Mentor's Manual

112 For the Nex t Generat i on: The Urban Mi n i s t r y I ns t i tute ’ s Mentor Manua l

Handling Projects and Student Assignments

The Exegetical Project The Scriptures are God’s potent instrument to equip the man or woman of God for every work of ministry he calls them to (2 Tim. 3.16-17). In order to complete the requirements for each course, each student must select a passage and do an inductive Bible study (i.e., an exegetical study) upon it. The paper highlights a class topic, and challenges the student to relate their exegesis of the biblical text to that topic. Through this process our hope is to equip our students to engage openly and fairly a biblical text in such a way that they come to understand its meaning in its original context, discern its principles of truth, and be able to relate those truths to their lives and ministries in a powerful way. of Scripture. The hope is that, as they study the passage, they will be able to relate its meaning to their own walk as well as to those God has given them to lead. It is important that they learn how to exegete (explain, interpret) Scripture for themselves and for others. This is a Bible study project, and, in order to do exegesis, the student must be committed to understand the meaning of the passage in its own setting. Once they know what it meant, they can then draw out principles that apply to all of us, and then relate those principles to life. A simple three-step process is given in the assignment that can guide them in their personal study of the Bible passage: 1. General Description: The purpose of this project is to give the student an opportunity to do a detailed study of a major passage

In some cases, these guidelines may not address specific situations in your context. It may be necessary to consult your ministry’s leaders for specific direction. While we want all TUMI sites to stay consistent with TUMI standards, you may be leadership. For example, in a jail or prison it may not be wise to allow fellow students to grade each other, and take-home finals may be impossible. more specific in the guidance from your

a. What was God saying to the people in the text’s original situation?

Handling Projects and Student Assignments

b. What principle(s) does the text teach that is true for all people everywhere, including today?

c. What is the Holy Spirit asking me to do with this principle here, today, in my life and ministry?

2. Exegesis and hermeneutical method: approaching the Bible critically and openly . Once they have answered these questions in their personal study, they are then ready to write out their insights for their paper assignment. We are seeking to help students approach the Scripture in a structured, disciplined, and