Bishop Karen Oliveto ( Available by appointment)
bishopoliveto@mtnskyumc.org
Peter Steinke, a Lutheran pastor and a congregational systems consultant, wrote in the Christian Century:
“Many clergy are caught in a vise. They’ve been trained to be priestly in their ministry and have received little assistance in being prophetic and visionary. The priest is the consoler, the reconciler and the soul friend. Relational abilities are paramount. Healing is the centerpiece of this activity.
The prophet, in contrast, speaks out and is a truth teller, though not brash or cynical; the prophet cares about people but at times may use militant words. Awareness and action are the heart of the prophet’s work.
With steep changes happening in our society, congregations have to ask themselves whether they are responding to a world that no longer exists and whether they have the sort of leadership required to shift to new understanding and practices. Yes, the priestly work is always needed, but ... does your congregation need a more prophetic ministry?”
(Steinke, Peter. “Buckle Up: Congregational Change Isn’t Easy.” Christian Century, 04 Nov. 2010)
This course utilizes scripture, theology, and leadership studies as well as biography to explore the topic of prophetic leadership. A prophetic leader is a person of faith who feels a deep call to be prophetic in a particular situation, time and place; understands the biblical prophetic tradition; insightfully analyzes the present situation; imagines and projects possible futures; and seeks shalom and justice in the congregation and community of which he or she is a part. This seminar interprets and applies these five components of prophetic leadership in contemporary congregational and community contexts. Students will explore issues related to pastoring and prophetic leadership, learn from other prophetic leaders, and begin to articulate a prophetic vision of shalom and justice within their own congregations and communities.
By the end of the course students will:
Date | Day | Details | |
Nov 26, 2018 | Mon | Scripture and the Prophetic Vision of the Beloved Community | due by 03:30PM |
Nov 26, 2018 | Mon | Book Report | due by 03:31PM |
Nov 27, 2018 | Tue | The Call to Engagement | due by 03:30PM |
Nov 28, 2018 | Wed | Prophetic Leadership in the Community: Assets and Allies | due by 03:30PM |
Nov 29, 2018 | Thu | The Cost of Prophetic Leadership | due by 03:30PM |
Nov 30, 2018 | Fri | To Be a People of Hope | due by 03:30PM |
Nov 30, 2018 | Fri | Reflection Paper - Costs of Prophetic Leadership | due by 03:31PM |
Dec 04, 2018 | Tue | Final Paper | due by 06:59AM |