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Pastoral and Prophetic Congregational Leadership

This concentration is designed for students preparing for careers in congregational ministry. It provides opportunities to deepen their understanding of the theology and practice of ministry through contextual and practical approaches. Students are challenged to think critically about the intersectional dimensions of congregational life, including gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, and more, in twenty-first-century North America.

  • Current Steering Committee

     

    Eunjoo Kim (Convener), James Byrd, Stephanie Budwey, Jaco Hamman, Forrest Harris, Bruce Morrill, Arelis Benitez

  • Learning Goals
    • Students will develop perspectives on congregational leadership that prepare them to engage in the congregational ministry as thoughtful and reflective leaders.
     
    • Students will acquire practical skills in preaching, worship, pastoral care, and administration, which are essential for effective congregational leadership
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    • Students will cultivate leadership abilities and deepen self-awareness of their own gifts under guided supervision.
  • Required Courses

    Required Courses

    Practical Theology Seminar (3 hours)

    Additional Requirements (9 hours)

    Courses applicable to understanding the theory and practice of congregational ministry and the development of leadership skills. These include courses on the history of religious bodies, biblical interpretation in congregational contexts, the theology of specific traditions, pastoral care, preaching, worship, and administration.

     

     

  • Co-Curricular Offerings

    Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the workshops and events on congregational leadership offered by the following VDS programs:

    • The Lilly Pathways Initiative
    • Lifelong Learning Education
    • Carpenter Program in Religion, Gender, and Sexuality
    • Cal Turner Program for Moral Leadership in the Profession
    • Religion in the Arts and Contemporary Culture
    • Kelly Miller Smith Institute in Black Church Studies
    • James Lawson Institute for the Research and Study of Nonviolent Movements
    • Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice
    • Historical Programs
  • Praxis Options

    Select a congregation-based placement for DIV 7900.

  • Senior Project Emphasis

    Students who choose this concentration are encouraged to pursue M.Div. Senior Project topics related to some aspect of congregational leadership.