course descriptions

This course introduces biblical interpretation. Attention is given to the inspiration, formation, and function of the canon and to the development of a methodology of interpretation consistent with the nature of scripture. The importance of the Bible as a witness to the life and faith of ancient Israel and earliest Christianity will be emphasized.

Students will be able to: 

1. Articulate the place of scripture in the life of the congregation and the role of the pastor in interpretation. 
2. Understand the inspiration and formation of the canon and its authority within the community of faith. 
3. Understand and apply historical, literary, and theological approaches to various types of literature in scripture using Genesis, Hosea and Amos, Mark, and Philippians. 
4. Develop a method of exegesis consistent with the nature and authority of the Bible. 

This course introduces the student to theological reflection in the Wesleyan tradition. Basic terms, tasks, and methods of Christian theology will be introduced. Representative classical themes will be defined and illustrated. The course provides a foundation for further historical and theological study. 

Students will be able to: 

1. Examine their understanding of faith, sin, salvation, grace, and the place of doctrine in the life of the Church. 
2. Use and understand classical theological terms and themes. 
3. Critically consider the sources of theological reflection, including scripture, tradition, experience and reason. 
4. Reflect theologically as a resource for pastoral ministry.

This course grounds the student in the theology and core practices of personal and congregational formation and discipleship. 

Students will be able to: 

1. Articulate a theological basis for the Wesleyan emphasis on spiritual disciplines and practice them as means of grace. 
2. Explain and implement the General Rules and the practices of small groups in a congregation. 
3. Educate and resource a congregation in the disciplines Christian formation. 
4. Organize congregations to help people discern their callings and gifts for ministry. 

This course forms the student’s identity as pastoral leader and change agent in congregations, The United Methodist Church, and the world. 

Students will be able to: 

1. Identify and understand the attributes of good leaders, biblically and theologically. 
2. Evaluate and strengthen their own identities and skills as pastoral leaders.
3. Explain and reflect on the nature of change in the local congregation and wider society. 
4. Implement visioning, strategizing, and planning processes in their local congregations. 

This course focuses on the content and message of the Gospels, as well as the theological perspectives of the Gospel writers. The practice of exegesis will be emphasized.

Students will be able to: 

1. Understand the origin, message, and purpose of each Gospel. 
2. Exegete this form of literature. 
3. Apply exegesis to preaching, other pastoral responsibilities, and issues of the present day. 

This course focuses on major movements and events beginning with the split between Eastern and Western forms of Christianity and continuing through the Reformation. Using primary sources, students will reflect on individuals, decisive events, and theological developments. 

Students will be able to: 

1. Understand major theological developments in medieval Christianity leading up to the reformation. 
2. Distinguish the theological characteristics of Luther, Zwingli, the Anabaptists, Calvin, the English Reformation, and Puritanism. 
3. Understand and articulate reformation era debates around justification, sanctification, the sacraments, and church unity. 

This course introduces students to practices of congregational care and the pastor’s responsibility in caregiving. 

Students will be able to: 

1. Implement and oversee appropriate types of care in varieties of settings, including prisons, hospitals, nursing facilities, and homes. 
2. Organize caring ministries within the congregation. 
3. Discern and implement appropriate boundaries, knowing when and to whom to refer people, and when and when not to share information. 
4. Reflect on and practice skills of sensitive caregiving, using role play and analysis case studies. 

This course focuses on preaching the gospel from the Old and New Testaments. 

Students will be able to: 

1. Articulate a theology of proclamation. 
2. Exegete a variety of biblical passages for preaching. 
3. Evaluate sermons for biblical integrity, theological soundness, internal logic, and delivery, and appropriate insights gained from the evaluation of their own sermons.
4. Develop plans for ordering and delivering sermons in their congregational and communal context. 

This course focuses on the content and context of these writings, and the theological emphases of their writers. In addition to Acts and Revelation, Romans, 1 Corinthians, Hebrews, James, and 1 John will receive special attention. Students will articulate a theology of scripture. 

Students will be able to: 

1. Distinguish these genres of biblical literature, and understand the major theological themes in these writings. 
2. Faithfully exegete these forms of biblical literature. 
3. Apply exegesis to preaching, other pastoral responsibilities, and issues of the present day. 
4. Articulate the unity and authority of Scripture as a whole. 

This course covers significant individuals, movements, events, and theological developments from the nineteenth century to the present. Students will read selected primary sources. 

Students will be able to: 

1. Understand the origins and theological tenets of liberalism from the early 19th century to the present, including its influence on ecumenism and process theology. 
2. Understand and distinguish reactions to liberalism, including Fundamentalism, Neo‐Orthodoxy, and Evangelicalism.
3. Understand the historical development and theology of the Holiness Movement, Pentecostalism, and the Charismatic Movement. 
4. Understand the origins and tenets of Liberation and Contextual theologies. 

This course introduces students to the theology and practices of evangelism as an expression of the mission of God. 

Students will be able to: 

1. Reflect on and articulate the meaning of the Gospel and an understanding of the Church as bearers of God’s Word to the world. 
2. Ground a theology of evangelism in scripture, the Gospel, and the mission of God.
3. Interpret of the Wesleyan heritage of evangelism. 
4. Reflect on and implement strategies and models for evangelism by the congregation.

This course is the capstone to the student’s basic course of study. Its focus is the integration of the biblical, theological, and practical aspects of ministry. 

Students will be able to: 

1. Articulate a Trinitarian theology for the practice of ministry. 
2. State clearly the nature and mission of the Church and its relation to pastoral ministry. 
3. Demonstrate the ability to reflect theologically. 
4. Develop a plan for lifelong theological reading, reflection, and growth.