PASTORAL COURSE CATALOG

This course examines the structure and content of the Old Testament from a variety of perspectives. Students will consider the theological, cultural and historical forces at work in the scripture, and contrast the various types of books included in scripture. The history of the Jewish people is examined in detail, and the books of wisdom and the work of the prophets is covered. Upon completion of the course, students will have an understanding of the historical scope of the Old Testament, its wealth of wisdom and prophecy, and an appreciation of the Old Testament as a narrative of the relationship between God and the People.
This course examines the structure and content of the New Testament from a variety of perspectives. Students will consider the theological, cultural, and historical forces at work in scripture, and will compare and contrast the Gospels. The issues, struggles, and successes of the early Christian church are examined in detail. Upon completion of the course, students will have a strong understanding of the Gospel messages and an appreciation of the importance of the letters in understanding the modern church.
This course examines the origins of the Methodist movement with a focus on the work of John and Charles Wesley. This history traces the development of the distinctive Methodist identity out of Catholicism and the Church of England. Upon completion of the course, students will have a strong understanding of the important events in the lives of the Wesleys and their congregations that brought the movement to the United States and subsequently allowed it to spread across the world.
This course examines each of the primary theological stances of the Wesleyan movement. Upon completion of the course, students will have a strong working knowledge of the principles of Methodism, how those principles differ from those of other Christian denominations, and how to apply those principles to foster discipleship and evangelism in a congregational setting.
This course traces the development of Christian Theology from its earliest days to the dawn of the reformation. It establishes the intellectual environment of Palestine and the Greco-Roman world and traces the development of thought from the apostalic fathers and mothers through Augustine and Aquinas. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to articulate the development of Christian theology from its Greco-Roman and Palestinian roots through Augustine and Aquinas up to the Reformation.
This course continues the work started in HIST 5203 by examining the many branches of Reformation theology and the responses of the Eastern and Western Churches. The course traces the development of theological positions from Luther, Calvin and Wesley to Barth, Bonhoeffer and Niebuhr. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to articulate the development of Reformation theology and the churches' responses to it.
This course addresses worship and preaching in a congregational setting. It examines various styles of preaching and the differences between preaching and other forms of expository speech. It also addresses the preparation of a worship space and the appropriate administration of the sacraments. This course also examines special preaching situations like weddings and funerals. The preparation of public prayer will also be discussed. Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to preach and fully administer a complete service of worship in a variety of settings.
This course covers various types of bible study in individual and group settings. It examines the importance of bible study in the life of a congregation from the perspectives of evangelism, discipleship, spiritual growth and community development. This course also includes exploration of a variety of methods of biblical interpretation. Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to design and implement bible studies in a church environment and to guide people through the application of several forms of scriptural interpretation.
This course covers the details of the administration of a church in the Methodist Collegiate Church. It addresses the organizational requirements of the MCC, including committee and leadership structures. Practical aspects of administration including accounting, personnel management, insurance, and church trusts are addressed. The importance of lay leadership is discussed along with the role of a pastor in the administration of volunteer leaders. Personal and congregational safety issues including background checks, safe sanctuary and gun safety issues are covered as well. Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared to fill the pastor’s role in the administration of a church.
Course Description Coming Soon.
Course Description Coming Soon.
Course Description Coming Soon.
This course addresses the Great Commission by examining evangelism in a modern light. It focuses on the importance of the means of grace and the centrality of the Holy Spirit in bringing people into relationship with Jesus Christ and his church. It emphasizes the importance of Christian community through work, food, kids and affinity groups as important pathways to Christianity. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to develop a modern, Spirit-centered approach to evangelism that uses the means of grace and Christian community as pathways to faith in Jesus Christ.
This course addresses the process of congregational sanctification, or the growth in holiness within the people of the church. It also addresses the Means of Grace and the Scriptural Way of Salvation as continuing sources of growth and interaction with the Holy Spirit. This course examines teachings and sources to encourage development of heart, soul, and mind, as well as the importance of a profound prayerful life, including the works of saints and mystics of the church. Upon completion of the course, students will understand resources for the spiritual development of the church and the significance of growing toward Christian Perfection.