The purpose of this course is to explore the reflective practice of ministry in an atmosphere of personal and professional sharing, eventually producing a set of analytical and theological papers as background for the Ministry Project. Within that general framework, this particular course seeks to ground the practice of ministry in an understanding of organizational theory and leadership strategies, as well as the theological implications of each. This is a research degree which is in two parts and involves pastoral ministry, counselling, preaching, any part of theological study and church ministry, leadership and evangelism or any uniquely developed area by the assistance or the directorship of Real Outreach Theological College faculty.

At the end of this course students should be able:

• To build upon the previous semester’s work in arguing appropriate claims based on sound evidence, turning now to larger interpretive approaches;
• To explore a general typology that is influential in organizational studies in order more accurately to understand one’s own congregation and community;
• To engage in a sustained reflection on our repertoire of leadership practices and their place within one’s own congregation and community;
• To learn effective strategies for teaching what we have learned, developing planned and evaluated educational events for the classroom;
• To deepen skills for critical thinking and theological reflection that are essential in the D. Min. Program, including the diverse collegial relationships that enhance that program.