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The Church at Work: Worship, Preaching, and Pastoral Care

Partner Disciples Seminary Foundation
Learning Pillar Intentional Creation
Rigor Level Medium

How do we share the good news within our communities? This course will address ways we give voice to the gospel within our churches and wider communities, focusing on preaching and worship in local contexts (rural, urban, etc.), teaching, and providing care to individuals and families. Special attention will be given to storytelling, planning worship, and liturgical occasions (such as weddings, baptisms, and funerals) in cultural perspective.

Competency Areas

Aligned with Competency Area(s) 3, 10, 11, 16

3. Communication

Be an effective communicator and be able to facilitate effective communication within and on behalf of the church.

10. Pastoral Care

Be able to engage other persons with empathy and assess situations and relationships with the compassion of Christ, with sensitivity to culture and context. Be able to convey the healing power of God to those who suffer.

11. Proclamation of the Word

Know the practice and theory of Christian preaching. Be able to proclaim the Word of God, share the Good News of Jesus Christ, and help Congregational members apply their faith to daily life.

16. Worship

Know the purpose and elements of Christian worship. Have the ability to plan and lead meaningful worship by working with the worship team, musicians, and congregational members.

The Church at Work: Worship, Preaching, and Pastoral Care

Taught by Rev. Dr. Miseon Choi

This course explores sharing the gospel in local communities through preaching, worship, teaching, and pastoral care. It emphasizes storytelling, worship planning, and leading liturgical occasions—like weddings, baptisms, and funerals—within cultural contexts.

This course is part of the DSF Certificate Program.

Rev. Dr. Miseon Choi

Meet Your Instructor,
Rev. Dr. Miseon Choi

Dr. Choi holds a PhD in Practical Theology with a focus on Spiritual Formation and (Inter)Religious Education. Her expertise lies in Postcolonial Feminist Theology, Contemplative Spiritual Practice, and Narrative Pedagogy. Dr. Choi’s dissertation, titled “Transformative Religious Education through Postcolonial Feminist Theology and Narrative Pedagogical Perspectives,” explores innovative approaches to religious education by integrating these critical perspectives. As Dr. Choi is a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) ordained minister, she also applies her research to foster inclusive and transformative faith communities. By utilizing Postcolonial Feminist Theology, Dr. Choi addresses issues of power, gender, and justice in both the church and society, encouraging people to embrace diverse voices and experiences. Her emphasis on Contemplative Spiritual Practice helps individuals and groups deepen their spiritual lives through mindfulness and reflective practices, promoting personal and communal growth. Dr. Choi also leverages Narrative Pedagogy to create engaging and meaningful educational experiences. This approach encourages participants to share their stories and learn from one another, fostering a deeper understanding of faith and spirituality. In various contexts, including workshops, retreats, regular church activities, and teachings, Dr. Choi integrates these methodologies to support spiritual formation and community development. Dr. Choi strives to create a strong bridge between theology and action across various contexts, empowering individuals and communities to support and grow with one another, and to transform society and the world.

Join this course’s forum conversations