The purpose of this course is to facilitate the development of a pastoral self-awareness and to help students integrate pastoral identity with appropriate leadership and ministry styles.  Class sessions will include work in practical theology with attention to four key dimensions of church life: worship, teaching, fellowship and service.  Attention will also be given to issues of time management and self-care.

Instructor: Rev. Dennis Swearngin, has served in congregational ministry since 1976, having served two Disciple churches in Texas and then Olivet Christian Church, Columbia, Missouri since November, 1980.  Dennis is a graduate of Drake University and Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University.  He and his wife Sue have been married since 1968, have raised two sons together and currently enjoy their two young grandchildren.  Dennis tries to go fishing at every opportunity.

Dennis’ father, the late Curtis Swearngin, made a decision well after his retirement to become equipped for pastoral ministry, and he enrolled in and completed MSR’s Certificate for Pastoral Ministry program.  Curtis drew deep satisfaction from supply preaching and then his installed pastorates with 2 Disciple congregations in the Ozark Lakes Area of the Region of Mid-America. Dennis is pleased to have had the opportunity to help equip his father and many others for their ministries.

Dates:  September 3-4, October 1-2 and November 5-6, 2010

Times:  7:00 p.m. Friday to 5:00 p.m. Saturday each weekend

Location:  Rickman Center, Jefferson City, MO

Cost:  $390  (includes lodging and meals)   $330 (meals only)