Responses to the following questions must be based on the
Lecture Notes
- Give the reasons mentioned why Christian Ministry is under examination. Why are many Millennials rejecting the church? Why is the contemporary image of the minister confused? How do you think a minister should be evaluated?
- In his blog article Thom Rainer lists reasons why it is harder to be a pastor today. Which of these have you observed, and which ones do you believe affect pastors most?
- What determines the church’s ministry? Give the two usages of the term “church” and show why they are different. Explain why the second usage of the term “church” is necessary.
- What is the nature of church members? What are the requirements of church membership? Explain why church members must be “committed.” What does commitment require?
- Why is the church a functioning institution? What is the difference between the church as organism and organization? Why is organization required?
- In the article on “Church ‘brand loyalty’ discarded,” what are the factors given regarding why people choose a church? Which of these do you find in your church to be most important? Are there any other reasons you’ve observed why people choose a church?
- How does Ed Stetzer evaluate the role of denominations in ministry today? Why have they fallen on bad times? How are they viewed by many pastors and ministry students? Why does Stetzer believe that they are still a tool for ministry? What are the reasons they will still have a role in the future?
- What is required in order for the church to function in the world? How did the church actually function in the New Testament? Include a description of the church as a local institution. What do you think are the implications of this for the church today?
- Give the reasons why the church is an imperfect institution. What are the risks involved in serving in the world? Is it possible for God to use the church in spite of its imperfections? Why? Do you know of people who use problems in the church as an excuse for rejecting it?
- Why is the congregational form of church polity the one that is consistent with the most prominent model for the church in the New Testament (the body of Christ)? Why is the church council model a useful alternative to the elder-rule model of governance in congregational churches? Why is the “church conference” a better term than “business meeting” for a congregational governance meeting?
Responses to the following questions must be based on
Shrink: Faithful Ministry in a Church-Growth Culture
- What did Tuttle mean by saying that that the most important thing about Christian leaders is that they must be Christian leaders? Do you agree with him? Why or why not?
- Give the “bullet points” of most leadership seminars are according to Tuttle? Why are they not appropriate for Christian leaders according to Tuttle?
- Why does Tuttle say that the church’s job is not to grow? What should it be according to him? What are to two ditches that churches typically fall into according to Hauerwas and Willimon? Why do they recommend the confessing church model?
