SCHEDULE AND CLASS INFORMATION FOR COURSES OFFERED IN THE 2023-2024 ACADEMIC YEAR
All times are Eastern Time
Polity and Administration - Rev. Carson Rhyne
Tuesdays, August 29-October 17, 2023 | See times below
Open to CRE, CE Certification, and Online Course Participants with General Interest
This course will meet for 8 weeks
There has been a change in this course format from what it originally was when registration opened. As of now, on week one (8/29) and biweekly after, everyone will meet:
Dates: 8/29, 9/12, 9/26, 10/10
6:00-8:00 p.m. Eastern Time
On the other weeks, there will be two separate sections and participants will be assigned to a section that will meet at different times during the evening. Depending on numbers, those with general interest may/may not be able to choose a preferable time.
Dates: 9/5, 9/19, 10/3, 10/17
6:00-7:15 p.m. for CRE candidates and those with general interest (Non-CRE and Non-Christian Educator)
7:30-8:45 p.m. for Christian Educator candidates and those with general interest (Non-CRE and Non-Christian Educator)
This course will engage the Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order, its underpinnings, and its implication for mission and ministry. As part of the course, participants will review administrative tasks which grow out of the Book of Order (e.g., session meetings, committee meetings, stewardship season, personnel matters and policies, financial matters, presbytery meetings, annual statistical reports).
This course will be suitable for CRE in training, as well as for Educators seeking certification for Presbyterian Polity and Mission.
Biblical Interpretation - Dr. John Carroll
Actual Course Dates are September 11-October 19, 2023 | Synchronous class meetings on Specific Thursdays | 7-9 p.m. ET
Open to CRE, CE Certification, and Online Course Participants
Four synchronous class sessions on the following Thursdays: 9/14, 9/28, 10/12, 10/19
Asynchronous class work and discussion through Blackboard on other weeks
This course has as its primary goal the equipping of Christian leaders to interpret biblical texts faithfully. The course provides an overview of the ways in which the church has approached the work of biblical interpretation and then offers a practical guide for close reading of passages, featuring peer discussion of the meaning and message of selected biblical texts. In a final course project, students write a paper in which they present their exegesis (interpretation) of a biblical passage.
Persons seeking certification as Christian educators in the Presbyterian Church (USA) also prepare a presentation in which they draw from the fruits of their exegetical study for a teaching-and-learning event.
The course is designed to meet the educational goals and expectations of persons seeking certification as lay leaders in congregations or as Christian educators, as well as persons with general interest in enhancing their ability to interpret Scripture.
Church History - Dr. Christine Luckritz-Marquis
Tuesdays, October 24-December 5, 2023 | 7-9 p.m. ET | Class will not meet on November 21
This course is designed to provide an overview of and an appreciation for the history of Christian traditions, the broader contexts in which they are developed, and their continued significance for the life of the church. Participants will study select crucial historical moments (e.g., early Christian movements, church councils, Reformation, Christianity in America).
Teaching the Bible - Dr. Cindy Kissel-Ito
Thursdays, October 26-December 7, 2023 | 7-9 p.m. ET | Class will not meet on November 23
This interdisciplinary course examines selected approaches to Bible teaching from the perspectives of biblical scholarship and Christian education. The purpose of this course is to equip participants to develop planning, implementation, and evaluation skills for teaching the Bible.
Reformed Theology - Dr. Rachel Baard
Mondays, January 8-February 12, 2024 | 7-9 p.m. ET | Asynchronous work only on January 15
This course is designed to provide students with knowledge of and appreciation for the Reformed theological tradition in which the PC(USA) is rooted. The course will explore the central tenets of the Reformed tradition, its contemporary significance for the life of the church, and its relationship to the broader ecclesial and social contexts.
Introduction to Pastoral Care - Dr. Josh Morris
Thursdays, January 11-February 15, 2024 | 7-9 p.m. ET
An introduction to the theories of pastoral care and counseling. The course offers various theological and psychological perspectives and tools to help participants develop confidence in responding to circumstances of pastoral care and counseling in the context of parish ministry and other institutional settings. Topics include the art of listening, loss and grief, pastoral care with couples and families, and the pastoral function of worship and the sacraments.
The Christian Life - Dr. Cindy Kissel-Ito
Tuesdays, February 20-March 19, 2024 | 7-9 p.m. ET
This course is designed to provide knowledge of Protestant perspectives on the Christian life. Participants will explore biblical and theological foundations that shape an understanding of the Christian life. Reflection on focused experiences of spiritual practices will engage students in critical analysis of their own spiritual lives and nurture opportunities for congregational ministry and leadership. Through assignments, online discussion, and class lectures, participants will engage in vital components of the Christian life.
Worship and Sacraments - Dr. Paul Galbreath
Thursdays, March 14-April 18, 2024 | 7-9 p.m. ET
Worship is the central act of the people of God and the community of faith. The sacraments provide a tangible witness to God's ongoing grace and presence in the world and in our lives. Together they enrich and enliven the life of faith for all God's people. This course will explore the meaning and practice of Worship, Baptism, and Communion as means and experiences of grace and commission.
Mission and Evangelism - Rev. Dr. Aram Feinberg
Mondays, April 15-May 20, 2024 | 7-9 p.m. ET
The overarching goal of this course is to develop a contextual framework for being a Reformed faith community in today’s context. To be more specific, students will be invited to imagine the contours of evangelism in today’s modern day context, which necessarily involves a historically based understanding of evangelism as well as a sociological study of those who identify as SBNRs, which is a growing demographic in the larger religious landscape of the United States.
The practice of evangelism must address the needs of society in order for the church to continue its commitment to both the gospel message (love God and love neighbor) and the great commission (go and make disciples).
Preaching - Dr. Rich Voelz
Thursdays, April 25-May 30, 2024 | 7-9 p.m. ET
Participants will consider the "why" of preaching and learn the "how" of basic elements of sermon preparation and delivery. The learning will then be put into practice by developing, delivering, and receiving feedback on a sermon preached in the context.
