Catalogue 2008 Book - Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

DEPARTMENT OF THE CHURCH’S MINISTRY
of the congregation’s culture and as prophetic change agent. The goal of the course, beyond
the immediate objective of sharing current research and acquainting the student with
pertinent literature, is to instill in students habits of understanding congregational situations
theologically with appreciation for their social complexity. Six credits. Mr. Jinkins
CM.339 WORKSHOP IN CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
Congregational leadership demands that pastors have mastered, and are theologically
responsible for, a variety of skills, from the management of staff and program to team building
among lay and professional leaders, from the raising of funds and fi nancial management to
ministry through confl ict. This workshop focuses on various areas of church administration,
familiarizing students with relevant resources, providing a context in which appropriate skills
can be developed and allowing students to critically evaluate the biblical and theological
adequacy of specifi c approaches to church administration. Workshop topics may include
church management, stewardship and fi nancial aspects of church leadership, multi-staff
leadership, confl ict, law and the practice of ministry. Six credits. Mr. Zbinden
III. MISSION AND EVANGELISM
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
CM.203 MINISTRY AND THE SMALL CHURCH
This course assists students to learn about the peculiar dynamics of small congregations (under
250 members) in order to understand better how ministry can be carried out in and through
such churches. Students explore various models for ministry which have been developed for
small congregations in both rural and urban contexts. In addition, special attention is given
to economic and sociological issues critical for rural communities today. Six credits.
CM./TH.227 CHRISTIAN UNITY, MISSION, AND PASTORAL PRACTICE
The history of division between Christians, the modern ecumenical movement, and the
current proliferation of Christian denominations and movements throughout the world shape
mission and pastoral practices in the twenty-fi rst century. This course introduces students
to historical and theological reasons for divisions between churches and to impulses behind
movements towards unity. Students refl ect on the relationship between visible unity and
the church’s missionary nature, and consider pastoral problems and possibilities related to
Christian diversity. TH.100 and TH.104. Six credits. Messrs. A. Jones and Lincoln
CM.230 THEOLOGY AND PRACTICE OF MISSION AND EVANGELISM
This course is designed to equip students to lead congregations in the practice of mission
and evangelism with theological integrity. Participants gain an overview and understanding
of major contemporary issues in mission and evangelism as these pertain to the church in its
global context and the particular church in its local setting. Theological developments among
Protestants and Roman Catholics are traced and refl ected upon with special reference to their
implications for leaders of congregations. Special attention is given to social justice, global
awareness, ecumenism, and lay ministry in the world. Prerequisites: Bi.102 and Bi.116. Six
credits. Mr. A. Jones; Spring
CM.233 EXPLORING KOREAN CHRISTIANITY
The Christian faith is growing and vibrant among Koreans both at home and abroad. This
course explores Korean Christianity in Korea and the United States of America through the
discussion of two basic questions: what is its history, and what are the dynamics empowering
its rapid growth? Six credits. Mr. A. Jones
CM.235 CHRISTIAN WITNESS IN A PLURALISTIC SETTING
Religious pluralism has become a fact of life in North America over the course of the past few
decades, so that increasingly Christians are living and working with people of other faiths.
How should Christians in the United States of America relate to Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs,
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