Learning the Practices of Ministry

The need for material that presents a practical approach to ministry is paramount. That need is fulfilled in the pages of this book. Individuals eminently qualified to address these issues offer patterns and applications out of their experiences. The suggestions offered here are both Biblical and practical. Such important subjects as planning a worship service, administering the sacraments, conducting weddings and funerals, attending to the daily tasks that befall a pastor, and many other relevant matters ministers face every day are covered in this volume. For those just starting in the ministry, this is an invaluable resource. For those who are already actively involved in ministry, this book serves as a refresher course. Both groups can glean information that will enlarge their service for the Lord.

Course Objectives:

After completing this course, students will be able to…

1. Complete a self-evaluation of their personality and discuss the dynamics of group interaction.
2. Describe how to conduct the following ceremonies:
   1. Worship
   2. Communion
   3. Dedications
   4. Funerals
   5. Marriages
   6. Footwashing
   7. Visitation
3. Discuss stewardship for a contemporary society based on Biblical principles.
4. Manage the budgets and finances of a local church.
5. Identify and discuss the various aspects of a caring church.

1. How Do I Know My Calling?
2. How Does the Church Understand Its Culture?
3. What is the Outreach Process?
4. What is the Connecting (Community) Process?
5. What is the Faith (Character) Development Process?
6. What is the Expressive-Response Process?
7. How is Service (Calling) Developed?
8. How are Systems Created for Ministry?
9. How Does a Pastor Plan a Worship Service?
10. How Does a Pastor Administer the Sacraments?
11. How Does a Pastor Conduct Family Ministry?
12. How Does a Pastor Bring Comfort?
13. How Does a Pastor Serve as an Administrator? (Part 1)
14. How Does a Pastor Serve as an Administrator? (Part 2)
15. What is the Pastor’s Role in Finances of the Church?
16. What is the Pastor’s Role in Promoting Stewardship?
17. How are Financial Reports Created?
18. What is the Relationship Between the Church and Taxes?
19. What is the Relationship Between the Church and Legal Issues?
20. Voice
21. Vision: Seeing the Ministry of the Church
22. Organization: Structures for the Church’s Ministry (Part 1)
23. Organization: Structures for the Church’s Ministry (Part 2)
24. Involvement: Joins People with God’s Work (Part 1)
25. Involvement: Joins People with God’s Work (Part 2)
26. Involvement: Joins People with God’s Work (Part 3)
27. Care: Shows God’s Love for People
28. Evangelism: Reaches Local and Global Community with the Gospel

Video Lesson 1: How Do I Know My Calling