The Bible and the Pastor (or Uses of Scripture in Pastoral Ministry) – BIBL 830

Course Description

An examination of the function of the Bible within pastoral ministry with a specific focus on the Bible in preaching/teaching, counseling, church administration and the pastor's devotional life. The class will examine the unique purpose of the Bible in each setting and a methodology for applying the Bible in each context.

Note: Available to DMIN Students only

Rationale

Pastors must understand the context for the use of Scripture in the pastoral ministry. This will include philosophical, theological, historical, and practical considerations of Scripture in pastoral ministry. It is critical for the pastoral leader to deepen his or her understanding of the complexity of Scriptural usage in pastoral ministry and to provide clear tools for biblical application.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

(CLO: A, B, C, D)

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be 500–600 words, incorporate 2 scholarly citations in current Turabian format, and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words and incorporate 2 scholarly citations in current Turabian format. (CLO: A, B, C)

Jesus and the Early Church Leaders Assignment

The student is to research and write a paper of 800-1200 words in current Turabian format relating the way in which Jesus and the early church leaders interpreted and applied Scripture with consideration of the context of the audience. Attention will be given to the context of ministry and the Old Testament passages used by New Testament ministers of the Word. The student must incorporate a minimum of 2 exegetical or technical commentaries to support his or her analysis. (CLO: A, B, C)

Manifesto of the Word of God Assignments (3)

The Foundations Assignment

The student is to combine and revise submissions made as an initial response to the discussion assignments developing a personal philosophy related to the nature of Scripture and the interpretation and application of Scripture. The length of the assignment is to be 2000-3000 words and is to be supported by the textbook and a minimum of 2 scholarly works in current Turabian format. (CLO: A, B, C)

Ministry Context Assignment

The student will select 3 specific ministry contexts where he or she currently ministers the Word of God, or he or she anticipates ministering the word of God. An analysis of each context will be completed and contextual factors that impact interpretation of application of Scripture to minister in those contexts will be explained in a 750-1000 word essay. The student will also create a bibliography consisting of 5 sources per context (a total of 15) that the student would want to have in his or her library of resources to adequately prepare for ministry. The entire assignment should be formatted in current Turabian format. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Final Assignment

The student will combine the The Foundations Assignment with his or her Ministry Context Assignment to complete this 4500-6000-word scaffolded assignment. The combined document is to be revised based on instructor feedback. An introduction and conclusion are to be added. (CLO A, B, C)

Reading Strategies Assignment

The student will develop a 3-year reading and study plan to facilitate a greater command of the Scripture for use in Ministry. Formatting of this assignment, whether as a calendar or list, is at the discretion of the student but should clearly demonstrate intentional intent for substantial increase in biblical knowledge. (CLO: D, E)