PT 111 Course at a Glance
Introduction to Pastoral Theology & Ministry
Lectures By: Dr. Stafford Carson
Effective for the Academic Year: 2024-2025
Course Description
Introduction to Pastoral Theology & Ministry is the first course within the Pastoral Theology department at Westminster. Within this course, you will be introduced to answers to questions like: What does the character of a Christian leader within the church look like? What are the key qualities for effective ministry? What does it mean to be called to ministry? What theology underlies our understanding of ministry? Special attention will also be given to the place of ordained ministry in the Reformed church, and the role of prayer and preaching as core competencies of a Christian pastor. Through lectures, readings, and interaction with faculty, experienced instructors, and fellow students from a variety of contexts, you will walk away from this course with a foundation for the rest of your pastoral theology and pastoral counseling courses throughout your program.
Books to Purchase
The books listed below are required readings which students should acquire by the start of the term.Additional required readings will be listed in the course syllabus and available electronically in Canvas.
Estimated Workload
Please note, the Winter Term is an accelerated 4-week term. Please expect at least 4x the workload listed here which is calculated based on a normal, full-length term.
| Lectures | Readings | Assignments |
| 0.7 | 109.2 | 1.3 |
| Hours Per Week | Pages Per Week | Hours Per Week |
Course Assignments
The assignments listed below are provided for general guidance for students to reference as they plan and register. Please reach out to support@wts.edu if you have any questions.
- 5 - Live Class Meetings (10%)
- 5 - Discussion Questions (40%)
- 1 - Final Paper (50%)
Synchronous Meeting Times
Please note this course meets for synchronous sessions listed below. You are required to attend these sessions, but an alternate assignment may be submitted if you are unable. If you cannot attend regularly, then please reach out to support@wts.edu before registering for the course.
- The Following Meetings Time are for the Winter 2025 Term
- Live Class Meeting 1: Monday, Jan 6, 9-10am EST
- Live Class Meeting 2: Monday, Jan 13, 9-10am EST
- Live Class Meeting 3: Monday, Jan 20, 9-10am EST
- Live Class Meeting 4: Monday, Jan 27, 9-10am EST
- The Following Meetings Time are for the Spring 2025 Term
- Live Class Meeting 1: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 8:30-9:30am EST
- Live Class Meeting 2: Wednesday, Mar. 5, 8:30-9:30am EST
- Live Class Meeting 3: Wednesday, Apr. 2, 8:30-9:30am EST
- Live Class Meeting 4: Wednesday, Apr. 23, 8:30-9:30am EST