Theologically-Informed Pastoral Leadership
How do we talk about God? How have understandings of God developed over time, and how do they influence and guide the ways we lead in churches? Many diverse perspectives will be introduced and explored, including feminist, ecological, womanist, postcolonial, minjung, and other varieties of liberation theologies. Emphasis will be placed on helping students articulate their own theological understandings and how to put them into practice.
Competency Areas
Aligned with Competency Area(s) 14
14. Theology
Be able to articulate a coherent view of God’s nature and activity in relation to the Christian tradition, to critically engage human situations from a perspective of faith, and to help persons recognize theological issues in their daily lives.
Theologically-Informed Pastoral Leadership
Taught by Dr. Yuki Schwartz
How do we talk about God, and how have ideas about God changed over time? This course explores diverse theological perspectives — feminist, ecological, womanist, postcolonial, minjung, and other liberation theologies — and examines how they shape leadership in the church. Students will be guided in articulating their own theology and applying it in practice.
This course is part of the DSF Certificate Program.
Meet Your Instructor,
Dr. Yuki Schwartz
B. Yuki Schwartz's theological research focuses on constructive political theology, examining how Christian communities create divine meaning and spiritual practices under colonization and its afterlives. As an Associate Professor of Constructive Theology and Spiritualities, and Associate Dean of Academics and Assessment at Claremont School of Theology, their work investigates how communities understand and live out belonging and resistance. Their research particularly engages Asian and Asian American theologies, specifically highlighting the intersectionality and transnational solidarity practiced by Asian North American women. They are currently working on a book about theologies of shame developed by communities resisting religious nationalisms and political oppression. Dr. Yuki (they/them) is ordained to Christian ministry with the United Church of Christ and lives in Los Angeles.