Theological Reflection and Christian Ministry James & Evelyn Whitehead Topics ranging from Tradition and the minister to the broad concerns of theology in conversation with culture.
Ministry is transformative action. As Christians, when we do something in service-engaging the needs of our sisters and brothers in the name of Jesus Christ-we minister for the reign of God. The Romero House volunteers, whose narratives undergird this volume, actively construct a theology of ministry while undergoing a powerful sense of personal transformation. Anyone involved in ministry-whether in formation programs, in parishes, or in social justice activities-will welcome this creative, process-oriented framework for ministerial theology and faith development, a framework that is firmly grounded in the minister's grassroots experience.
Feedback and evaluation, both of oneself and by others, are the lifeblood of a successful ministry experience. In A Guide to Theological Reflection, experienced practical ministry professors Jim Wilson and Earl Waggoner introduce the processes and tools of theological reflection for ministry. Effective evaluation includes critique and potential course correction for the honest and willing minister, as well as positive affirmation of how one's desires influence good ministry decisions. A Guide to Theological Reflection introduces tools by which a minister can interact with his or her own thoughts, beliefs, and feelings; external feedback, such as that of a ministry supervisor; and Scripture to inform deep and transformative theological reflection. Designed as a textbook for practical ministry courses and theological field education, A Guide to Theological Reflection can also be used in ministry contexts. It provides guidance for students, ministers-in-training, mentors, and advisors, laying a theoretical foundation for theological reflection and demonstrating step-by-step how to practice it well.
Every church is called to some form of family ministry, but this calling requires far more than adding another program to an already-packed schedule. The most effective family ministries refocus every church process to engage parents in discipling their children and to draw family members together instead of pulling them apart. In this second edition, Jones expands the definition of family ministry, and broadens the book's focus to address urban perspectives and family ministry in diverse settings.
This toolkit of intentional and compassionate strategies takes an encouraging, incremental approach to help even small groups get started quickly. Study the separate chapters on: imaginative marketing; the ministry of greeting, crafting welcoming materials, tracking and involving newcomers and structuring groups for growth. Then adapt an additional 34 pages of template forms, brochures, and procedures to your needs while employing Weeks' point-by-point recommendations to: make sure your signs and property invite, not confuse; create powerful, welcoming ads and print communication, train and prepare greeters; and develop programs to incorporate and track newcomers during their first critical months.
Description: The Association of Theological Schools states, The purpose of the Doctor of Ministry degree is to enhance the practice of ministry for persons who hold the MDiv degree and have engaged in ministerial leadership. The goals an institution adopts for the DMin should include an advanced understanding of the nature and purposes of ministry, enhanced competencies in pastoral analysis and ministerial skills, the integration of these dimensions into the theologically reflective practice of ministry, new knowledge about the practice of ministry, and continued growth in spiritual maturity . . . The program shall include the design and completion of a written doctoral-level project that addresses both the nature and the practice of ministry. The project should be of sufficient quality that it contributes to the practice of ministry as judged by professional standards and has the potential for application in other contexts of ministry. Doctor of Ministry projects are a type of participatory action research that introduces an intervention in order to provide ministerial leadership for the transformation of the organization. The intent of Qualitative Research: A Multi-Methods Approach for Doctor of Ministry Projects is to provide the fundamentals of qualitative research so that significant projects and theses emerge. Endorsements: ""Finally! A much-needed resource for Doctor of Ministry programs, this comprehensive text offers a detailed account of the components and purpose of Doctor of Ministry projects . . . His attention to forming mature theological thinkers and critically reflexive researcher-practitioners has the power to enhance the quality and credibility of Doctor of Ministry research projects. Sensing's clarity of thought, purpose, and writing style make this text an excellent resource for both students and faculty."" --Lorraine Ste-Marie Assistant Professor on the Faculty of Human Sciences Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Ontario ""In this volume Dr. Sensing clearly and thoughtfully lays out the process for developing and writing a Doctor of Ministry project thesis. The book focuses primarily on various qualitative research methodologies describing them and giving specific examples of their use. The multi-methods approach he takes allows for both the flexibility and the rigor necessary to produce a quality thesis. Sensing is committed to projects that are grounded in solid theological foundations and implemented in local ministry contexts. This is a must read book for DMin students and advisers."" --Dave Bland Professor of Homiletics Harding University School of Theology ""Tim Sensing has written a major textbook for every seminary's Doctor of Ministry program. Appreciating the strengths and limitations of these programs, Sensing offers a guide and sourcebook for students in designing and writing their project theses. Equally important is his approach to the degree and project in which the student is a practical theologian engaging theology as a communal, formative, critical, and public activity. The church desperately needs quality doctoral work producing rigorous research that contributes to the practice of ministry. Those who share this goal have a valuable new resource."" --Lovett H. Weems Jr. Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington DC About the Contributor(s): Tim Sensing (DMin, PhD) is the Director of Academic Services and Professor of Homiletics at the Graduate School of Theology located on the campus of Abilene Christian University. Tim has taught research methodologies for the Doctor of Ministry program since 1999.
Models and Methods for Youth and Young Adult Ministry is a rare book on young adult and youth ministry in that it weaves sound theology and solid pastoral practice. It invites pastoral practitioners, scholars in the field, and university-ministry students to envision various models and methods for doing youth and young adult ministry in a collaborative and ecumenical way. Through rich, concrete examples and strategies, the reader will grasp the significance of each model and the various methods to integrate and implement these robust approaches. The result is this book will empower readers toward a more meaningful understanding of youth and young adult ministry, which will in turn engage the young church of Christ.
Most seminaries now require their students to get real world training by way of supervised theological field education. This volume presents the wide array of issues that must be understood in order to integrate theological education and practical ministry, including the importance of theological field education, its purpose and challenges, the need for flexibility in meeting different students' needs, and the resources available to create a meaningful and educational experience.
"Straw for the Bricks" explores theological reflection as a tool for ministerial training and development. The book offers a new resource for theological conversation and breaks new ground in exploring how a model of conversation can be used to lay a foundation for learning for both academic curriculum and personal formation. This will become an important resource for those within theological education institutions, adult theological educators; those with responsibility for continuing ministerial development, mentoring and discipleship; and any lay person who seeks to live a life of faith in conversation with culture and the Judaeo-Christian tradition.