Philosophy of Ministry Leadership Paper

Philosophy of Ministry Leadership Paper

Instructions

For this culminating assignment, you will draw from all of your learning in this class to develop a tentative 3- to 4-page paper elaborating on your current philosophy of ministry leadership. We anticipate that you will refine and clarify the ideas in this paper throughout your course of study in this major.

Use the following format for your paper:

Introduction and Calling: In your introductory paragraph, please specify your personal calling and envisioned leadership role (local church, missions, nonprofit, etc.). You might find it helpful to shape this philosophy of ministry with a view toward your ideal church, mission, or nonprofit ministry context.

7–10 Core Principles: Next, organize the core of your philosophy around your elaboration of a set of 7–10 core principles that will guide your ministry. These principles should include a mixture of biblical/theological and practical. Practical items might include ideas related to human development and spiritual formation or faith and culture. State each principle clearly followed by a short paragraph explaining what you mean by the principle and citing course materials and texts to defend and support your position.

These are the topics we have been dealing with in the course.

Week 1: What is God doing in human history, and how do we fit into his purposes?

Week 2: How do you develop intimacy with God and grow spiritually?

Week 3: What are our nonnegotiable beliefs and priorities as followers of Christ?

Week 4: How does your psychological development or personality relate to your spiritual formation?

Week 5: How has God made you, and what is your life calling?

Week 6: Is your vision to be a hero or to be a hero maker?

Week 7: How do we engage the culture for the sake of gospel ministry?

These are books for the course.

McKnight, S. (2015). A fellowship of different: Showing the world God's design for life together. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. [978-0310531470] The following textbooks are available at no cost to students through the University Library (linked on the course site).

Barton, R. H. (2008). Strengthening the soul of your leadership: Seeking God in the crucible of ministry. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. [978-0830846450]

Smith, G. T. (2017). Evangelical, Sacramental, and Pentecostal: Why the Church Should Be All Three. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. [978-0830851607