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  Congregational Equipping Program: Christian Leadership
  PREPARING FAITHFUL LEADERS

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CLP Curricular Goals 
  1. Be formed by, live in, and minister out of Scripture and the historical and theological tradition of the Church.
  2. Educate and equip individuals and congregations to live and minister joyfully and faithfully as part of their own denomination and the ecumenical church.
  3. Integrate theology and practice in all areas of life and ministry. 



SUMMER and FALL 2024 REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Deadline for registration is 1 week prior to the date of the first class.

Important information: We are in the process of transitioning our courses to be taught in 8 week semesters instead of the current 12-week format. Summer 2024 courses will remain 12-weeks. All Fall 2024 courses will be taught in the new 8-week format. Please contact Becky Shellabarger, Director of the Christian Leadership Program with any questions (DERegistration@dbq.edu)

Summer 2024: The following courses will be offered during Summer 2024. Dates for the summer courses are May 6, 2024 - July 26, 2024

  • Presbyterian Polity (Rev. Dr. Gary Eller)
  • Introduction to Preaching (Father Kevin Goodrich)
  • Reformed Theology (Dr. David Congdon)

August 2024: We invite you to join us in Dubuque for in-person CLP courses during our August seminary intensive. Classes will take place August 5-9, 2024. This is an opportunity to not only take core courses in person on campus at UDTS, but an opportunity to be a part of the greater seminary activities during the August intensive including: Sunday welcome dinner, daily chapel and lunch, participation in the Warren Lecture series, CLP group mid-week dinner and the chance to meet some of your professors and classmates in person. Registration will open in March 2024. Contact Becky Shellabarger at DERegistration@dbq.edu to register for these August opportunities.

Courses offered in-person during August:

  • Introduction to the New Testament M-F 8:00am - 11:00am
  • Presbyterian Polity M-F 1:30pm - 4:30pm
  • Caregiving 2: Mental Health/First Aid Training - M,T,W 3:15pm - 5:15pm 
    • Must have previously taken CLP Pastoral Care 
    • $30 course fee
    • Contact Becky Shellabarger at DERegistration@dbq.edu to register instructions for this opportunity

Important Information for August Attendees:

  • A one time student fee of $89 will be charged to cover the cost of lunch daily, parking and building use. This fee will be automatically added to your student account.
  • A hotel block has been reserved in Dubuque...contact Becky Shellabarger at DERegistration@dbq.edu for additional information.

Contact Becky Shellabarger at DERegistration@dbq.edu with any questions.

Fall 2024:  All 8 of our core courses will be offered and all 8 courses will be offered in our new 8-week format. The courses will be offered on the following schedule:

Fall 2024 Course Schedule
Fall Term 1: 8/12/24 - 10/3/24  Fall Term 2: 10/10/24 - 12/11/24
Introduction to Old Testament   Introduction to New Testament
Christian Caregiving Introduction to Preaching
Reformed Worship & Sacraments Presbyterian Polity
Reformed Theology Foundations of Christian Education


Please review the registration procedures below:

  • To register, go to  http://my.dbq.edu  Login in the upper right corner, click Add/Drop courses, change term to Summer of Fall 2024, click search, you will see the list of CLP courses available to you! Check the add box on the line of the course(s) you want, click Add courses. It should give you a confirmation of success! If these short instructions do not work for you – Full Registration Instructions PDF !
  • Please note - this is only for students that have already been admitted to the program. If you have not applied for and been accepted into the program, please fill out our application first!
  • If you have any questions, please contact Becky Shellabarger, Director of the Congregational Equipping Program, with any questions or concerns! 563.589.3261 or  DERegistration@dbq.edu


Core Congregational Equipping Course Descriptions 

A complete syllabus with weekly assignments is provided at the start of each class. For coursework technology requirements, please click on "Program Info" in the green box to the right above. Please direct any issues or problems of a technical nature to our university technology help desk at  helpdesk@dbq.edu  Please do not contact professors with technical issues.


ONLINE INTRODUCTION TO THEOLOGICAL LEARNING COURSE

There are no prerequisites or required textbooks for this course. The Online Learning Course is designed to prepare students for all online courses with the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.

Newly Accepted Students
Once you've registered for a course, you will be added to this course automatically. Please complete the assignments before starting a core class.


Summer 2024 Course Descriptions:

PRESBYTERIAN POLITY

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Gary S. Eller
Phone: (888) 244-6714
Email: Geller@dbq.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an overview of Presbyterian Church (USA) polity, both in principle and practice. Particular emphasis will be given to the use of the constitution in the local congregation and governing bodies. The class will include lectures, discussion posts, case studies, and outside assignments.

COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The primary objectives of the course are to:

  • Equip students to become competent moderators of Session
  • Help students become knowledgeable interpreters of Presbyterian polity for the local congregation
  • Increase student’s awareness of the denomination’s broader missional purposes
  • Instill in students an appreciation for Presbyterian connectional polity

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

  1. Regular and thoughtful participation in class discussions;
  2. Timely completion of the assigned readings;
  3. Attendance at a presbytery meeting (or one session meeting, with permission) during the course;
  4. An analysis of an observed governing body meeting;
  5. Completion of the final essays;
  6. Course evaluation will be based on class participation and quality of submitted work.
  7. The final grade for the course will be “Pass” or “Fail.”

 REQUIRED TEXTS (Buy printed copies)

  • Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Part I,  The Book of Confessions, 2023-2025.
  • Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Part II,  The Book of Order 2023-2025.
  • Goodwiller, Gregory A., A Guide to Parliamentary Procedure in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (This is a PDF document at http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/oga/pdf/parliamentary_ procedure.pdf)
  • Gray, Joan S. and Joyce Tucker, Presbyterian Polity for Church Leaders (Fourth Edition)
  • Hooker, Paul K., Faith, Hope, Love, and Witness: The PC(USA) Form of Government  (Leader’s Guide and Participant’s Book, Being Reformed Series) … (If still available at pcusa.org)
  • Wilton, Carlos E., Principles of Presbyterian Polity

 RECOMMENDED FOR FURTHER STUDY

  • Beattie, Frank A., Companion to the Constitution: Polity for the Local Church
  • Chapman, William E., History and Theology in the Book of Order: Blood on Every Page
  • Eason, Steven P. and E. Von Clemans, Making Disciples, Making Leaders, 2nd ed.
  • Olsen, Charles, Transforming Church Boards into Spiritual Communities
  • Robert, Henry M., Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, (most recent edition)
  • Rogers, Jack., Presbyterian Creeds: A Guide to the Book of Confessions
INTRODUCTION TO REFORMED THEOLOGY

Instructor:  Dr. David W. Congdon
Phone: (503) 341-8746 (good for texting as well)
Email:  dwcongdon@gmail.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will introduce the theology of the Reformed tradition. It is designed to familiarize you with the broad contours of the tradition that flows from the Protestant Reformation and was heavily influenced by the writings of John Calvin, and it will meet the particular needs of those training to be Commissioned Ruling Elders in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Our journey through the Reformed tradition will be historical in nature, meaning we will trace the development of this tradition from its origins to the present day by looking at key Reformed confessions and catechisms. Taking this approach will illuminate what Reformed theologians mean when they say their tradition is “Reformed and always reforming.”

We will follow a “seminar” format in this class, which means our exploration will combine readings, discussion, and occasional lectures or notes from the professor. Each week I encourage you to raise questions and make observations about the readings. As we go along I will clarify complicated concepts and provide historical context for the document in question. You are not expected to memorize these texts but rather to become familiar with the main themes and ideas, so that you can draw upon them in your personal faith and in discussions with others. Whether you are a member of the PCUSA—and possibly in training to become a Commissioned Ruling Elder—or a member of another church, hopefully you will find these documents enlightening.

I will post video lectures each week along with questions for discussion. In addition, I would like to offer you all the chance to have an optional video chat Q&A time with me, where you can ask questions both to me and to each other. Please let me know if you are interested in this.

COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  1. To give you a working knowledge of the major themes in Reformed theology.
  2. To familiarize you with the Book of Confessions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  3. To enable you to personally engage these confessions and catechisms as part of your own faith journey.

COURSE ASSESSMENTS

In order to receive a passing grade, students must demonstrate:

  1. Regular participation in weekly class discussions responding to each week’s assigned readings. At least one post of at least 250 words is required in each week’s discussion forum. I ask that you post by Wednesday to allow time for others to read and respond to your comments.
  1. Completion of the final project (PICK ONE):
    1. A personal “Statement of Faith” drawing upon the readings, concepts, and themes explored during the course. Using parenthetical citations or footnotes, the statement of faith should make reference to at least two of the confessions. References to Scripture are also recommended. Do not give me your testimony: this should be your creed, not the story of your faith journey. (2 pages)
    2. A lesson plan for teaching the Reformed confessions and catechisms as part of your church’s Confirmation class, in which you have between 2 and 4 classes to cover the material. Explain what you would choose to cover and why, along with how you would present it. (2-3 pages)
    3. A short essay responding to the following prompt (2 pages):

In a 1942 essay, “Two Creeds for Every Church,” the philosopher William Pepperell Montague addresses the fact that modern Christians exist in a very different world from the ancient creeds (he was thinking of the Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds). Some people no longer accept the traditional ideas of virgin birth or the second coming, for example, while others see those creeds as missing key items like talk of Jesus’ ministry and social justice. But Montague disagreed both with those who thought we should interpret the ancient creeds symbolically and with those who wanted to replace those creeds with a modern creed that matched the faith of people today. His solution was to propose that churches adopt two creeds: a classic creed representing the traditional faith of the church and a modern creed representing the views of Christians today. The latter would be a creed open to constant revision as our knowledge of science, philosophy, religion, and other subjects continues to advance. Do you agree with Montague’s proposal? Why or why not? How does the Reformed tradition help inform your position? What doctrines or ideas would you include in the second, modern creed?

REQUIRED TEXTS

RECOMMENDED TEXTS (Not Required)

  • McKim, Donald K. Presbyterian Beliefs: A Brief Introduction. Revised Edition. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2017.
  • McKim, Donald K. Introducing the Reformed Faith: Biblical Revelation, Christian Tradition, Contemporary Significance. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2001.
  • McKim, Donald K. Presbyterian Questions, Presbyterian Answers. Revised Edition. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2017.
  • McKim, Donald K. More Presbyterian Questions, More Presbyterian Answers. Revised Edition. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2017.
  • Migliore, Daniel L. Faith Seeking Understanding: An Introduction to Christian Theology. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2014.

INTRODUCTION TO PREACHING 

Instructor: The Rev. Dr. Kevin Goodrich, O.P. 
Email: friarpreacher@gmail.com
Course Description:

An introduction to the basic principles of preaching, this course will give attention to sermon design and development, proper handling of the biblical text to derive the message of the sermon, illustrating and applying the message, types of sermons, and sermon delivery.

Course Objectives:

  • Students will develop basic skills in Scriptural exegesis.
  • Students will develop basic skills in congregational and cultural exegesis.
  • Students will develop basic skills of sermon structure, design, and delivery.  
  • Students will deepen their personal spirituality and relationship with God

Required Texts:

Long, Thomas. The Witness of Preaching. 3rd edition. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2005.

Larson, Craig and Haddon Robinson, eds. The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching: A Comprehensive Resource for Today’s Communicators. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005.

A modern English translation of the Bible, with study notes. Such as the NRSV Study Bible


August 2024 Course Descriptions:

INTRODUCTION TO NEW TESTAMENT

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Loren Shellabarger
Email:  Lshellabarger@dbq.edu, Lshellab@gmail.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is a survey and introduction to the content, message, interpretation, and background of the New Testament. The course will aim to 1) foster an appreciation for the message of the New Testament; 2) encourage students to grow in their appreciation and understanding of Scripture; and 3) strengthen students’ connection with Jesus Christ through their knowledge and understanding of the New Testament writings and their historical contexts.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the conclusion of the course, students should be able to:

1.    Identify the distinctive theological concerns of the New Testament authors.

2.    Interpret the New Testament texts within their social and historical settings.

3.    Analyze New Testament texts from historical and theological perspectives.

ENGAGEMENT AND EVALUATION

The requirements for successfully completing this course will be accomplished via a set of pre-readings and assignments (the preload), one week of in-person course lectures and class discussion, and a postload assignment.

The pre-reading will consist of reading the secondary text for the course, Introducing the New Testament by Mark Allan Powell, as well as a review of the New Testament itself. Scripture passages for emphasis will be provided as part of the preload. After reading the texts, students will respond to a set of prompts as a part of the preload and submit them prior to the in-person week.

During the week of the in-person course lectures and discussion, students will be expected to come to class prepared to discuss the day’s topics, along with any coursework required.

During the post-load portion of the class, students will be required to respond to assignment prompts created to establish their comprehension and understanding of course objectives.

The primary text for this course will be the New Testament itself. It is strongly recommended that students make use of a good study Bible, such as the New Oxford Annotated Bible, to aid in their reading. The secondary text (the textbook) for the course will be Introducing the New Testament by Mark Allan Powell. 

Students who complete the preload, participate in class, and complete the post-load assignments, all at an appropriate level, will receive a “pass” for the course.

REQUIRED TEXTS

·       Powell, Mark Allan. Introducing the New Testament: A Historical, Literary, and Theological Survey. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2009. ISBN: 978-0801099601

·       The New Oxford Annotated Bible: New Revised Standard Version. New York: Oxford University Press, 2018. ISBN: 978-0190276041.


 PRESBYTERIAN POLITY

Instructor: Alyson A. Janke

Email: alysonjanke@yahoo.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an overview of Presbyterian Church (USA) polity, both in principle and in practice.  There will be an emphasis on the use of the constitution in the local congregation as well as the councils of the church.  Basic parliamentary procedure will also be addressed.  Class structure will include lectures, discussion of case studies, and role plays.  There will be written assignments.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course is designed:

1.    to equip students to become competent moderators of Session

2.    to equip students to become knowledgeable interpreters of the polity of the church in the local congregation         

3.    to help students gain an understanding of and appreciation for our connectional nature        

ENGAGEMENT AND EVALUATION

1.    Regular attendance and participation in class discussions

2.    Completion of the assigned reading before class 

3.    Observation of one session meeting in a church other than the one regularly attended.

4.    Completion of several papers to be assigned

5.    A description of written assignments for assessment will be distributed in class.

6.    Evaluation will be based on class participation and evidence of knowledge of required reading. 

7.    The final grade will be “pass” or “fail” 

REQUIRED TEXTS

·       The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Part I The Book of Confessions-  current print edition   The Revised Study Edition would be acceptable and good to have in  your professional library.

·       The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Part II  Book of Order  (2023-2025)  - print edition

·       Gregory A. Goodwiller, A Guide to Parliamentary Procedures in the Presbyterian Church (USA (Download and print resource at https://www.pcusa.org/site_media/media/uploads/oga/pdf/parliamentary_procedure.pdfOpen this document with ReadSpeaker docReader )

·       Gray and Tucker, Presbyterian Polity for Church Leaders, 4th Edition ISBN 978-06645-0315-4

·       Burgess, John, Confessing Our Faith: The Book of Confessions for Church Leaders

RECOMMENDED FOR FURTHER STUDY

·       Robert, Henry M., Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, 11th Edition

·       Rogers, Jack, Presbyterian Creeds, A Guide to the Book of Confessions



Fall 2024 Course Descriptions:

INTRODUCTION TO OLD TESTAMENT

 Instructor:  Dr. Matt Schlimm
 Email: mschlimm@dbq.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides a basic introduction to the Old Testament’s content, historical background, canon, genres, theology, culture, interpretation, and ecclesial use. By the end of the course, students will be able to responsibly interpret passages from the Old Testament and evaluate how others use the Old Testament.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1.    Evaluate common uses of the Old Testament in the church.

2.    Analyze how particular Old Testament books and texts relate to overarching historical periods and the broader biblical story.

3.    Analyze how particular Old Testament books and texts relate to overarching canonical divisions and key types of literature.

4.    Analyze how particular Old Testament books and texts relate to theological themes and central texts.

5.    Analyze how particular Old Testament texts relate to ancient cultural dynamics.

6.    Create frameworks for responsibly interpreting the Old Testament in church settings.

ENGAGEMENT AND EVALUATION
Eight weekly quizzes and eight weekly assignments.  Students need to score 70% or higher to receive credit. 

REQUIRED TEXTS

  • Green, Joel, et al., eds. CEB Study Bible. Nashville: Common English Bible, 2018. ISBN: 978-1609262167.
  • Schlimm, Matthew. This Strange and Sacred Scripture: Wrestling with the Old Testament and Its Oddities. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2015. ISBN: 9780801039799.
  • Seibert, Eric. Enjoying the Old Testament: A Creative Guide to Encountering Scripture. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2021. ISBN: 9781514001202.
  • Strawn, Brent. Lies My Preacher Told Me: An Honest Look at the Old Testament. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2021. ISBN: 9780664265717.

INTRODUCTION TO NEW TESTAMENT

Instructor:  Dr. Nick Elder
Email: nelder@dbq.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces the New Testament as a collection of ancient texts from varying genres. By the end of the course students will be able to articulate what the New Testament is, to identify the various ancient literary genres that New Testament texts represent, to explain how both modern and antique contexts shape interpretation of the New Testament, and to evaluate interpretive debates about specific New Testament texts.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

  1. Explain what the New Testament is.
  1. Articulate the various genres that New Testament texts represent and the constituent literary features of these genres.
  1. Explain how the historical, theological, cultural, and religious contexts in which the New Testament texts were written are relevant to their interpretation. 

ENGAGEMENT AND EVALUATION

Eight content quizzes (one per week)

Eight written response assignments (one per week)

REQUIRED TEXTS

·       Mitzi J. Smith and Yung Suk Kim, Toward Decentering the New Testament: A Reintroduction, Eugene, OR: Cascade, 2018. ISBN: 1532604653.

·       Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler, eds., The Jewish Annotated New Testament (NRSV), 2nd Edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press: 2017. ISBN: 0190461853.


 CHRISTIAN CAREGIVING: FOR PASTORS AND LEADERS

 Instructor:  Dr. Beth McCaw
 Email: bmccaw@dbq.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION
An introduction to the caring aspects of pastoral ministry, including biblical foundations of care, the development of pastoral identity, various models of care, and varieties of essential pastoral communication skills necessary for entering diverse situations of crisis and need.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

  1. To offer an introduction to the caring aspects of pastoral ministry
  2. To articulate biblical and psychological foundations of care
  3. To encourage the development of a healthy and faithful pastoral identity
  4. To examine the primary contexts of pastoral care
  5. To strengthen essential pastoral communication skills
  6. To become acquainted with various models of pastoral care

ENGAGEMENT AND EVALUATION
Eight Weekly E&E (Exercises and Engagement).  Input from each class participant is needed for the mutual enrichment of all class members.  Credit is awarded for a minimum of 70% timely and thoughtful completing of weekly posts. 

REQUIRED TEXTS

  • Hunsinger, Deborah Van Deusen, Pray Without Ceasing: Revitalizing Pastoral Care (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2006).
  • Killen, James L. Pastoral Care in the Small Membership Church (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2005).  Selections.
  • Several articles provided as pdf’s on the course site.
  • Franklin, Cynthia, and Rowena Fong.  The Church Leader’s Counseling Resource Guide (New York: Oxford, 2011) – selections.

 INTRODUCTION TO PREACHING

 Instructor:  Dr. Timothy M Slemmons
 Email: tslemmons@dbq.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An introduction to the basic principles of preaching: what sets preaching apart from other types of oral communication; how does one select biblical texts for preaching; what spiritual practices best serve the sermon design and preparation process; what exegetical questions best accord with faithful interpretation; what considerations bear upon the application of the sermon to Christian life; what delivery considerations merit the most intentional practice?

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1.    Discover, identify, and apply the unique attributes of preaching that distinguish it from other forms of human communication.

2.    Identify and compare primary options for selecting biblical texts that will serve as the basis for messages (sermons) appropriate to the needs of the church, its worship, and its mission in the world.

3.    Interpret selected biblical texts with attention to both ancient literary and modern ecclesial contexts. Construct a theological (focus) statement that arises from the selected biblical text, and relate it (with a function statement) to Christian practice.

4.    Paraphrase focus and function statements so as to distinguish them from competing cultural claims, indicating corrective and edifying theological insights for the individual listener and the church.

5.    Compose and assemble weekly devotional messages that explain the selected scripture, summarize the theological claim, and appraise its implications for the Christian life.

6.    Organize and develop one devotional message into a sermon, delivered audibly and clearly

7.    Evaluate peer sermons and/or those by notable preachers in assigned readings or other media.

REQUIRED TEXTS

·       Jennifer Lord, Finding Language and Imagery: Words for Holy Speech (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2009); ISBN-13: 978-0800663537

·       Slemmons, Timothy Matthew. A Short Course in Preaching: Daily Reading as the Seedbed of Sermons. Independently published, 2023. ISBN: 979-8850424664

·       The Good Confession. Independently published, 2020. ISBN: 979-8619006148

·       Year D: A Quadrennial Supplement to the Revised Common Lectionary. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2012. ISBN: 978-1610973120

·       NRSV or NIV Study Bible (specific edition of the student's choosing).

·       Other assigned readings may be provided as .pdf files or via internet links

RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND READINGS

·       Hansen, Gary Neal, Your First Sermon: Getting from Here to Sunday in Five Manageable Steps. Climacus Publishing, 2020. ISBN: 978-0986412462


REFORMED WORSHIP AND SACRAMENTS

 Instructor:  Dr. Timothy M Slemmons
 Email: tslemmons@dbq.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course in Reformed Worship and Sacraments introduces the basic scriptural, historical, and theological principles of Christian worship as viewed from a Reformed perspective, with special focus on liturgical practice in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Students who successfully complete this course will demonstrate and/or articulate the following:

1.    An introductory knowledge of Christian worship from a Reformed perspective;

2.    An introductory knowledge of the resources available for preparing and planning for worship;

3.    An ability to plan a worship service with commentary, explaining the theological and liturgical function of each major component of the service;

4.    An understanding of worship leadership and the ability to adapt Reformed practices to a particular context;

5.    A knowledge of the sacraments that coheres with Reformed theology;

6.    An introductory knowledge of the ordering and administration of pastoral services.

REQUIRED TEXTS

·       Slemmons, Timothy Matthew. A Short Course in Reformed Worship. Independently published, 2024. Independently published. ISBN: 9798883355997. (forthcoming)

·       Old, Hughes Oliphant. Worship, Revised and Expanded Edition: Reformed According to Scripture. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002. ISBN-13: 978-0664225797.

·       Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2013. ISBN-13:978-0664238964.

·       P.C. (U.S.A.) The Book of Common Worship. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2018. ISBN: 978-0-664-50318-5

·       P.C. (U.S.A.) The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Part I, The Book of Confessions Louisville: Office of the General Assembly, 2016. [No ISBN]

·       P.C. (U.S.A.) The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Part II, The Book of Order 2023-2025. Louisville: Office of the General Assembly, 2023. ISBN 979-8-9885501-0-5.

·       Other assigned readings may be provided as .pdf files or via internet links.


PRESBYTERIAN POLITY

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Richard J. Shaffer Jr.

Email: RShaffer@dbq.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This eight-week course provides an overview of Presbyterian Church (USA) polity, both in principle and in practice. There will be an emphasis on the use of the constitution in the local congregation as well as the governing bodies. Class structure will include lectures, discussion, case studies, and outside assignments.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course is designed to:

1.    Equip students to become competent moderators of Session.

2.    Help students become knowledgeable interpreters of Presbyterian polity for the local congregation.

3.    Increase student’s awareness of the denomination’s broader missional purposes.

4.    Instill in students an appreciation for our connectional nature.

ENGAGEMENT AND EVALUATION

·       Regular and thoughtful participation in all class discussions.

·       Timely completion of assigned readings.

·       Attendance at one presbytery meeting (or one session meeting if it is completely    unfeasible to get to a presbytery meeting) during the course.

·       An analysis of the observed governing body meeting.

·       Timely submission of written assignments, including the final exam.

·       Evaluation will be based on class participation, evidence of knowledge of required reading, and quality of submitted work.

·       The final grade for the course will be “Pass” or “Fail.” 

REQUIRED TEXTS

·       P.C. (U.S.A.) The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Part I, The Book of Confessions [current edition with index].

·       P.C. (U.S.A.) The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Part II, The Book of Order [current edition, 2023-2025]

·       Goodwiller, Gregory A., A Guide to Parliamentary Procedure in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) [this is found as a PDF document at http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/oga/pdf/parliamentary_procedure.pdfOpen this document with ReadSpeaker docReader ]

·       Gray, Joan S. and Tucker, Joyce, Presbyterian Polity for Church Leaders (Fourth Edition)

·       Wilton, Carlos E. Principles of Presbyterian Polity, Geneva Press, 2016.

RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND READINGS

·       Beattie, Frank A., Companion to the Constitution: Polity for the Local Church

·       Chapman, William E., History and Theology in the Book of Order: Blood on Every Page

·       Olsen, Charles, Transforming Church Boards Into Spiritual Communities

·       Robert, Henry M., Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, Most Recent Edition

·       Rogers, Jack, Presbyterian Creeds, A Guide to the Book of Confessions


REFORMED THEOLOGY

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Bradley Longfield

Email: Blongfie@dbq.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an introduction to Reformed theology through readings, lectures, and discussion with a particular focus on the theology of John Calvin and the content of the Book of Confessions of the Presbyterian Church (USA), especially the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds and the Heidelberg Catechism.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By participating fully in this class students will:

1.    Be able to identify and analyze major theological and ethical teachings in the Reformed tradition especially as articulated in the work of John Calvin and the Book of Confessions of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

2.    Be able to use the content of the Book of Confessions of the Presbyterian Church (USA), especially the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds and the Heidelberg Catechism, as a theological resource for church leadership.

ENGAGEMENT AND EVALUATION

·       Conscientious attendance, reading, and participation in discussions. (320 points)

·       A written lecture or lesson plan as described in the course syllabus. (680 points)

REQUIRED TEXTS

·       Book of Confessions Study Edition Revised ISBN: 9780664262907

·       John Burgess, Confessing Our Faith ISBN: 9780664503116

·       John Calvin, Instruction in Faith. ISBN: 0664253148

·       Gary Neal Hansen, The Heidelberg Catechism (available here: https://www.pcusastore.com/Products/680776/the-heidelberg-catechism-participants-book.aspx)

·       Either the Oxford Annotated NRSV Bible or the CEB Study Bible


FOUNDATIONS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Instructor: Dr. Susan Forshey
Email: sforshey@dbq.edu 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course explores the role and practice of the teaching and discipling ministries of the church as graced means of cultivating the character of Christ personally and corporately. An incarnational model of teaching and learning—engaging the whole person—will be emphasized. Students will reflect on their own experiences of these ministries, both as teacher and student; engage texts on teaching and instructional design, the neuroscience of learning and habit formation; contemplative attention; spiritual formation in children and youth; and practice practical theological reflection as they build skills for teaching in various contexts. Models for learning, recent cognitive research, and instructional design models will be dialogue partners as students select and describe a context of teaching and learning; then design, teach, and evaluate a teaching/learning experience.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By participating fully in this class, students will:

1.    Be able to identify and build on biblical, theological, and practical foundations for the educational tasks of the local congregation.

2.    Use models for structuring the worship and ministry of congregations in ways that call and shape disciples from spiritual infancy to maturity in Christian community and public witness, as measured by the evaluations of a teaching session.

CRE CURRICULAR GOALS

1.    Be formed by, live in, and minister out of Scripture and the historical and theological tradition of the Church.

2.    Educate and equip individuals and congregations to live and minister joyfully and faithfully as part of their own denomination and the ecumenical church.

3.    Integrate theology and practice in all areas of life and ministry.

ENGAGEMENT AND EVALUATION

·       Demonstrate reflective understanding of the assigned reading and lectures by submitting online journals each week (20% of grade).

·       Comment on two colleague online posts each week (10%)

·       Write a context description of church or ministry that will be the setting for teaching a learning experience (35% of grade).

·       Plan a learning experience (35% of grade).

REQUIRED TEXTS

·       Harold Percy. Your Church Can Thrive. (Abingdon, 2005)

·       Maria Lichtmann. The Teacher's Way: Teaching and the Contemplative Life (Paulist Press, 2005)

·       David Sousa. How the Brain Learns. 5th Edition (Corwin, 2016) (There is a more expensive 6th edition, but we will be using the 5th edition).



Last modified: Sunday, March 17, 2024, 5:34 PM