Class Outline

PASTORAL LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION

COS 114

Instructor:  Jim Standiford  

REQUIRED TEXTS: Leading the Congregation, Shawchuck, Norman and Heuser, Roger (LC)       

2008 Book of Discipline (BOD) 

RECOMMENDED BUT NOT REQUIRED: Church Administration and Finance Manual      

Witman, Crumroy, Kukawka,

Thurs., July 8 Personal and Congregational Vision and Mission LC, Chap 4-6, 9 & 10

BOD, p 45-50, ¶120-130, 201-205

Fri., July 9 The Task of Ministry LC, Chap 14

            BOD, ¶340

Mon., July 12 Groups, Committees and Team Leadership LC, Chap 13

         BOD, ¶204, 243-258

Tues., July 13 Problem Solving and Conflict LC, Chap 11, 12, 18

Wed., July 14 Stewardship and Finance

Thurs., July 15 Responsibility in Leadership BOD, ¶2501, 02, 03

      (Fiduciary, Legal, Moral, Safe Sanctuaries) ¶2524-32 

Fri., July 16 Case Studies 

Course Requirements: 

1) Pre-class assignment: Read Shawchuck in its entirety, and BOD assigned materials.  Respond to these questions by June 15 via email to: jstandiford@fumcsd.org. 

1. What in Shawchuck did you find to be most helpful for your current appointment?  Least helpful?
2. In light of Shawchuck, how would you characterize your congregation?
3. In light of Shawchuck, how would you characterize your leadership?
4. Describe your personal spirituality?

 2) Participate in class discussions and projects.   2) Participation in class discussions and projects. 

3) One group case study, which will be developed during class session.

Course Description: 

This course explores the caring presence and actions of the pastor as a form of spiritual leadership and formation. Skills of effective pastoral care are presented and practiced, including effective listening and response, awareness of cultural differences, timely intervention, and appropriate referral. Students are encouraged to reflect on their personal strengths, their need for growth in developing relational skills, their self-care, and the development of personal spiritual practices–all in the context of the community of faith. 

Objectives:

1. Developing the pastor’s identity as a spiritual leader and caregiver, with emphasis on the need for continuing spiritual and professional growth

2. Instruction, practice, and feedback in basic communication skills, including

verbal and nonverbal communication

3. Examination of basic methods for dealing with developmental issues and life

crises, including when and how to refer a person to other sources of assistance

4. Exploration of ethical issues, including confidentiality, personal and professional

boundaries, and the pastor’s legal responsibilities

5. Introduction to a Wesleyan understanding of spirituality and spiritual practice