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THEO 594 - Special Topics: Practical Theology

Teacher Dr. C. Simpson
Semester Fall Duration 15 Weeks
Frequency Every three years
Credits 5 ECTS Workload 150 Hours
Module format Intensive
Applicability This Module accepts that students are already engaged in practical ministry. They are to be encouraged to objectively analyze their ministry situation and apply previous learning.
Course structure See module and courses
Contact time 40 Hours Self-Study 110 Hours
Participation requirement See access to the program
Evaluation
Evaluation Hours Weight
Phase 1 40 30%
Description of the ministry setting
 5 10%
Journal 30 10%
Discuss 5 10%
Phase 2 100 50%
Questionnaire
 20 10%
Discuss 30 10%
Development of Small Group Bible
Study
 50 30%
Phase 3 10 20%
Final Tutorial
 10 20%
Total 150 100%
Content of the Module This Module is designed to provide academic recognition for the time spent in practical ministry in a Church or similar setting concurrent with the part-time Master of Arts in Pentecostal-Charismatic Studies. In addition, it encourages the students to apply their learning in a practical manner and to evaluate the worth of their study materials, insights gained, and even changes in their philosophy of ministry.
Typically, a student may be involved for 10 hours per week in a ministerial setting, including five hours of contact time e.g. Youth Meeting, Church Service, Small Group, Counselling, or Elders’ Meeting. Worship Team practice, plus at least five hours of preparation and personal devotions. 
This Module will run for 15 weeks during which each student will undertake the following ensuring prompt submission of each task.
Learning Objectives

A. General
This course seeks to:

  1. Enable students to analyze the ministry within a church or similar setting.
  2. Encourage awareness of comprehensive ministry opportunities in a church setting.
  3. Develop a prayer journal and evaluate their personal ministry involvement.
  4. Apply the truths and teaching that they have learned in the theological and biblical Modules.
  5. Ascertain the value of good preparation and subsequent evaluation.

B. Specific
As a result of the study and activities of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Produce a series of sermons or bible studies on specific topics or themes that have been learned from previous modules in order to apply acquired knowledge.
  2. Compare and contrast the various ministries in a local church setting and be aware of the various stages of human psychological development in child and youth ministry.
  3. Engage in online discussions with fellow students to develop a critical awareness of each unique situation.
  4. Honestly evaluate and appraise their own ministerial contributions.
  5. Analyze their own philosophy of ministry and be willing to make changes or allow for developmental theology on a personal level.
Outline 1. A personal Evaluation of the ministry setting and philosophy of the ministry
2. A personal devotional journal
3. Tutorials, three in total either face-to-face or by skype
4. Visit, observe and evaluate each of the various ministries conducted in the ministry setting, whether the student is involved in them.
5. Engage in a discussion group with their peers every two weeks.
6. Develop and run a series of small group bible studies or a sermon series on a topic
or theme which has been studied in previous modules.
7. Final tutorial to ascertain learning progress and development, identifying changes through time and how well the student has been able to self-evaluate and incorporate suggested changes.
Examination See Evaluation
Core Literature Reading List:
Anderson, Robert C. The Effective Pastor. Chicago, IL. Moody, 1998.
Cannon, Tom. Practical Ministry. Jonesborough, TN. Preacher’s Kid Press, 2010.
Price, Frederick K.C. Practical Suggestions for Successful Ministry. Lake Mary, FL. 2016.
Other information


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