Course Code: BOS20
General Introduction to Christian Ministry
BD Orientation, Semester I, 4 Credit Hours, College Paper

Course Objectives
To help students to have an overall picture of Christian ministry
To introduce the students the Biblical and Theological Foundations of worship and preaching,
To introduce the students the core meaning of Pastoral care and counselling in the context of ministry and mission of the Church
To introduce the students the basic meaning and purpose of Christian Education To introduce the students the meaning, modes and basic models of communication To help students to understand the vocation of Christian ministry and mission

Methods
Lectures
Discussions
Experiments and Exposures

Course Requirement 
Final examination               60%
Internal Assessment           40%

Course Outline

I. General information about ministry and mission of the Church

1. What is Church?
2. What is ministry?
3. What is Mission?
4. Personality of a Christian minister/evangelist

II. Biblical and theological basis of Worship and Preaching

1. What is worship?
2. How is Christian worship different from other worships?
3. What is preaching?
4. Why preaching?
5. Qualifications of a preacher and worship leader

III. Basic principles of Pastoral care and Counselling

1. What is Pastoral Care?
2. Means and methods of Pastoral Care
3. Definitions of Counselling
4. Basic principles of Counselling-
5. The Role of Minister in pastoral care and counselling
6. The role of the Church in Pastoral care and counselling

IV. Definition, scope and purpose of Christian education

1. What is Christian Education?
2. Historical sketch of Christian education
3. The role of family in Christian education
4. Methods of teaching Christian education

V. The importance of communication.in Christian ministry

1. What is Communication?
2. Forms of communication
3. Basic types of communication
4. Difficulties in communication (barriers)

VI. Call and commitment of the Christian minister

1. Brief sketch of both biblical and historical examples of God’s calling of various people in the history of the church
2. Qualifications of Christian minister/evangelist
3. Meaning of Christian vocation/service
4. Demands and difficulties involved in ministerial vocation
5. Rewards and satisfaction in ministerial vocation

 

Bibliography

Essential Readings

Abba, Raymond. Principles of Christian worship. New York: Oxford University Press,1:960.

Clinebell, Howard John. Basic Types of Pastoral care and Counselling. Revised Edition, Thimvalla: SuvarthaBhavan 1987. Murry, Ezamo.An Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counselling. Revised Edition, Delhi: ISPCK, 2009.

Paulus, Vimala. Introducing Christian Education. Madras: Christian Literature Service,  1986.

Suggested Readings

Abraham, KC. A Purposeful Education for all. Bangalore: SCMI, 1989.

Anderson, Kenton C. Preaching with conviction. Secunderabad: Operation Mobilization Books, 2001. Bowen, Roger. Ed., A Guide To Preaching. Delhi: ISPCK, 2011.

Clifford, P.R. The Pastoral calling. New York: Channel Press, 1961.

Dareeju, Leslie. ‘Field Education: Theological Formation.’ In The Splendour ofNandana Uyana,edited by GP.V. Somarathana, 213-217. Pilimatalawa: Theological College ofLanka, 2013

Gerkin, Charles V. An Introduction to Pastoral Care. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1997.

Isaiah, G Preach the Word: the Basics of Homiletics. Tiruvalla: ChristavaSahityasamithl, 2004.

Killinger, John.Fundamentals of Preaching. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1985.

Oates, E. Wayne.An Introduction to Pastoral Counselling. Nashville: Broad11mn Press, 1959.-

Philip, Abraham.. In the Masters Service: Reflections on Christian Ministry- Iniionour of Rev. Dr. M V.Abraham (Published by Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam, 2011) p. 340.

Philip, Abraham. Lighted to Lighten: Reflections on Christian Spirituality – In honour,of Rev. Dr. K.V.Mathew (Published by Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam, 2012) p. 2015

Prashantham, B.J. Indian Case Studies in Therapeutic Counselling. Vellore: Christian C01.mselling Centre, 1978.

Prabhakar, Samson. ed., Essays on Christian education and Litu,gy. Bangalore: BTESSC/SA.THRI, 2003.

Peiris, Jayasiri. ‘Theological Education and Formation.’ In Diocesan Council: Safient Trends 1885-2010, 95-105. Colombo: Diocese of Colombo, 2011.   1

Sleeth, R.E. God’s Word and Our Words: Basic Homiletics. Atlanta:. JohnKnox Press, 1986. Stott, John R. W. / believe in Preaching, Mumbai: Gospel Literature Seivice, 2004..

Taylor, M. J. An Introduction to Christian Education. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1966. Wardlaw, D.M. ed., Preaching Biblically. Philadelphia: Wesfininster Press,1983.

Wesley, ArunK.umar. Liturgy as worship: Towards a form of worship insongs, Word and Drama. Bangalore:Asian Trading Corporation, 2002.

White, James. Introduction to Christian Worship. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 19.80.

White, R.E.O. A Guide to Preaching. London: Pickering and Inglis Ltd, 1973.

All Subjects

Friendly Note

Bachalor of Divinity Materials is your one-stop resource for comprehensive Biblical studies, designed to support students pursuing a Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) and other theological courses. Our website is a dedicated platform that provides access to the full syllabus of the Bachelor of Divinity course along with detailed answers, ensuring a thorough understanding of every subject and topic covered in your curriculum.

Here, you will find a vast collection of assignments, study guides, articles, and research papers meticulously curated to assist you in excelling academically. The platform also features a rich selection of theological books, journals, and resources spanning diverse subjects such as Old Testament, New Testament, Systematic Theology, Church History, Biblical Languages, and Pastoral Studies.

To make your learning experience convenient and accessible, we offer downloadable PDFs of study materials, including books and journals, allowing you to learn anytime, anywhere. Whether you are preparing for exams, writing assignments, or conducting in-depth research, these resources are tailored to meet the needs of both students and scholars in biblical and theological studies.

With a commitment to empowering theological learners, our mission is to provide high-quality, authentic, and practical study materials. Explore Bachelor of Divinity Materials to grow spiritually, academically, and intellectually as you deepen your understanding of God’s Word and Christian doctrine. This platform is a valuable resource for aspiring ministers, pastors, and anyone dedicated to the study of theology and biblical teachings.