Ministry Formation

Course Description

“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” (Isaiah 64:8).

Each term students have opportunities to gain valuable practical ministry experience through serving in their home and other local congregations.

Students design projects from the four main areas of Jesus’ ministry detailed in the syllabus that will have immediate impacts and practical benefits in the congregations they serve.

Theological reflection is the foundation of ministry formation. One of the dangers that arise while we engage in ministry is the failure to stop and reflect on what God is doing in our life or the lives of those around us. By reflecting and seeking God’s will, we are better prepared to engage in ministry towards others. Ministry Formation is a small group format where we learn from one another, learn to ask good questions and become better listeners. Through the growth of these skills we become better equipped to listen and learn from God, the one who is ultimately shaping and forming us. Various readings are assigned to assist in the process of reflection and formation.

Recent Examples of Ministry Formation Projects:

• Preparing and Preaching sermons for home and local congregations needing help 
• Preparing and teaching Bible classes for home and local congregations needing help
• Calling every church member during the pandemic and offering spiritual encouragement and practical assistance 
• Creating Bible lessons and projects for parents to use at home to teach their children during the pandemic 
• Working with teens to provide Biblical answers to their tough questions
• Demographic study of a congregation’s town to identify needs which lead to starting a life-recovery ministry
• Internal study of a congregation’s gifts and abilities to empower outreach to the church’s community
• Renewing a congregation Part 1: helping a congregation with an older demographic who want to be effective in their community by interviewing members and identifying 12 practical feasible ministries 
• Renewing a congregation Part 2: Helping the congregation implement the ministries identified in Part 1
• Developing and posting Scriptural messages on social media to engage with young people needing to learn about God and the truth, salvation and relationship He offers in Jesus