The Practice of Ministry
- To demonstrate leadership and knowledge of the ministries of evangelism, stewardship, ecumenism, interfaith relations, mission theology, and the historical and contemporary experience of racial and minority groups.
- To understand and describe how contemporary cultures affect the practice of ministry in particular situations.
- To identify the theological, pastoral, and practical issues and methods pertinent to the contemporary practice of ministry in specified situations.
- To illustrate and analyze the issues and challenges for ministry, applying them in a response to a contemporary situation.
Print books available in the Deanery
Injustice and the Care of Souls: Taking Oppression Seriously in Pastoral Care by Call Number: HN31 .I55 2009 | Fall Reserve / P5390 / WestISBN: 9780800662356Publication Date: 2009-06-01Print Version
Mujerista Theology: A Theology for the Twenty-First Century by Call Number: BT83.55 .I82 1996ISBN: 9781570750816Publication Date: 1996-09-01Print Version
The Practice of Pastoral Care: A Postmodern Approach (Revised and Expanded Edition) by Call Number: BV4011.3 .D64 2015ISBN: 9780664238407Publication Date: 2015-01-02Print Version
Shared Wisdom: Use of the Self in Pastoral Care and Counseling by Call Number: BV4012.2 .C66 2004 | Spring Reserve / P5330 / BethuneISBN: 9780800634544Publication Date: 2003-11-18Print Version
Video presentation from The Rev. Danielle Hansen, PhD
Note from Professor Emeritus The Rev. Dr. Kathleen Russell
Recommended preparation:
- Familiarity with resources from the Episcopal Church (e.g. abortion and reproductive rights, gender inclusion, issues of race, reparations, climate change, etc.) Know where the Episcopal Church stands (or doesn’t) on various topics and issues. Know where to look to find resources for answering questions on specific topics, especially those specifically referenced in the canons and GBEC information of the areas covered in each GOE question.
- Familiarity with resources for pastoral care (family dynamics, addiction, grief and loss, adverse childhood events, stewardship of resources, conflict,etc.)
- Be able to articulate your understanding of the role of the priest/pastor in both interpersonal/pastoral relationships and as a leader in the congregation and community AND demonstrate how you enact this understanding. This doesn’t have to be complicated and academically justified, just show you have some sense of what is called for.
- Be able to articulate the key beliefs of your theological anthropology (hopefully consistent with the Anglican tradition and Episcopal Church, esp. in Prayer Book) and how this affects your approach to pastoral ministry. Again, not fancy or referenced (unless the question asks for this) but demonstrating some clarity about what you think God wants for people, the aim or goal of specific types of ministry, etc.
What is the GBEC looking for?
Based on a review of the questions asked on the last several exams, they are looking for specific knowledge about topics and approaches in ministry within the tradition and demonstrating an integrated vision of what the situation calls for, not just in actions but with a pastoral sense of what forces are in play and what people need. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge about the issue (climate change, immigration policy, race relations//addiction, grief, Christian formation) and connect that to a solid pastoral plan of action that is grounded in theology, good practices of ministry, and insight into the complications of group and interpersonal dynamics.
The Episcopal Church (TEC) Resources
- The Episcopal ChurchOn TEC's website you will find the Church's statements on race and reconciliation, immigration policy, creation care, and more.
- The Archives of the Episcopal ChurchThe website of the Archives contains The Acts of Convention, Reports to the General Convention, Resolves of Council, Episcopal Press and News, Journals of the General Convention, Constitutions and Canons, and much more.
- The Episcopal Church Foundation. n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2019.ECF is an independent, lay-led organization that helps congregations, dioceses and other Episcopal communities of faith engage in visioning and planning, develop leadership and raise and manage resources for ministry. ECF’s programs, products, and services help congregations respond to the changing needs of the Episcopal Church in the 21st century.
- Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs: In accordance with Title I, Canon 7, “Of Business Methods in Church Affairs" December 2019This tool is updated regularly and supports the efforts of administrators and vestries as they perform their responsibilities of financial oversight and stewardship.
eBooks
As One with Authority: Reflective Leadership in Ministry by ISBN: 9781608997374Publication Date: 2011-05-11ebook: limited access - 1 user
Postcolonial Practice of Ministry: Leadership, Liturgy, and Interfaith Engagement by ISBN: 9781498534482Publication Date: 2016-07-13ebook: limited access - 3 users
