Contact: Judith Yager
(1-800-825-2806 x2358)
• for more information
• to get a class syllabus
• to register for the certificate program or for any single class
Class Descriptions
Church Polity and Administration
This course will introduce church leaders to the concept of church administration as leadership ministry. We will review and discuss church bylaws, administrative policies, human resources procedures, and legal issues with the intent of understanding them in relation to our mission and our core theological and organizational values. We will especially focus on practical applications in relation to real-life scenarios and the complexities that sometimes arise between administrative policies and pastoral and missional concerns.
This course will utilize short presentations, class discussions, and small group activities.
Community of Christ History
This course will focus on the background and development of the Community of Christ from its nineteenth-century beginning to the present. Special attention will be given to an analytical approach to Latter Day Saint literature.
Community of Christ Scriptures
The focus of this course is the indigenous scriptures (The Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith’s Translation of the Bible, and The Book of Doctrine and Covenants) of the Latter Day Saint movement, from its beginnings in the early nineteenth century to its present identity as Community of Christ. There are three primary aims
- to understand the historical contexts in which these scriptures originated and developed during the time frame of 1822 to the present.
- to appreciate the various usages to which these scriptures have been put during the course of the church’s development to the present time.
- to become aware of problems and issues pertaining to each of these indigenous scriptures arising from the current missional imperatives of the Community of Christ, in the setting of its emerging multi-cultural population.
Community of Christ Theology
Participants will examine themes that have become significant for the theology of the Community of Christ, historically and contextually. Attention will be given to the way in which classical Christian doctrines have been appropriated and expressed in various Restoration movements and in the Community of Christ. Consideration will also be given to the way in which the mission of the Community of Christ has shaped its message and its current emphasis on the pursuit of peace and justice ministries.
Hebrew Scriptures
An overview of the Old Testament and the Apocrypha, with emphasis on how the canon was developed, the different modes of interpreting the writings, and the exegetical skills needed for teaching and preaching out of the Hebrew Scriptures.
History of Christian Thought
This course will highlight the major theological developments in the Patristic Period, Middle Ages and Renaissance Period, and the Reformation and Post-Reformation Periods. Special attention will be given to the historical context out of which key doctrines emerged in each period.
Interpersonal Peacebuilding
Mission and Evangelism
Mission and Evangelism will introduce learners to the foundational basis for mission in the Community of Christ. The course provides missionary skill-building experiences designed to equip participants for effective personal witness. Various missionary models connected to the church's contemporary missional goals will be explored.
New Testament
This course will introduce students to the basic issues of New Testament interpretation. We will learn how to read the New Testament writings in light of (a) their literary form, (b) their historical setting, and (c) their distinctive witness to Jesus Christ. We will pay special attention to the role of these texts as canon, that is, as the authoritative source and norm of Christian witness. A special aim of this course is to help participants learn some of the disciplines that let these sacred texts more deeply inform and nurture Christian discipleship and ministry.
Pastoral Care
Examine some of the relational issues found in ministry with people. Included will be consideration of our many diversities and how they impact relationships, conflict resolution and crisis mediation, leading with soul, pastoral counseling considerations, and self care.
Public Ministry
This course is designed to increase the theological understanding and technical competency of the field minister in the performance of public ministry. The topics to be covered include worship planning, presiding skills, public prayer, exegetical preaching, and the eight sacraments of the Community of Christ. Emphasis will be on the preaching and sacraments units of the course. Students will be expected to read assigned texts as well as to deliver one sermon, plan one worship service, and create public readings and prayers. The course will be primarily lecture and discussion in format.
Spiritual Formation
Participants in this course will explore spiritual types and disciplines. In addition, participants will examine the writings and insights of persons who have developed mature Christian faith.
Theological Foundations for Christian Ministry
This course is designed to introduce Community of Christ ministers to the art and discipline of theological reflection, as well as, the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. This exploration will equip students to provide ministry that is relevant to their setting for ministry, faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and fundamental to building communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.
Young Adult Ministries
This course introduces learners to the generational characteristics of young adults (persons age 18 - 25) and how all generations are called into discipleship together in the church. Learners will explore ways Community of Christ congregations can minister more effectively with young adults and also consider how learners can personally offer focused ministry. Special attention will be given to developing young adult disciples and to experiencing congregations in mission.