Online and intensive courses open to everyone.Would you like to strengthen your understanding of Scripture, theology, or ministry? Check out our entry level courses for those who are new to theological education, and our advanced level courses for those who may be in ministry and have studied theology before.
Paso a Paso: Una Historia de la Iglesia en Español (course taught in Spanish)
Dr. Javier Goitia
El curso explorara los tiempos y eventos mas significativos de la historia de la Iglesia desde las primeras comunidades cristianas, los primeros siglos de la era común, la Edad Media, la llegada de la modernidad y hasta nuestro dias. Se enfatizarán los sucesos relacionados a la Reforma Luterana en la tardía Edad Media y la historia de la Iglesia en Centro y Sur América, el Caribe y las comunidades hispanas en EUA.
Faith & Good Sex: A Holistic Approach to Sexuality
Dr. Patricia Young
The purpose of this course is to explore the ways Christian faith calls for the nurture and proper formation of our sexual desires and relationships. Many topics will be frankly discussed: pornography and cybersex, loving sexual relationships outside of marriage, healthy sexual boundaries for all, lay and ordained, in positions of leadership in the church, variations in gender and same sex relationships, to name a few. All the sources of moral wisdom available to the community of faith - the Bible, traditional church teachings and practices, insights from scientific disciplines and our own experiences of the Spirit's work among us as people of faith -will be woven into our consideration of what makes for sexual health, integrity and holiness.
Re-Visioning Rural Mission: Leadership in Multi-Point Parishes
Dr. Mark Yackel-Juleen
This course studies the changing patterns of Small Town and Rural (STaR) ministry and the formation of multi-point parishes. In many regions, STaR congregations cooperating with other congregations in various types of configurations is the norm rather than the exception. The area parish, a configuration of multiple congregations with a staff of pastors is a cutting edge and growing model for STaR mission. This course addresses the challenges, the art, and the opportunities for ministry in these settings. Development, leadership, administration, and planning aspects of this type of ministry will be explored
Advanced level courses (June 6-July 10):
Church History for the Practice of Ministry
Rev. Philip Forness
This course offers an overview of the history of Christianity from the apostolic age to the twenty-first century. Two central emphases will link the Christian communities surveyed. First, we will discuss and evaluate how churches have responded to broader societal shifts, including responses to different religious traditions, political realities, understandings of gender and sexuality, and globalization. Second, students will be asked to consider what role narratives of the history of Christianity play in contemporary conversations within the church. Students will read, analyze, discuss, and interpret primary readings each week in relation to these two emphases. Recorded lectures, online course modules, and a brief survey of Christian history will provide the overarching narrative. Assignments will include an essay analyzing one or more primary sources, a group project that evaluates the role that narratives of Christianity assume in the church today, and a creative project that presents the history of Christianity to a general audience.
Church Management & Human Resources
Ms. Mary Kay DuChene
The functions of management and Human Resources in the church are dissimilar from the corporate world. Organizational complexity and the dynamics of human nature add a layer of complexity to the church environment. This 5-week course will explore techniques and best practices of management and HR in the church. Some topics include: supervising people, hiring and firing (whether employee or volunteer!), setting expectations (for employees or volunteers!), governance for today's church.
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