UDTS | Congregational Equipping Program for Christian Leadership Registration Information

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.

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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.

2. Articulate the various genres that New Testament texts represent and the constituent literary features of these genres.

3. 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.

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 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.

·       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 chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.pcusa.org/sites/default/files/pcusa_guide_partliamentary_procedure_2nd_edition_2022.pdf ]

·       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 - ALL TEXTS SHOULD BE PURCHASED PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS

·       Book of Confessions Study Edition Revised ISBN: 9780664262907

·       John Burgess, Confessing Our Faith ISBN: 9780664503116

·       John Calvin, Instruction in Faith. ISBN: 978-0664253141

·       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. 5^th Edition (Corwin, 2016) (There is a more expensive 6^th edition, but we will be using the 5^th edition).

CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP & ADMINISTRATION

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Loren Shellabarger
Email: lshellabarger@dbq.edu 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course in Congregational Leadership examines Biblical and theological concepts of leadership, explores current secular understandings of leadership and connects them to church leadership, addresses the challenges associated with identifying and changing culture, confronts important aspects of team building, demystifies financial reports commonly used by the church, discusses administrative techniques for church leaders, and applies these concepts and understandings to missional contexts. Students will gain an appreciation of following God’s leadership as they learn to lead others.

• Describe various leadership traits and connect them to Scriptural characters
• Appropriately apply secular leadership techniques to church leadership
• Understand the challenges associated with confronting and transforming existing cultures
• Understand various financial reports and apply them to benefit the church
• Discover how to follow God while looking to lead the church 

• Online lectures and discussion, along with the assigned reading, will provide the platform for achieving the course objectives. Students are expected to be well-prepared, respectful, and insightful when participating in online discussion. Weekly reading assignments should be completed before viewing the lecture and before engaging in online discussion.
• Each week, students will be expected to contribute to the online discussion by posting responses to prompts provided by the instructor. Students are also expected to write no more than 2-3 paragraph responses throughout the class. 
• Students who complete the readings and assignments, as evidenced by their contribution and participation in online discussions, will receive a “pass” for the course. 

• Brown, Brene. Dare to Lead. New York: Random House, 2018. ISBN 978-0399592522 
• Nouwen, Henri. In the Name of Jesus. New York: Crossroad Publishing, 1989. ISBN 978- 0824512590 
• Bolsinger, Tod. Canoeing the Mountains. Downers Grove, Ill.: Intervarsity Press, 2015. ISBN 978- 0830841264 
• Jamieson, J. T. & Jamieson, P. D. (2009). Ministry and money: A practical guide for pastors. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press. ISBN 978-0664231989