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2012-2013 Academic Catalog and Handbook

PSTD (Pastoral Studies)

PSTD (Pastoral Studies)

PSTD 501 Pastoral Counseling
3 hours. An introduction to the counseling role of the minister. The purpose of the course is to acquaint the student with basic counseling methods in relation to the typical situations encountered in pastoral ministry. Special attention will be given to marital and family dynamics and process, as well as to the minister's own marriage and family. One of the principal objectives will be to help the student recognize when and how to refer persons to qualified mental health professionals.

PSTD 506 Pastoral Ministry
3 hours. An analysis of the theology and practice of pastoral ministry. The purpose of the course is to develop professional competence through increased understanding of (1) the theological basis of pastoral ministry, (2) the various types or models of pastoral ministry, and (3) how one's theological orientation and personality type (as adduced by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) predisposes a person to one ministry model over another. Attention will also be given to anticipated leadership responsibilities associated with pastoral ministry and how the student's personal leadership style may both help and hinder the satisfactory fulfillment of these responsibilities.

PSTD 510 Essentials of Preaching
3 hours. This course introduces students to the theology of preaching and to the principles of sermon construction and delivery. The purpose of preaching as an essential element in the ministry of the church will be considered, as well as the various sermon types and communication techniques used to convey the timeless message of Scripture within a contemporary setting.

PSTD 520 Advanced Preaching
3 hours. An advanced-level preaching course in which homiletical theory and practical application are brought together. The course consists mainly of student preaching and peer evaluation and builds on the foundational principles covered in PSTD 510 Essentials of Preaching. The goal is to enhance both the student's theology of preaching and skills in sermon preparation and delivery.

PSTD 530 Equipping & Discipleship
3 hours. Examines the human and spiritual roles, tasks, and development of adults. Attention will be given to the processes and contexts by which adults are discipled as individuals and in community. Biblical and theological foundations for discipleship as it relates to moral and faith development, and to service in the church and community will be explored. The course focuses on developing spiritual-gifts-based ministry, and mobilizing, coaching, and supporting adults in the local church, which includes building small groups for Christian community and spiritual formation.

PSTD 550 World Religions
3 hours. A survey of the major religions of the world, in a context of Christian ministry. The uniqueness of Christianity is noted in its relation to contemporary religions.

PSTD 554 Global Mission of the Church
3 hours. This course is designed to enhance the student's understanding of the global outreach of the gospel, especially as it manifests itself in a world that is being globalized and tribalized at the same time. The cultivation of a "missional imagination" and cross-cultural learnings and leanings are primary objectives of this course.

PSTD 564 The Theology and Practice of Worship
3 hours. This course examines the purposes of worship and its biblical, theological, and historical roots. It also focuses on evaluating current trends in worship, understanding the connection of worship to evangelism, learning how to plan and lead worship, and exploring the role of music and the arts in worship.

PSTD 565 Clinical Pastoral Education
6 hours. Chaplain internship at an approved CPE center. Upon completion of one CPE unit, the student sends a copy of the final supervisor's report to the CPE director in order to receive 6 credits for the course. See Hospital Chaplaincy section of the MDiv program description for more information.

PSTD 575 Pastoral Internship
2 to 6 hours. A full range of pastoral experience, including preaching at an approved church with a minimum of 10 hours a week of supervised involvement.

PSTD 580 Evangelism
3 hours. This course examines the theology, history, and methodology of evangelism and seeks to apply them to personal witness and the ministry of the local church. It examines methods for evaluating the evangelistic fruitfulness of a local church, methods of personal and corporate evangelism, small group rationale and methodology for evangelism, and methods for equipping laity to do evangelistic ministry. Students will learn to develop a lifestyle of intentional evangelism and apologetics while avoiding the modern trap that makes our hearers often feel cornered, bullied, or trapped.

PSTD 584 Church Administration
3 hours. The purpose of this course is to enhance professional competence in pastoral ministry by providing insights and skills pertaining to the administration and management of the local church. Particular attention will be given to time management, conflict resolution, delegation, conducting meetings, coordinating committees, communication among staff, managing the church office, volunteer recruitment, training and support, church finances, and tax and legal considerations.

PSTD 585 Seminar in Pastoral Studies
1 to 3 hours. A seminar represents the involvement of a group of students with a professor studying a specially selected topic. Students are encouraged to submit suggestions for seminar topics to the departmental chair. Such requests, as well as faculty interests and special opportunities, will be considered in arrangements for a seminar.

PSTD 595 Special Study in Pastoral Studies
1 to 3 hours. A specially designed and individually tailored course of research involving in-depth study of a particular question, problem, or issue presented by the student. The student must make application for the study prior to registration for the semester in which the study will be carried out. The application must be approved by the faculty member overseeing the study and the departmental chair. Special arrangements for regular courses of study must be approved by the dean.

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