Catalogue 2008 Book - Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

includes motivating, planning, organizing, training, funding, implementing, and evaluating.
Participants in the course are equipped for this work. In addition students refl ect on ways
in which their particular churches can assist members in the fulfi lling of their mission in the
world and support the church’s worldwide programs.
EM.817 DEVELOPING MISSION STRATEGIES IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
This course focuses on the social ministry of the church in a particular setting. Major emphasis
is given to working with other church and community agencies in identifying priority issues
and in developing strategies to address them. Questions of the long term maintenance and
evaluation of social programs are also addressed.
EM.825 UNDERSTANDING CHURCH GROWTH AND DECLINE
For three decades some denominations in the United States have been losing members; other
denominations have been increasing. This course examines and critiques theories and factors
related to church growth and decline. Participants identify and address issues related to the
membership trends of a particular church.
EM./CN.847 SPIRITUAL FORMATION IN THE PARISH
This course focuses on approaches to corporate spiritual formation. Analysis of and refl ection
on contemporary society as well as the local church prepare church leaders to move others
toward a balanced life of learning, work, and prayer. Students create a plan for spiritual
formation in a particular parish setting.
EM.851 MINISTRY IN THE CONTEXT OF THE RURAL COMMUNITY
Effective ministry in rural America necessitates an understanding of the dramatic changes
taking place and how these changes affect the well-being of rural communities and churches. In
this course students explore these changes making use of the many fi ndings of rural sociology,
examine leadership structures for rural communities and churches, and analyze how to take
initiative in effecting appropriate change.
EM.853 MISSION AND MINISTRY IN THE RURAL CHURCH
Ministry in the rural church presents new challenges as communities change in today’s world.
This course examines what the rural church has done, is doing, and could be doing to enhance
its mission and ministry. Students explore new models of ministry and of pastoral leadership
for the current context. Topics such as characteristics of the rural church, effectiveness of
ministries to church members, involvement of various denominations in rural churches,
networking, and team ministry are investigated.
EM.857 SOLIDARITY AND MUTUALITY: A NEW PARADIGM FOR MISSION AND
EVANGELISM
The premise of this course is that the church today needs to move beyond paternalism,
cultural invasion, imposition, and indifference with respect to mission and evangelism. In
particular, this course examines biblical models and explores ways to listen to and learn from
grassroots communities and popular movements. The participants are challenged to engage in
worldwide and cross-cultural mission in mutual partnership with the global faith community
and to be in solidarity with the poor in our communities.
EM.859 THE CHURCH’S MINISTRY WITH THE FAMILY IN THE RURAL CONTEXT
This course explores the range of problems and issues facing families in today’s changing
rural context. Students investigate areas of family ministry in the rural context, such as health
care, youth, elderly, and ethnic-cultural groups in order to develop ideas and strategies for
aiding and empowering the family. The roles of church and community in shaping the lives
of families in the rural context are analyzed theologically and sociologically.
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DMIN - EVANGELISM AND MISSION