
course encourages students to test their capacity for critical perception and to develop and
sharpen discernment skills. Six credits. Mr. Jinkins
CM.207 THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH: AN INTRODUCTION TO PRACTICAL
ECCLESIOLOGY
Is there a future for the church? The course asks this question in order to explore the nature
and destiny of our common life as Christians. This course serves to provoke refl ection and
increase understanding regarding the meaning and signifi cance of the church in a time when
anxiety over its survival may seriously jeopardize its authentic identity, witness, and mission.
Participants focus on a variety of alternative ecclesiologies, seeking to raise fundamental
philosophical, ethical, and theological issues related to the practice of faith and ministry in
diverse congregational contexts. Six credits. Mr. Jinkins
CM.209 THE CALL TO MINISTRY: COMMUNITY, VOCATION, AND PRACTICE
The purpose of this course is to address issues with respect to vocation which are critical
for ministry in the church. Giving appropriate attention to selected literature of various
denominations and ecumenical bodies, participants explore the biblical, historical, and
theological background to the development of the “orders for ministry.” Moreover, focusing
on the fundamental relationship of baptism to ordination, students investigate the particular
roles and offi ces recognized by the community of faith. Six credits. Mr. Jinkins
The Rev. Janet L. Maykus
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Dr. C. Ellis Nelson