The Curriculum
Curriculum and Course Descriptions
Biblical Studies
Understanding the Bible - An introductory prerequisite retreat/seminar which will focus on the basics of critical thinking, the development of the biblical canon and a brief survey of the history of biblical criticism. This seminar will be the entry point for new students to join a warm and caring “grassroots” scholarly community and is open, as well, to current and former students and other interested laity.
Offered: January, May and August of every year
Introduction to the Hebrew Scripture - Looking at the Hebrew Scripture as a whole, as well as highlighting the historical and theological dynamics of the separate books. A study of the literature of the biblical drama as witnessed in God’s relationship with the people Israel. Provides students with the opportunity to develop skills for interpreting Hebrew scripture, skills useful in personal spiritual formation and in the life and ministry of the church.
Offered: Feb/Mar/April 2011
Introduction to the New Testament - Looking at the New Testament as a whole, with specific attention to the major themes of the gospels and the writings of Paul. A study of the Biblical drama centered in Jesus, the Christ, and the early church. The purpose of the course is to enhance the student’s understanding and use of the New Testament text in teaching and preaching.
Offered: Sept 5-6, Oct 3-4 and Nov 7-8, 2008
Church History
History of the Christian Faith - This historical survey follows the development of the church from its beginning until the contemporary period. Highlighted will be the major events and personalities from these historical periods: Early Church, Imperial Church, Medieval Christianity, The Reformation, Orthodoxy, Rationalism, Pietism, The Nineteenth Century and the Twentieth Century, focusing on the emergence of the ecumenical movement. Particular emphasis will be given to the emergence, development and decline of Christendom.
Offered: June 4-5, July 9-10, Aug 6-7, 2010
History and Polity of the Disciples of Christ - The purpose of this course is to explore and analyze the history, polity and characteristic beliefs of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Specific aims of the course include the following:
· Becoming familiar and knowledgeable about the origins, development, growth and current status of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
· Understanding and articulating the characteristic beliefs and practices which make the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) a unique part of the universal church while celebrating the Disciples' ecumenical pilgrimage.
· Identifying and being aware of how the polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) works.
Offered: August 21-23, 2008 *Also available online!
Ministry Formation
The Personhood of the Pastor - An exploration of one’s sense of call and the use of several contemporary methods of self-assessment, (e.g., Myers-Briggs, etc.) to understand one’s self and to analyze one’s pastoral leadership style and to develop a personal plan for self-care.
Offered: May 8-10, 2008
The Pastor as Spiritual Leader - Exploring the role of the pastor as spiritual leader of the congregation beginning with the nurturing of her/his own spiritual life. The course will include an introduction to the historic spiritual disciplines, meditation and journaling and a consideration of the place of spiritual direction in pastoral care.
Offered: August 20-22, 2009
Context of Ministry
The Social And Global Mission of the Small Congregation - Focusing on the prophetic role of pastors in challenging the small/rural congregation to claim its status as a faithful remnant of God’s people called to deeds of justice and mercy in their local, national and global context. Practical dimensions of the church’s social and global mission will be explored.
Offered: May 21-23, 2009 *Also available online!
Ministry in a Rural Context - This course will focus on effective ways of doing ministry in the small congregation, particularly in the rural context. The nature, unique dynamics and mission of the small/rural congregation will be explored in a seminar setting. Consideration will be given to tools and strategies for assessing the vitality and viability of small congregations and to exploring appropriate leadership styles for small church ministry.
Offered: August 19-21, 2010
Theology
Introduction to Christian Thought - An overview of the history and development of Christian theology including an introduction to the basic systems or schools of theological thought. The contributions of the major personalities in the history of theological development will be surveyed.
Offered: Sep 11-12, Oct 2-3, Nov 6-7, 2009 *Also Offered Online
Christian Ethics - An introduction and exploration of the basic concerns and issues involved in ethical reflection, the Biblical and theological foundations of Christian ethics, and the response of the Christian to perennial and contemporary social and moral issues, with a view to equipping the student for ethical reflection in preaching, teaching and pastoral leadership.
Offered: June 6-7, July 11-12, Aug 8-9, 2008
Ministerial Practice
The Practice of Ministry - The purpose of this course is to facilitate the development of a pastoral self-awareness and to help students integrate that pastoral identity with an appropriate leadership and ministry style. Class sessions will include pastoral identity and style, development of a pastoral theology of wholeness, integration of personal gifts with the task of pastoral leadership and attention to the practical tasks of worship leadership, preaching, teaching and pastoral care. Special attention will also be given to the issues of time management and self-care so particularly important to those in bi-vocational ministry.
Offered: Sep 3-4, Oct 8-9, Nov 5-6, 2010
Basics of Pastoral Counseling - This course will examine the principles of pastoral counseling and methods pastors can use to help persons understand their life situation and deal more realistically with their special needs and problems. Some time will be given to approaches for counseling with persons experiencing the crisis of grief, marriage and family problems, job related stress, emotional instability, etc. Some modeling of the role of the counselor will take place.
Offered: Feb 5-6, Mar 5-6, April 16-17, 2010
Preaching as a Christian Art - An exploration of preaching as the art of encountering, interpreting and proclaiming the saving mystery of God’s grace, as revealed in scripture. Attention will be given to the purpose of preaching, use of scripture and theology and the practical aspects of sermon preparation and delivery in a particular congregational context.
Offered: Feb 13-14, Mar 13-14, Apr 17-18, 2009
Worship and Music in the Small Congregation - A study of the theology, meaning and practice of public worship and the various styles of worship and music most appropriate in the small congregation. Understanding liturgy as “the work of the people” in the worship of God.
Offered: June 5-6, July 10-11, Aug 7-8, 2009
Conflict in the Small Congregation - The nature of church conflict will be examined using a variety of diagnostic tools and will focus on the dynamics of leadership when dealing with conflict in the small congregation and the options available to pastors for creative intervention in conflict situations. Participants will also explore their personal response to conflict and their most likely strategic action.
Offered: May 13-15, 2010
Congregational Nurture and Witness
Christian Education in Small Congregations - In a week-end workshop setting, the principles and practices of Christian education in the small church context will be explored. The unique dynamics of the small congregation will be assessed in terms of their implication for Christian education.
Offered: Dec 10-11, 2010
Stewardship Strategies for Small Congregations - In a week-end workshop format, various strategies for enhancing the stewardship level of small/rural congregations and their members will be explored centering on stewardship education and stewardship programs which are appropriate to the small church.
Offered: Dec 5-6, 2008
Evangelism in Small Communities - In a week-end workshop setting, consideration will be given to a theology of evangelism and to specific strategies of evangelism which are keyed to the small town or rural community context.
Offered: Dec 4-5, 2009
