The following list of personal qualities, and competencies in the knowledge and skill domains have been identified by the faculty of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities as those that are vital to responsible and transforming leadership in communities of faith. These categories point toward evaluating church leaders who are theologically reflective and deeply engaged, and are particularly relevant to expectations in the M.Div. and M.A.R.L degree program.
The evaluative contexts for a student’s personal qualities
for ministry are the admissions process, the personal and professional
development procedures with the
· Empowering personal faith
· Personal integrity and responsibility
· A positive and hopeful outlook
· Flexibility
· Patience
· Comfort with ambiguity and complexity
· Enjoyment of being with and working with people
· Attitude of openness to persons of varied life-styles and viewpoints
· Openness to receive counsel
· Non-manipulative interpersonal style
· Commitment to love and justice for all
· Close personal relationships characterized by commitment, mutuality, and fidelity
· Integrity and balance in personal life
· Pastoral identity
· Able to monitor intentionally and self-critically one’s own personal and professional development
The primary evaluative contexts for the student’s capabilities and performance in the knowledge domain are the required courses in each degree program and the Integrative Exam. In each case it is the faculty’s assumption that “knowing” involves the capacity to recite or restate, to evaluate or constructively criticize, and to integrate with other knowledge as well as with the practice of the churches’ leadership.
· Knows the content and theological language of one’s faith heritage
· Knows appropriate interpretive methods for employing scripture and tradition in the churches’ leadership
· Knows the distinctive heritage of faith, history, and polity of one’s own denominational tradition
· Is aware of the heritage of faith, history, and polity of other denominational traditions and emerging ecumenical perspectives
· Knows the ways in which the sciences and arts illumine and express an integrated theological perspective
· Knows the theories and methods appropriate to leadership in the communities of faith in the following areas:
· worship and preaching
· teaching and educational programming
· pastoral care and counseling
· organization, mission, and leadership
· Knows theories and methods in the human sciences (including the sociology of knowledge) which help interpret culture, society, institutions, interpersonal relationships and personal dynamics
· Knows contemporary social and moral issues and methods of ethical analysis of decision-making
· Knows historical and contemporary theological viewpoints and constructive theological methods
· Is aware of the diverse religious and ethical viewpoints on the worldwide human scene
· Knows methods for enhancing dialogue and mutual understanding
· Interprets from a coherent and integrated theological and ethical point of view
The primary evaluative contexts for the student’s capabilities and performance in the skill domain are also the required courses in each degree program and Integrative Exam. In each case, it is the faculty’s assumption that “skill” involves critically informed and reflective activity which intends personal and social transformation.
· Enters into and joins a context with reflective engagement
· Analyzes leadership needs in a variety of settings
· Chooses and employs appropriately diverse leadership styles while knowing and honoring one’s preferred style
· Works sensitively and effectively with a variety of persons and viewpoints
· Preaches sermons which are exegetically grounded
· Preaches sermons which are both comforting and challenging
· Preaches sermons which are artfully prepared and delivered
· Leads in the planning and conduct of liturgies for the worship of the church, sacraments, and special services such as weddings and funerals
· Integrates hymns and other musical dimensions of worship in liturgical leadership
· Speaks clearly and audibly
· Rightly employs rules of grammar and diction
· Teaches with knowledge and responsibility
· Chooses and employs diverse instructional methodologies
· Gives leadership in the development and support of educational programs for all age groups
· Does accurate pastoral diagnosis
· Provides pastoral care and counseling
· Makes referral to appropriate professional resources
· Leads and administers in ways which demonstrate that administration services the mission of the community of faith
· Motivates and affirms volunteers
· Leads groups and institutions in systematic program planning and evaluation
· Facilitates conflict awareness and negotiation
· Administers office operations and physical plant maintenance
· Develops stewardship awareness and programs
· Facilitates budget planning and oversees fiscal accounting and reporting procedures
· Takes leadership in community and civic affairs
· Develops strategies and facilitates programs for missionary outreach and evangelism
· Gives leadership in analyzing, strategizing, and acting for just social changes
· Leads in ways which demonstrate awareness of the global dimensions of social and theological issues and religious leadership
· Engages with others in spiritual reflection and renewal