MEADS Class Offerings

Ministerial Education and Discipleship Studies (MEADS) is a certificate program designed to empower participants for ministry. MEADS courses offer a concentrated study of foundational theology, church history, scripture, and practical ministry formation. In addition to the in-class hours, the instructor requires pre-class assignments in the form of readings, reflection papers, or projects. Out-of-class assignments and summary assignments post-class are expected. All coursework must be completed by the deadline announced by the instructor.

The following MEADS courses will be offered at the 2008 Congregational LIFE Workshop and are open to all interested students. To prepare and read all assigned books and to complete pre-class assignments, the deadline to enroll in MEADS classes is May 1, 2008. For more information about the MEADS program or to get a class syllabus, contact Tammy Lindle (1-800-825-2806, ext. 2383).

History of Christian Thought —Ruth Ann Wood, Instructor—9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

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 from which key doctrines emerged in each period.

Church Polity and Administration—Scott Murphy, Instructor—1:45 p.m.–5:15 p.m.

This course will introduce church leaders to 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 about real-life issues and the complexities that sometimes arise between administrative policies and pastoral and missional concerns. This course will use short presentations, class discussions, and small group activities.