RTS DOCTOR OF MINISTRY PROGRAMS

WINTER 2014

 

This course will engage with several theological classics – from John Calvin, John Bunyan, and Jonathan Edwards – as a way of creating a venue for reflection on the pastoral task.  As we think about issues of Christian nurture, conversion, and piety, students will gain conversation partners that will enable them to reflect meaningfully on their current ministry situations and to evaluate future ministry directions.

January 23-25, 2013
Church Revitalization
Harry Reeder
01DM819 - Core
Syllabus -  Register

This course will be offered at the “Embers to a Flame Conference” at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, AL. It will include a study of the means of diagnosing problems in the local church and ways to revitalize it for effective ministry.

WINTER 2014

January 13-17, 2014
Applied Theology: Spiritual Formation for Leaders
Steve Childers
02DM802 - Core
Syllabus - Register (registration opens 11/1/2013)

A Christian leader must lead from character before skill. Therefore, in this course students will be given an overview of the biblical and theological principles regarding the development of mature Christian character. This will help them develop a theological approach to spiritual growth and renewal in their ministries.

Students will be shown how to experience the transforming power of the gospel in their lives and ministries through understanding and applying theological truths related to the Gospel of God’s grace. They will also learn ways to be agents of gospel transformation in light of the Church’s mission to make disciples of all nations. Special focus will be placed on the application of the practical theology of English Puritans (1550–1700) such as John Owen and Richard Baxter.

January 20-24, 2014
Addictions: Equipping Caregivers to Set Captives Free
Jim Coffield & Sharon Hersh
02DM868 - Elective
Syllabus - Register (registration opens 11/1/2013)

This course will equip church leaders with a biblical and psychological framework for helping people find true hope and freedom from addictions through the power of the gospel in community. The church is now facing an unparalleled crisis as masses of people (including followers of Christ) are becoming addicted to a host of experiences that protect them from their difficult life challenges. As a result, our culture is becoming highly addictive and sexualized in ways that defy the limits of most church leaders’ prior understanding.

Life-dominating addictions are no longer limited to alcohol and illegal drugs, but now include a host of other activities, including prescription drugs, cybersex, eating, media gaming, gambling, etc. In this course, students will examine subjects that were not even included in seminary training or counselor preparation five years ago. The class will utilize lecture and small group formats, including supervised practical skills development.