Course requirements

Assignments (60%)

PART ONE

Do any three of the following assignments:

1. Prepare a typed statistical document (with charts and graphs) on attendance at religious services within a local church. (20%)

2. Organize an evangelistic/soul-winning campaign or a Revival prayer session or a counselling session and prepare a typed (single-spaced), 2-3 page report. (20%)

3. Prepare a typed (single-spaced), 6-10 page on any one of the following: (20%)

·      Handbook for Children’s ministry, 

·      Handbook for Youth ministry

·      Handbook for Women’s ministry

·      Handbook for Men’s ministry

·      Handbook on Ethics and Etiquette for Pastors

A cover page is to be used, but do not include an intervening blank page.

4. Prepare a typed (single-spaced), 3-4 page theology of pastoral ministry (or shepherding), which gives biblical references (i.e., two to five references per topic) and discusses these topics: the calling to pastoral ministry (or to Christian ministry), the church, the office of pastor, the office of deacon, preaching, ordination, the ordinances, pastoral visitation and evangelism (or personal ministry visitation and evangelism), the pastor’s (or Christian’s) family and ministry priorities, servant leadership, and the pastor’s (or Christian’s) spiritual life and example. Format: each topic is to be taken in the order given herein and is to be listed as a heading followed by its respective biblical references and discussion. A cover page is to be used, but do not include an intervening blank page. (20%)

5. Prepare a typed (single-spaced), 3-4 page philosophy of doing pastoral ministry with regard to: church revitalization, church worship (or personal worship), outreach/witnessing, discipleship, missions, ministries, stewardship, conflict management, time management, funerals, weddings, and church staff relationships (or ministry staff relationships). Note: if you are married, then your philosophy paper must conclude with a discussion of getting your family adjusted at a new church field (or in a new ministry area or church). Format: same as the theology paper, except that biblical references are not to be cited and discussed. A cover page is to be used, but do not include an intervening blank page. (20%)

6. Pastoral Ministry Handbook–specifications: Handbook assignments will include two typed prayers, one wedding ceremony, one funeral service with sermon brief, a quarterly sample church calendar, a plan of preaching for four weeks, and two orders of worship. (20%)

PART TWO

ASSIGNMENT A                                                              

How do the Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Congregational forms of church government differ in terms of leadership structure, decision-making processes, and their impact on the autonomy of local congregations?

Areas to be Noted

1. Understanding of Church Government Forms [10 Marks]

·      Students should demonstrate a clear understanding of the Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Congregational forms of church government.

·      Responses should provide accurate descriptions of the leadership structure and decision-making processes in each form.

2. Identification of Differences [5 Marks]

·      Responses should highlight the key differences between the three forms of church government in terms of leadership structure and decision-making processes.

·      Specific examples and explanations can enhance the depth of analysis.

3. Impact on Autonomy of Local Congregations [5 Marks]

·      Students should explain how each form of church government affects the autonomy of local congregations.

·      The implications and consequences of these effects should be discussed.

ASSIGNMENT B

Identify and evaluate five key competencies and skills required for effective pastoral ministry in today's diverse and changing religious landscape?

Areas to be Noted

1. Identification of Competencies and Skills [4 Marks]

• Demonstrates a clear understanding of pastoral ministry.

• Accurately identifies and lists five key competencies or skills.

• Provides brief explanations for each competency or skill.

2. Relevance to Diverse and Changing Landscape [4 Marks]

• Explains how each identified competency or skill is relevant to addressing the challenges of a diverse and changing religious landscape.

• Demonstrates an understanding of the specific issues and trends in this landscape.

3. Evaluation of Competencies and Skills [4 Marks]

• Provides a thoughtful and critical evaluation of each competency or skill.

• Discusses their significance and potential impact on pastoral ministry.

• Presents well-reasoned arguments for the importance of each competency or skill.

4. Clarity and Organization [4 Marks]

• Presents the information in a well-structured and organized manner.

• Uses clear and concise language.

• Follows a logical sequence for presenting the competencies and skills.

5. Evidence and Examples [4 Marks]

• Supports the identification and evaluation of competencies and skills with relevant examples, anecdotes, or references to authoritative sources.

• Demonstrates a deep understanding of the topic.

ASSIGNMENT C                                                              

How can a declining or struggling church be effectively revived and rejuvenated to thrive in the modern era? Discuss the key strategies, challenges, and potential outcomes of church revival, and provide practical examples to support your analysis.

Areas to be Noted

1. Understanding of Church Revival [4 Marks]

• Demonstrates a deep understanding of the concept of church revival and its significance in the modern era.

• Provides a clear definition and context for church revival.

2. Key Strategies [4 Marks]

• Identifies and explains a comprehensive list of key strategies for effectively reviving a declining or struggling church.

• Offers detailed and well-structured explanations for each strategy.

3. Challenges [4 Marks]

• Discusses the challenges and obstacles that may be encountered when attempting to revive a church.

• Provides thoughtful insights into the potential difficulties faced during the revival process.

4. Potential Outcomes [4 Marks]

• Discusses the potential positive outcomes and benefits of a successful church revival.

• Offers a realistic evaluation of the impact of church revival on the congregation and community.

5. Integration of Practical Examples [4 Marks]

• Integrates relevant practical examples or case studies to illustrate the application of the key strategies and challenges in real-world situations.

• Demonstrates an ability to connect theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.

ASSIGNMENT D                                                  

Discuss the essential steps and considerations involved in beginning and effectively carrying out pastoral ministry in a church.

Areas to be Noted

1. Understanding of Pastoral Ministry [4 Marks]

• Demonstrates a deep understanding of the role and significance of pastoral ministry within a church context.

• Provides a clear definition and overview of the pastoral ministry role.

2. Essential Steps [4 Marks]

• Identifies and explains a comprehensive list of essential steps required to begin and effectively carry out pastoral ministry.

• Offers detailed and well-structured explanations for each step.

3. Considerations [4 Marks]

• Discusses key considerations that are important for effective pastoral ministry in a church.

• Provides thoughtful and relevant insights into each consideration.

4. Integration of Relevant Examples [4 Marks]

• Integrates real-world examples or scenarios to illustrate the application of the essential steps and considerations.

• Demonstrates an ability to connect theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

5. Clarity and Organization [4 Marks]

• Presents the information in a clear and organized manner.

• Maintains coherence and logical flow throughout the discussion.

ASSIGNMENT E                                                             

In what ways can

servant leadership contribute to building a stronger sense of community and

unity within a church congregation? How can church administrators foster a

culture of servant leadership to enhance this sense of community?

Areas to be Noted

1. Understanding of Servant Leadership [4 Marks]

• Students should demonstrate a clear understanding of the concept of servant leadership, including its core principles and values.

• Responses should explain how servant leadership differs from traditional leadership styles.

2. Identification of Ways Servant Leadership Contributes to Community and Unity [4 Marks]

• Responses should provide specific and relevant ways in which servant leadership positively impacts community and unity within a church congregation.

• The depth of analysis and the clarity of explanations are crucial.

3. Strategies to Foster a Culture of Servant Leadership [4 Marks]

• Students should outline practical and actionable strategies that church administrators can use to cultivate a culture of servant leadership.

• These strategies should be contextually relevant and supported with explanations.

4. Integration of Ideas and Coherence [4 Marks]

• Responses should be well-structured, with a logical flow of ideas from one point to the next.

• Each point should be connected to the overarching theme of servant leadership and its role in community building.

5. Clarity and Presentation [4 Marks]

• Responses should be well-written, with proper grammar and organization.

• The language should be clear, concise, and free from major errors that hinder comprehension.

ASSIGNMENT F                                                           

What are the key responsibilities and challenges that pastors face in leading church revitalization efforts, and how do these differ from traditional pastoral roles in established congregations?"

Areas to be Noted

1. Understanding of Church Revitalization [4 Marks]

·      Students should demonstrate a clear understanding of the concept of church revitalization and its significance.

·      Responses should distinguish between church revitalization and the role of pastors in established congregations.

2. Identification of Key Responsibilities [4 Marks]

·      Responses should outline the specific responsibilities that pastors have when leading church revitalization efforts.

·      Clear explanations and examples can enhance the depth of understanding.

3. Identification of Challenges [4 Marks]

·      Students should identify the challenges that pastors encounter in the context of church revitalization.

·      Discussing the complexity and uniqueness of these challenges is essential.

4. Comparison with Traditional Pastoral Roles [4 Marks]

·      Responses should effectively compare the roles and challenges of pastors in revitalization with those in established congregations.

·      Highlighting the differences and similarities is crucial for a comprehensive answer.

5. Integration of Ideas and Coherence [4 Marks]

·      Responses should be well-structured, with a logical flow of ideas from one point to the next.

·      Each point should be connected to the overarching theme of pastoral responsibilities in revitalization.

Examination (40%)

This is a three-hour paper.

Participation in class is mandatory.

Absences, Make-up Exams, and Late Assignments