Reformed Theological Seminary Nicole Institute for Baptist Studies (Orlando Campus)

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1 Ascol, Baptist Theology of Ministry, p. 1 Reformed Theological Seminary Nicole Institute for Baptist Studies (Orlando Campus) Syllabus for Baptist Theology and Ministry (Course # 2PT713) January 6-10, 2014 Instructor: Dr. Thomas K Ascol editor@founders.org (239) (Grace Baptist Church) RTS/NIBS Course Description: This course will familiarize students with different paradigms of Baptist ministry while promoting a Reformed Baptist understanding of the primacy of the church, the priority of preaching, and the right use of the Lord s Supper and Baptism. Course Objectives: 1. To survey the qualifications for pastoral ministry. 2. To survey the nature of pastoral ministry and the call and role of the pastor. 3. To interact with classic literature in the field of Baptist ministry and theology Course Textbooks: Lectures to My Students, Charles H. Spurgeon Dear Timothy, Thomas Ascol, ed. Living by Revealed Truth: The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Tom Nettles Baptism of Disciples Alone: A Covenantal Argument for Credobaptism Versus Paedobaptism, Fred Malone Confessing the Faith: The 1689 Baptist Confession for the 21 st Century Recommended Reading The Christian Ministry, Charles Bridges And Earnest Ministry, John Angell James The Reformed Pastor, Richard Baxter Brothers, We Are Not Professionals: A Plea to Pastors for Radical Ministry, John Piper The Cross and Christian Ministry, Leadership Lessons from 1 Corinthians, D. A. Carson A Portrait of Paul: Identifying a True Minister of Christ, Rob Ventura and Jeremy Walker Course Requirements:

2 Ascol, Baptist Theology of Ministry, p. 2 Class Attendance and Participation (20% of course grade) The student is expected to come to each class having read the assigned readings and prepared to enter into relevant discussion. Textbooks and Bible should be brought to class. Due to the fact that this course is being taught over the J-term, much of the reading must be done prior to the beginning of the course. Two Book Reviews (30% of course grade) Students are required to write two book reviews. The first is on Tom Nettles Living by Revealed Truth. The other is Fred Malone s Baptism of Disciples Alone. The reviews should be analytical and not merely descriptive. They should include a summary of at least 3 pages and personal application ( how I will put what I learned from this book into practice ) of at least 2 pages. Each book review should be typed, double-spaced and stapled, with a cover sheet. Each is worth 15% of the final grade. One Reflection Paper (10% of course grade) Students are required to write a reflection paper, at least 5 pages in length, during the course of the week and to be turned in January 10, on one of the following topics: Qualifications for Pastoral Ministry, The Pastor as a Theologian, The Pastor as a Shepherd, The Pastor as Defender of the Faith, The Pastor and Preaching, The Pastor s Inner Life, The Pastor and Counseling, The Pastor and Discipleship, Baptism and the Lord s Supper, The Pastor s Role in Gathered Worship. Each paper should be typed, double-spaced and stapled, with a cover sheet. This is worth 20% of the final grade. This paper is to be your own evaluation of the role of a pastor in one of the above descriptions, based on class lectures and/or the reading assignments. It need not be footnoted, but may be at your discretion. 4 Quizzes (40% of course grade; the highest 3 will be averaged) Come to each class prepared to be quizzed over previous class lectures and assignments. Extra Credit Book Review With the prior approval of the professor students may read and review a third book (or more than one book with a combined minimum of 200 total pages) from the Recommended Reading list or bibliography. The 1000 word extra credit review must be turned in vial or regular mail by midnight, January 13, Up to 5 additional points can be added to the final grade from this review. Grading Scale: This course follows the RTS Catalog grading scale (see p. 47)

3 Ascol, Baptist Theology of Ministry, p. 3 Course Outline: January 6 READING: CTF: chs 1-5; LTMS: ch 2 (1 st series); DT: chs Introduction and Prolegomena 2. What is a Baptist Pastor? (terms and portraits) 3. Where do Baptist Pastors come from? a. They are called b. They are qualified January 7 READING: CTF: chs. 6-13; LTMS: ch. 5 (1 st series); DT: chs , A Baptist Pastor s self-perception a. Theologian of the People b. Preacher of the Word c. Shepherd of the flock d. Defender of the Faith January 8 READING: CTF: chs ; LTMS: chs. 3, 11 (1 st series) 5. A Pastor s inner life a. His devotion b. His mindset 1) Reformation 2) Accommodation c. His emotional life January 9 READING: CTF: chs ; DT: chs A Pastor s center Jesus Christ a. Christ determines our message b. Christ determines our ministry January 10 READING: LTMS: chs (2 nd series); DT: chs. 4, A Pastor s ministry priorities a. Ministry of the Word b. Baptism and Lord s Supper c. Congregational Membership & Elder Leadership For consultations, questions not answered on this syllabus, emergencies, and appointments, Dr. Ascol may be reached at editor@founders.org.

4 Ascol, Baptist Theology of Ministry, p. 4 Bibliography for Pastoral Ministry Class Armstrong, John H., ed. Reforming Pastoral Ministry: Challenges for Ministry in Postmodern Times. Wheaton: Crossway Books, Ascol, Thomas K., ed. Dear Timothy: Letters on Pastoral Ministry. Cape Coral, FL: Founders Press, Azurdia, Arturo G. III. Spirit Empowered Preaching: The Vitality of the Holy Spirit in Preaching. Fearn: Christian Focus Publications, Baxter, Richard. The Reformed Pastor: A Pattern for Personal Growth and Ministry. James M. Houston, ed. Portland: Multnomah, Bonar, Horatius. Words to Winners of Souls. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, Boston, Thomas. The Art of Manfishing: A Puritan s View of Evangelism. Fearn: Christian Focus Publications, Bridges, Charles. The Christian Ministry: with an Inquiry into the Causes of its Inefficiency. Repr. Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, Cook, Faith. Samuel Rutherford and His Friends. Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, Dawn, Marva J. and Eugene H. Peterson. The Unnecessary Pastor: Rediscovering the Call. Peter Santucci, ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Edwards, Jonathan. The Salvation of Souls: Nine Previously Unpublished Sermons on the Call of Ministry and the Gospel. Richard A. Bailey and Gregory A. Wills, eds. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, Gregory the Great, St. Pastoral Care. Henry Davis, S.J., trans. New York: Newman Press, Griffin, Edward D. A Tearful Farewell from a Faithful Pastor. Amityville, NY: Calvary Press, Herbert, George. A Priest to the Temple, Or, The Country Parson. London: Canterbury Press, James, John Angell. Church Member s Guide: Christian Fellowship. Vestavia Hills, AL: Solid Ground Christian Books, (reprint). An Earnest Ministry: The Want of the Times. Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust,

5 Ascol, Baptist Theology of Ministry, p. 5 Kistler, Dr. Don, ed. The Christian Pastor s Manual: A Selection of Tracts on the Duties, Difficulties, and Encouragements of the Christian Ministry. Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, Peterson, Eugene H. The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work. Atlanta: John Knox Press, Take and Read: Spiritual Reading: An Annotated List. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Under the Unpredictable Plant: An Exploration in Vocational Holiness. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Philip, William, ed. The Practical Preacher: Practical Wisdom for the Pastor-Teacher. London: The Proclamation Trust, Piper, John. Brothers, We Are Not Professionals: A Plea to Pastors for Radical Ministry. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, The Supremacy of God in Preaching. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, Spring, Gardiner. The Power of the Pulpit. Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, Spencer, Ichabod. A Pastor s Sketches: Conversations With Anxious Souls Concerning the Way of Salvation. 2 vols. Vestavia Hills, AL: Solid Ground Christian Books, Spurgeon, C. H. An All-Round Ministry. Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, Lectures to My Students. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, Stewart, James S., D.D. Heralds of God. London: Hodder & Stoughton Ltd., Watts, Isaac. An Exhortation to Ministers. Choteau, MT: Old Paths Gospel Press. Witsuis, Herman. On the Character of a True Theologian. Greenville, SC: Reformed Academic Press, 1994.

6 Ascol, Baptist Theology of Ministry, p. 6 Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes Course: Baptist Theology of Ministry Professor: Thomas Ascol Campus: Orlando Date: January 6-10, 2014 MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes In order to measure the success of the MDiv curriculum, RTS has defined the following as the intended outcomes of the student learning process. Each course contributes to these overall outcomes. This rubric shows the contribution of this course to the MDiv outcomes. *As the MDiv is the core degree at RTS, the MDiv rubric will be used in this syllabus. Articulation (oral & written) Scripture Reformed Theology Sanctification Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, historical, and cultural/global information, including details, concepts, and frameworks. Significant knowledge of the original meaning of Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research further into the original meaning of Scripture and to apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances. (Includes appropriate use of original languages and hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical, and cultural/global perspectives.) Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and practice, with emphasis on the Westminster Standards. Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student s sanctification. Rubric Minimal None Minimal Mini-Justification 1. Student will read and review relevant books. 2. Student will participate in discussion over case studies 1. Class will rely heavily on Pastoral Letters 2. Biblical theology of church and ministry will be emphasized 1. The 1689 Baptist Confession and tradition flowing from it will be consulted 1. Class prayer 2. Examining the importance of piety in the pastor s life Desire for Worldview Winsomely Reformed Preach Worship Shepherd Church/World Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of God. Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians, especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the Gospel in a God-honoring manner to non-christians; and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.) Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm. Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christianworship forms; and ability to construct and skill to lead a worship service. Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings; and encouraging a concern for non-christians, both in America and worldwide. Ability to interact within a denominational context, within the broader worldwide church, and with significant public issues. Class will show how biblical and systematic theology undergird pastoral ministry The resurgence of Reformed theology and its impact on ministry will be studied 1. The sufficiency of Scripture governs ministry 2. Scripture will be used to develop pastoral theology Class will give some attention to corporate worship in a Baptist church Class will show focus on serving a local church as a pastor. Baptist ecclesiology will be addressed within the context of autonomy and cooperation

C103: Pastoral Theology

C103: Pastoral Theology COURSE INSTRUCTOR Dr. Tom Ascol is the Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Cape Coral, Florida and serves as the Executive Director of Founders Ministries COURSE MENTOR Students