Religion/theology

Topic: religion/theology

Order Description

Critical Reflection Paper
? There will be one critical reflection project.
? Requirements
Style and format
o Review the grading rubric prior to writing the paper.
o Length- 5 pages minimum
o MLA style, 12 pt. font, double spaced
o Include citations from at least 3 Bible commentaries or journal articles
related to the Bible passages and topics being discussed.
o Be written in appropriate academic language, with accurate spelling,
punctuation and grammar.
Project subject:
-From the 7 Bible books (James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude) studied in the course, derive at least 10 principles for ministry. These should be valid practices that arise naturally from the text either by command, implication, or contrast. The spread of these principles does not have to be even given the brevity of 3 books, but all books should be considered.
-After identifying the principles with the appropriate passage, explain sufficiently how they should be implemented. This could be written as a mentoring document. The purpose is to apply what has been studied knowing that there are many more biblical books and principles that could be used.

Brief Example: James 1:1-20
As ministry workers we should be careful in our reaction to adverse circumstances (trials or temptations) in our lives and those of our group. In the first place, we are an example, and in the second we are their counselors. It is obvious from these verses that situations are much more complex than they often seem.
Implementation: Everyone has adverse situations to occur in his or her life and ministry. These may include financial reversals, property loss (house fires, car accidents, etc.), debilitating and even fatal diseases, family problems (extended, spousal, or parent/child), and ministry program failures. Privately, we must deal with a great range of emotions that vary according to personality and spiritual maturity. This should be done biblically using sound resources including personal study, professional counseling, seminars, books, etc. However, our public presence should be one of an example to the believers (I Tim. 4:12). That does not mean that we present the ?superman? image of problem denial. Nor does it mean that our private life is public. We can share issues and be biblical examples at the same time.
As we counsel our group members with their problems, we should be careful not to jump to conclusions. Obviously God sends events into lives that try us. We also succumb all-too-readily to temptation. Helping counselees to reach the objectives of vv. 4, 9, 10, 17, and 18 will be difficult (elaboration not included). Helping them to do vv. 5 and 19 will help, but they will present challenges also.