Foundations Introduction

Introduction

The course is intended to help develop a foundation for pastoral ministry based on biblical teaching and practical application. A theological foundation for pastoral ministry must lead to godliness.

Importance of Systematic Reading of Scripture

• Robert Murray McShane's Bible reading plan is helpful in understanding scripture.

• The plan takes you through the entire Bible once a year, the Book of Psalms twice a year, and the entire New Testament twice a year.

• It is important to carefully work through systematic theological documents such as "We Believe: Resources for Faith with Baptist Distinctives" and other statements of faith.

• Engage in theological reading such as Hodges Systematic Theology or Calvin's Institutes.

Course Approach

• The course will be primarily online through short videos but there will be an in-person component.

• The sessions will concern biblical revelation after an introduction which we are doing now developing a Biblical foundation for pastoral Ministry and exploring the importance of understanding your theological assumptions from a pastoral point of view.

Biblical Foundation for Pastoral Ministry

A theological foundation for pastoral ministry must be first of all biblical, it must be based upon the teaching of scripture, it must be practical, dealing with real-life situations that you are finding.

John Calvin's Institutes

• Real theological doctrine must always lead to godliness.

• John Calvin's purpose was solely to transmit certain rudiments by which those who are touched with any zeal for religion might be shaped to true godliness.

We Believe: Resources for Faith with Baptist Distinctives

• The document is useful because as we work our way through it, there are scripture proofs that are connected with it.

• Encourage you to look up as many statements of faith as you can find such as the Metropolitan Tabernacle statement of faith or the Philadelphia statement of faith.

Importance of Understanding Your Theological Assumptions

• It must help you to understand and to challenge your theological assumptions based upon what the scripture says.

Course Overview

This section provides an overview of the course and its structure.

Course Content

• The course covers topics such as eternal nature, incarnation, act of obedience to his father, his cross, resurrection, ascension, glorification and continuing ministry.

• The Holy Spirit and the church are also discussed in detail.

• Understanding the Biblical doctrine of the Holy Spirit is important for pastoral ministry.

Assignments

• Two essays are required: a 3 to 4 page typed and double-spaced biblical reflection on one of the doctrinal points found in "This We Believe" and a 5 to 6 page essay exploring either baptism or the Lord's table from the point of view of their integration within the Theology of the Baptist Church.

• Class participation will also be evaluated through quizzes and discussion forums.

Importance of Biblical Doctrine

This section emphasizes the importance of biblical theological formation and understanding apostolic doctrine.

Apostles' Doctrine

• Acts chapter 2 verse 42 describes marks of a brand new Christian Church on Pentecost day.

• They devoted themselves to apostles' teaching which concerns apostolic doctrine arrived at through communion with God in Christ by the Holy Spirit.

Evaluation Criteria

This section explains how students will be evaluated in this course.

Assignments

• Two essays are required: a 3 to 4 page typed and double-spaced biblical reflection on one of the doctrinal points found in "This We Believe" and a 5 to 6 page essay exploring either baptism or the Lord's table from the point of view of their integration within Theology.

• Quizzes will be given at end each video.

• Students must answer questions before proceeding to next video.

• Class participation will be evaluated through discussion forums.

Grading

• Assignments, quizzes, and class participation will all be considered in the final grade.