Rich Esselstrom
09-25-2008, 12:10 PM
Ministry projects and exegetical papers, in my opinion, are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of mentoring a TUMI satellite. The papers can be overwhelming to our students because many of them have never written one or have not done so in many years. In doing the projects and papers, I try to overemphasize the fact that we are here to help them be a success. Many students may feel inadequate in this area and need to know we are on their side. I have seen many students enter this process with fear and trepidation but wind up finishing with a real sense of confidence that God saw them through.
As I have said, these papers can be overwhelming to our students. I try to make them as simple and practical as possible. Adults need to see that the papers and projects connect to their everyday lives. These are not academic exercises. We have seen people get saved and God's kingdom advanced through them. I grade mainly on the thought and content of the paper not on academics alone. Word usage, sentence structure, vocabulary, spelling are all good but not as important as them learning to use and communicate the Three Step Model in a practical way. With that in mind I have attached several aids I have seen help our students in this area. I spend significant time going over the instructions for the projects and papers found in the workbook and give them plenty of time to ask questions. I also have an example of a good paper for them to see, so they know what is expected of them.
Here are a last couple of thoughts for you to consider. First, be clear, creative and flexible in working with your students on their exegetical projects. Repeat the instructions several times. Take time to ask probing questions about where they are at in the process. Reassure them that you are there to do whatever it takes to help them be successful. This is essential especially for the new students. The papers are there to help them in their leadership developement. They are not a critic on their sprituality. Second, It has been helpful at my satellite to have students turn in a basic outline of what they taught in their ministry projects along with the summary of how their projects went.
Don't underestimate the importance of the papers and projects. Every quarter students come back with stories of how God used what they taught in their ministry projects and papers to transform lives which is the very reason we do them!
As I have said, these papers can be overwhelming to our students. I try to make them as simple and practical as possible. Adults need to see that the papers and projects connect to their everyday lives. These are not academic exercises. We have seen people get saved and God's kingdom advanced through them. I grade mainly on the thought and content of the paper not on academics alone. Word usage, sentence structure, vocabulary, spelling are all good but not as important as them learning to use and communicate the Three Step Model in a practical way. With that in mind I have attached several aids I have seen help our students in this area. I spend significant time going over the instructions for the projects and papers found in the workbook and give them plenty of time to ask questions. I also have an example of a good paper for them to see, so they know what is expected of them.
Here are a last couple of thoughts for you to consider. First, be clear, creative and flexible in working with your students on their exegetical projects. Repeat the instructions several times. Take time to ask probing questions about where they are at in the process. Reassure them that you are there to do whatever it takes to help them be successful. This is essential especially for the new students. The papers are there to help them in their leadership developement. They are not a critic on their sprituality. Second, It has been helpful at my satellite to have students turn in a basic outline of what they taught in their ministry projects along with the summary of how their projects went.
Don't underestimate the importance of the papers and projects. Every quarter students come back with stories of how God used what they taught in their ministry projects and papers to transform lives which is the very reason we do them!