Reformed Theological Seminary - Houston Spring PT529 Theology of Ministry 2 Hours Tuesdays, 6:30 PM 9:30 PM

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1 Reformed Theological Seminary - Houston Spring 2015 PT529 Theology of Ministry 2 Hours Tuesdays, 6:30 PM 9:30 PM Rev. Fred Greco Visiting Lecturer Senior Pastor, Christ Church PCA fred.greco@cckpca.org Office Phone: (281) Cell Phone: (832) Course Description This course introduces the student to general pastoral care, biblical and professional standards of ministerial conduct, self-image, etiquette, interpersonal relationships, and typical problem areas and possible pitfalls for pastors. Theology of Ministry is a Practical Theology class, and as such there will be a heavy emphasis on the implications of Biblical and Reformed principles on day-to-day ministry and the life of the Church. We will spend less time working in the original languages (although the instructor has significant experience there!) than in thinking through and discussing matters such as shepherding, discipleship, leadership, strategic planning, family/life balance, community building, and working well with others. The readings have intentionally been weighted toward such practical matters. The instructor s goal is to have the course serve both as a resource for future ministry and as a forum to think through pastoral issues in order to prepare for ministry. Course Objectives 1. The student will understand and apply the inspired instructions for ministry in the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus) to the pastoral ministry. 2. The student will examine his calling, character, giftedness, and competencies with reference to pastoral ministry. 3. The student will be exposed to various aspects of the pastor s life that will necessitate preparation and planning in order to maintain spiritual balance in pastoral ministry. 4. The student will learn how to develop and implement a preaching plan, a new members class, and an officer training program. 5. The student will be exposed to issues and challenges of the ministry with respect to personal and family life. 6. The student will be introduced to several issues in pastoral ministry which each pastor must biblically address.

2 Required Texts (total 921 pages) (These texts may be in an electronic format (e.g. Kindle), or audio format if available) 1. The Holy Bible, 1 & 2 Timothy, and Titus, preferably in a recent translation (the instructor will use the ESV). 2. Clowney, Edmund P. Called to the Ministry. Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing: Phillipsburg, NJ; pages. 3. Piper, John. Brothers, We Are Not Professionals: A Plea to Pastors for Radical Ministry, Updated and Expanded Edition. Broadman and Holman Books: Nashville; pages. 4. Rainer, Thom S. and Eric Geiger. Simple Church: Returning to God s Process of Making Disciples. Broadman and Holman Books: Nashville, TN; pages. [Note that this is an updated edition] 5. Tripp, Paul David. Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry. Crossway: Wheaton, IL; pages. 6. Warfield, B.B. The Religious Life of Theological Students. (Lecture at Princeton Theological Seminary) Available at 14 pages. Recommended Texts (These texts are not required reading for the examination) 1. The Westminster Confession of Faith Together With the Larger Catechism and the Shorter Catechism with the Scripture Proofs (3d ed.; Atlanta: CE&P, 1990). 2. Baxter, Richard. The Reformed Pastor. Carlisle: Banner of Truth, Bridges, Charles. The Christian Ministry: With an Inquiry Into The Causes Of Its Inefficiency. Carlisle: Banner of Truth, Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate. Colorado Springs: NavPress, Carson, D. A. The Cross and Christian Ministry: Leadership lessons from 1 Corinthians. Grand Rapids: Baker, Davis, Dale Ralph. The Word Became Fresh: How to preach from Old Testament narrative texts. Rossshire: Christian Focus, Dever, Mark and Gilbert, Greg. Preach: Theology Meets Practice. Nashville: B&H, Dickson, David. The Elder & His Work. Phillipsburg: P&R, Fairbairn, Patrick. Pastoral Theology A Treatise: On the Office And Duties Of The Christian Pastor. Audubon, NJ: Old Paths Publications, Johnson, Terry L. Leading in Worship. Oak Ridge, TN: The Covenant Foundation, Kistler, Don, ed. Feed My Sheep: A passionate plea for preaching. Orlando: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn. Preaching and Preachers. Zondervan: Grand Rapids; Miller, Samuel. Thoughts on Public Prayer. Harrisonburg: Sprinkle Publication, Murphy, Thomas. Pastoral Theology: The pastor in the various duties of his office. Whitefish, MT: Kessinger Publishing, Old, Hughes Oliphant. Leading in Prayer: A workbook for worship. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Olyott, Stuart. Ministering Like the Master: Three messages for today s preachers. Carlisle: Banner of Truth, Prime, Derek & Begg, Alistair. On Being a Pastor: Understanding our calling and work. Chicago: Moody Publishers, Spurgeon, Charles H., Lectures to my Students. Pilgrim Publications: Pasadena, Texas;

3 19. Wells, David F. No Place for Truth: Or, Whatever Happened to Evangelical Theology. Wm. B. Eerdmans: Grand Rapids; Wells, David F. God in the Wasteland: The Reality of Truth in a World of Fading Dreams. Wm. B. Eerdmans: Grand Rapids; Wells, David F. Losing Our Virtue: Why the Church Must Recover its Moral Vision. Wm. B. Eerdmans: Grand Rapids; Wells, David F. Above All Earthly Pow rs: Christ in a Postmodern World. Wm. B. Eerdmans: Grand Rapids; Witmer, Timothy. The Shepherd Leader: Achieving Effective Shepherding In Your Church. Phillipsburg: P&R, 2010 Assignments & Requirements (1) Completion of the Assigned Reading. The student will complete all of the Required Reading above, approximately 921 pages. The student must indicate to the instructor in writing at the time the Final Exam is turned in how much of the reading has been completed (partial credit will be given). 20% of Final Grade (2) A Final Exam will be given as a take-home exam, handed out at the end of class on April 28. It is not an open-book exam. The student will be required to sign a statement that the student has received no assistance (whether from written materials or persons) during the course of taking the exam. The final exam will be based on both the lectures and the Required Reading, and will consist of multiple choice questions and several short answer (1-2 paragraphs) questions. The final exam is due not later than 4:00 PM on Tuesday, May 19, Please arrange your schedule accordingly. Late Exams will be penalized. 30% of Final Grade (3) Reflection Paper. The student will submit a 5-6 page paper (typed, double-spaced using 12 pt. font) reflecting on a topic or book covered in the course. The paper is not a compilation of research, but is rather an articulation by the student of the main theme of the book chosen, or a summary of the salient point of the topic/issue chosen. Topics for this paper include: Temptations faced by the minister that can shipwreck his ministry How to strategically think about ministry, and lead others in that vision The importance of shepherding the flock in pastoral ministry The difference between pastoral ministry, entrepreneurialism, and business management The relationship of the ministry of the Word to ministry to people The paper is due at the start of class on Tuesday, April 28, Late Papers will be penalized. 30% of Final Grade (4) Outline Agenda for Leaders Meeting. The student will draft a one page outline agenda for a meeting of a church leadership group (e.g. Elders, Deacons meeting). 10% of Final Grade (5) Outline Agenda for Officer Training. The student will draft a one or two page outline for training officers in the church. 10% of Final Grade 3

4 Attendance Because of the condensed nature of this course, class attendance is required for PT 529. If a student anticipates an unavoidable absence, he should notify the instructor in advance. Each hour of unexcused absence subjects the student reduction of his final grade by one-half of a letter grade. Grading Scale The grading scale for this course is the seminary s grading scale. You may find it listed in the RTS Catalog. Plagiarism Please review the seminary s policy on plagiarism. Plagiarized work will subject the student to failure in the course and possible disciplinary action. In-Class Computer Use Students are expected to conduct themselves as mature believers in Christ. Classroom manners should reflect this maturity. Please silence all cell phones and other electronic devices, and plan to return calls during breaks. Please refrain from surfing the internet, playing games, or chatting during class time. Approximate Class Schedule Please note that this schedule is approximate and subject to change at any time. The instructor s announced changes in class will be the final word on the nature and date of assignments. They are the student s sole responsibility to note and to implement. Class will meet from 6:30 PM until 9:30 PM on the following Tuesday evenings: February 3 February 10 February 17 February 24 Reading Due: Warfield, The Religious Life of Theological Students In-Class Topic: Ministry Foundations A study of the Biblical passages and warrant for the pastoral ministry. Also covered will be the subject of a personal call to ministry. Reading Due: Clowney, Called to Ministry In-Class Topic: Ministry and the Word The role of the minister as a preacher of God s Word, teacher of God s people, and leader in worship. In-Class Topic: Ministry as a Pastor A study of the ministry of general pastoral care for the flock, shepherding, and pastoral counseling. In-Class Topic: Ministry with Co-Laborers Ministry involves working together with others, including officers of the Church (elders and deacons), other ministers within one s tradition, and other ministers and ministries in the community. 4

5 March 3 March 24 March 31 April 14 April 28 May 19 In-Class Topic: Ministry in the Congregation How does a minister involve people in the congregation in ministry? What does leadership look like in the context of the Church, as distinct from the business community? Reading Due: Piper, Brothers, We Are Not Professionals In-Class Topic: Ministry and Community Discussion of the minister s role in developing the community of faith in the local congregation, including building relationships among congregants, and developing discipleship patterns. In-Class Topic: Ministry and Culture Discussion of the minister s role in leading a congregation to be salt and light in the culture in which we live, including the issues of contextualization, witness, and declaration of God s Word Reading Due: Rainer & Geiger, Simple Church In-Class Topic: Ministry and Priorities Ministers (like all other people!) are finite beings, with limited resources, time, and energy. How should the minister prioritize his labor? What principles are involved? Included will be a study of church administration and ministerial etiquette. Reading Due: Tripp, Dangerous Calling In-Class Topic: Ministry and Temptations A minister faces temptations, some common to all Christians, some unique to his calling. Among them are money, focus on success, tendencies toward people-pleasing, and the consequences of suffering. Also included in this study will be the challenges faced by the family of the minister, and how the minister can best minister to his own family. Final Examination Due Instructor s Background Rev. Greco is a teaching elder (pastor) in the Presbyterian Church in America. He has served as the Senior Pastor of Christ Church in Katy, TX ( for the past eight years. He currently serves as the Chairman of the PCA s Standing Judicial Commission, which serves as the highest court in the PCA. Prior to entering the pastorate, Rev. Greco was a ruling elder and Clerk of Session at Grace PCA in Hudson, Ohio. He was an attorney specializing in corporate governance, commercial finance, and real estate. He earned his law degree (J.D.) from the University of Michigan (1996), his graduate degree (M.A. in Classical Languages and Literature) from the University of Chicago (1993), and his undergraduate degree (B.A.) from the State University of New York at Buffalo (1991). He is a graduate of Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson (2003). 5

6 Course: Professor: Campus: Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes Theology of Ministry (PT529) Fred Greco Houston Date: Spring 2015 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. Rubric Minimal None Mini Justification Articulation (oral & written) Scripture Reformed Theology 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. Students will be required to articulate a theology of ministry in such a way as to be faithful to the Scripture and understandable by others. Theology of ministry is developed from Scripture. The core of the ministry is the Word and Sacraments, as understood within a Reformed context. Sanctification Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student s sanctification. Will be exposed to key issues of holiness in Pastoral Ministry. Desire for Worldview Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of God. A proper understanding of ministry within the context of the wider Church and culture will be emphasized. Winsomely Reformed Preach 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. Minimal The importance of working with and alongside pastors of various backgrounds, fellow officers, and congregants at large will be emphasized. Students will consider the implications of preaching within the wider context of ministry. 6

7 Worship Shepherd Church/World 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. Minimal The minister s role as a worship leader will be studied. The minister as shepherd will be the main focus of multiple lectures, and heavily emphasized in the reading. Exploration of the minister s role beyond his local context, within the broader Church and culture will be central. 7

Reformed Theological Seminary - Houston Winter PT520 Church Polity 1 Hour Saturday, 8:00 AM 3:30 PM January 17 and 24, 2015

Reformed Theological Seminary - Houston Winter 2014 PT520 Church Polity 1 Hour Saturday, 8:00 AM 3:30 PM January 17 and 24, 2015 Rev. Fred Greco Visiting Lecturer Senior Pastor, Christ Church PCA fred.greco@cckpca.org