This course examines the roles, function, and theological considerations for the practice of pastoral leadership. Ministry identity, call, and foundational pastoral tasks are discussed. The purpose of the course is to provide general information about pastoral leadership in order to help students: (1) understand the dynamics of pastoral leadership, (2) be acquainted with specific tasks of pastoral leadership, (3) to develop a biblical and theological vision for pastoral leadership, (4) to clarify calling and identity as a pastor, (5) to engage with issues, challenges, and obstacles toward faithful and effective pastoral leadership, and (6) to be better prepared to engage in the practice of a biblically-based and theologically driven ministry. Emphasis will be made on the practical matters of leadership.

This course assumes that pastoral care is a ministry of the church, both through the ordained representatives and the congregation as a whole. Therefore, it will be of interest to both those students who are pursuing ordination and those who seek other avenues of expressing Christian faith and care in the church and the world. This course will not explore counseling as a specialized ministry beyond the congregation, though general matters pertaining to pastoral counseling and therapeutic intervention as they arise in the course will be discussed.

This course aims to provide a basic introduction to world religions. The course emphasizes the interaction of religion and culture with a view to cross-cultural understanding. Dialogue between Christians and adherents of other religions including African Religions, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Confucianism, and Shintoism is the subject of this course.