Catalogue 2008 Book - Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

DMIN - CHRISTIAN NURTURE
CN.805 A PRACTICAL THEOLOGY OF CHRISTIAN TRANSFORMATION AND
GROWTH
This course compares various visions of salvation and human wholeness, with particular
attention given to each vision’s understanding of transformation as event, process, or promise.
Refl ecting on their practice of ministry, students examine their own assumptions about
and construct a practical theology of transformation and growth. Class sessions challenge
participants to advance in their understanding of personal and social change in light of
Christian faith.
CN.809 PASTORAL LEADERSHIP IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
This course is based on the conviction that the education of Christians is a vital ministry of
the church. Pastors and other congregational leaders are essential in shaping this ministry.
Students study contemporary approaches to Christian education, evaluate the biblical,
theological, and sociological assumptions of each approach, and examine leadership roles in
Christian education appropriate in different ministry settings.
CN.813 TEACHING SKILLS FOR PASTORAL MINISTRY
Building on theological understandings of the church and its mission, this course examines
the distinctive character and function of teaching as a pastoral ministry. Students develop
their teaching skills by experimenting with a variety of methods for teaching and learning
in different ministry settings.
CN.817 MINISTRY IN TIMES OF CRISES
This course examines situational and developmental kinds of crises in the human life cycle and
assists participants in acquiring crisis counseling skills. Furthermore, participants study recent
developments in short-term counseling and family systems therapy in order to enhance their
vision of ministry in times of individual, family, congregational, and community crises.
CN.821 PASTORAL COUNSELING AS MINISTRY
In this course students reexamine fundamental issues that arise from the practice of pastoral
counseling as a ministry of the church, including pastoral counseling in diverse contexts.
Students learn a variety of models for pastoral counseling. To a signifi cant degree pastoral
ministry depends upon sensitive and accurate communication between persons. Participants
in this course identify and develop through practice sessions the major communication skills
essential or effective pastoral care and counseling.
CN.829 CRITICAL ISSUES FOR MINISTRY IN HIGHER EDUCATION TODAY
What are the peculiar issues which confront the church today as it strives to engage in ministry
in higher education? As funding for ecumenical campus ministries declines, will the church be
able to respond using parish-based models? What new and emerging approaches for ministry
are available to the church for this ministry? This seminar presents participants with the
opportunity to explore these basic questions, using the research and writings of authorities
on the subject, such as Douglas John Hall, George Marsden and Douglas Sloan.
CN.831 THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR MINISTRY AND HIGHER EDUCATION
Many in the church today question the manner in which the church over the years has carried
out ministry on college and university campuses. Others seriously question the appropriateness
of such ministry. On the other hand, para-church groups have developed successful programs
for ministry among college and university students. This course requires participants to
establish the theological bases for the church’s ministry in the area of higher education, and
to determine how those fundamental theological understandings guide and shape ministry
approaches with respect to individuals and institutions.
CN.845 CURRENT ISSUES IN THE CHURCH’S MINISTRY: THE CHURCH’S HEALTH
CARE MINISTRY AND THE HEALING DIMENSION OF PASTORAL CARE
At a time when perennial concerns about health and illness are being shaped by major
changes and issues in North America’s approach to medicine and health care, this course
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