This document describes a "Real Time Ministry" course that aims to prepare seminary students for practical ministry. The course has three main emphases: Lectio Divina, where students dedicate time daily to scripture reading and reflection; researching resources online rather than solely in libraries; and learning technology tools like presentation software, blogging, and website design. Student feedback praises the course for its practical skills and especially values the Lectio Divina practice. The course fosters lifelong learning habits through technology and spiritual disciplines.

1. Real Time Ministry

2. “It was the single most practical class I took during my entire seminary career.”

3. “This is a great course that truly meets the goal of preparation for ministry!”

4. “I would almost go so far to say that this should be a required course for all first year seminary students!”

5. “I pray that the class continues especially for those of us who are not computer savvy.”

6. 2002 Winner: Award of Instructional Development given by KentuckianaMetroversity $1000 Prize

7. Practices and Skills to Support a Parish Ministry Real Time Ministry

8. The Intent Foster a rhythm to students’ future ministry where the care is: constantly refreshed by the best biblical and theological insight of the community of faith; effected in a skillful manner; and informed by a practice of piety that refreshes and deepens the spirit’s understanding of the good news that is the church’s life spring.

9. Three emphases LectioDivinia Research anywhere Technology Tools

10. LectioDivina

11. Each student will covenant with the class to dedicate 30 minutes a day for six days of the week to the practice of lectiodivina. Professor monitors postings and discussion on Blackboard. In-person meeting every 3-4 weeks. Images: The Carmelites www.ocarm.org

12. The Postings

13. “I do a version of the on-line lectiodivina with a friend in another state. That has been a great blessing. Thanks for the idea!”

14. “I was looking forward to the LectioDivina portion of the class, but hadn't imagined the practice or the small group aspect of the practice would become so meaningful!”

15. “The computer skills learned were important, but my favorite thing was learning how to do LectioDivina and experiencing that practice over a long period of time.”

16. Research Anywhere

17. Bye-bye Library

18. Rings of Knowledge T E X T S TOOLS INDEX Encyclopedia CANON ARCHIVE

19. Louisville, KY : Westminster John Knox Press, 2003.

20. Hello OnlineD Resources

21. “Identification of web based resources for sermon writing.”

22. “How we developed our library of resources was incredibly helpful. I have actually just finished my second year of purchases designed in that project.”

23. “How to search and narrow internet search results to get reliable sources....for book reviews, sermon illustrations, commentaries....all kind of things!”

24. Technology Tools

25. Content--continuing Church management software PowerPoint/Multimedia Excel Web searching Reading a budget Electronics 101

26. Content--former Buying a computer/digital camera Building a website Worked on one on-going presentation for 9 weeks.

27. Content--current Blogging Twitter Wikis Survey software Website evaluation Worship software Del.icio.us

28. “As a solo with no administrative support, I know what's available for outsourcing (through technology, etc.) so I can focus on what I'm ordained to do.”

29. “The ability to blog, use Facebook and find web based resources has saved my sanity over the last two years.”

30. “Power point. I never dreamed I would be in a church that wanted to explore the use of power point.”

31. Final Projects

32. Project options Annotated, evaluative bibliography Proposed pastor’s library on $500 budget Multimedia teaching presentation Content analysis and improvement plan for congregational website Project developed by student that will enrich one’s work as a pastor

33. Example Presentation: God’s Cry for Social Justice Website evaluation and PowerPoint presentation of findings for website committee at church Church website design subsequently used by church Elder education program used by the student’s church Blogging to keep in touch during summer assignment Church elder website with links to all tools being used for organization and communication

34. “I pray that the class continues especially for those of us who are not computer savvy.”

35. “It was the single most practical class I took during my entire seminary career.”

36. “I would almost go so far to say that this should be a required course for all first year seminary students!”

37. “This is a great course that truly meets the goal of preparation for ministry!”

38. Contact Info amorris@lpts.edu ccardwell@lpts.edu