Online and intensive courses open to
everyone.
Would you like to strengthen
your understanding of Scripture, theology, or ministry? Check out our entry
level courses for those who are new to theological education, and our advanced
level courses for those who may be in ministry and have studied theology before.
Paso
a Paso: Una Historia de la Iglesia en Español (course taught in
Spanish)
Dr. Javier Goitia
El curso explorara los
tiempos y eventos mas significativos de la historia de la Iglesia desde las
primeras comunidades cristianas, los primeros siglos de la era común, la Edad
Media, la llegada de la modernidad y hasta nuestro dias. Se enfatizarán los
sucesos relacionados a la Reforma Luterana en la tardía Edad Media y la historia
de la Iglesia en Centro y Sur América, el Caribe y las comunidades hispanas en
EUA.
Faith
& Good Sex: A Holistic Approach to Sexuality
Dr.
Patricia Young
The purpose of this course is to explore the ways
Christian faith calls for the nurture and proper formation of our sexual desires
and relationships. Many topics will be frankly discussed: pornography and
cybersex, loving sexual relationships outside of marriage, healthy sexual
boundaries for all, lay and ordained, in positions of leadership in the church,
variations in gender and same sex relationships, to name a few. All the sources
of moral wisdom available to the community of faith - the Bible, traditional
church teachings and practices, insights from scientific disciplines and our own
experiences of the Spirit's work among us as people of faith -will be woven into
our consideration of what makes for sexual health, integrity and
holiness.
Re-Visioning
Rural Mission: Leadership in Multi-Point Parishes
Dr.
Mark Yackel-Juleen
This
course studies the changing patterns of Small Town and Rural (STaR) ministry and
the formation of multi-point parishes. In many regions, STaR congregations
cooperating with other congregations in various types of configurations is the
norm rather than the exception. The area parish, a configuration of multiple
congregations with a staff of pastors is a cutting edge and growing model for
STaR mission. This course addresses the challenges, the art, and the
opportunities for ministry in these settings. Development, leadership,
administration, and planning aspects of this type of ministry will be
explored
Advanced level courses (June 6-July 10):
Church History for the Practice of Ministry
Rev. Philip Forness
This course offers an overview of the history of Christianity from
the apostolic age to the twenty-first century. Two central emphases will link
the Christian communities surveyed. First, we will discuss and evaluate how
churches have responded to broader societal shifts, including responses to
different religious traditions, political realities, understandings of gender
and sexuality, and globalization. Second, students will be asked to consider
what role narratives of the history of Christianity play in contemporary
conversations within the church. Students will read, analyze, discuss, and
interpret primary readings each week in relation to these two emphases. Recorded
lectures, online course modules, and a brief survey of Christian history will
provide the overarching narrative. Assignments will include an essay analyzing
one or more primary sources, a group project that evaluates the role that
narratives of Christianity assume in the church today, and a creative project
that presents the history of Christianity to a general
audience.
Church Management & Human Resources
Ms. Mary Kay DuChene
The functions of management and Human Resources in the church are
dissimilar from the corporate world. Organizational complexity and the dynamics
of human nature add a layer of complexity to the church environment. This
5-week course will explore techniques and best practices of management and HR in
the church. Some topics include: supervising people, hiring and firing (whether
employee or volunteer!), setting expectations (for employees or volunteers!),
governance for today's church.
Visit the website for more information and registration.
