Reading Congregations

Catalog description

This course assists M.Div students in establishing and integrating observational skills and tools of critical theological reflection for the purpose of discerning the socio/political, historical, liturgical, and theological "cultures" of selected congregations. We observe and analyze a variety of congregations at Sunday worship in order to identify the particular cultural and contextual dynamics operative within these congregations. We identify and reflect upon how worship space is organized and utilized in these communities; how the worshiping community integrates itself into the contexts in which it is located what worship means to both clergy and lay members in these communities; and how worship embodies and expresses a particular community's understanding of who God is and how God works in the world. Central to the course are the development of effective observational and reflective skills; preparation of written summaries of site observations; and identifying needs and goals for each student's future teaching parish site [Lutherans only] in consultation with the PLTS Office of Contextual Education. Graded coursework consists of written reflections and a final oral exam.