 |
Contact: Judith Yager
(1-800-825-2806 x2358)
- for more information
- to get a class syllabus
- to register
|
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. |
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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. |
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Community of Christ Scriptures—Syllabus
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.
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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. |
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Hebrew Scriptures
— Syllabus
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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Pastoral Care —
Syllabus
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. |
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Public Ministry
— Syllabus
—
Homily Preparation
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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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| For more information about the MEADS program or to get a class
syllabus, contact Judith Yager
(1-800-825-2806, ext. 2358). |
