Life Long Learning

In this course we will reflect on how the life and work of clergy are depicted in novels and movies. The selections will cover a range of Christian denominations and traditions, both in North American settings and further abroad. The films will include The Apostle, First Reformed, Dead Man Walking, Romero, Mr. Rogers, and episodes from the current BBC series Grantchester. The fiction will range from Jan Karon's popular romance Light in the Window to Marilynne Robinson's critically acclaimed Gilead; from Richard Kim's story of ministers under fire in the Korean War, The Martyred, to Alan Paton's epochal depiction of South African life in Cry the Beloved Country; from accounts of ordinary parish life by Gail Godwin (Evensong) and Elizabeth Strout (Abide with Me) to Ernest Gaines’s depiction of an African-American minister under the cross-pressures of the civil rights movement in In My Father’s House. In each case we will discuss the intersection of the personal and professional dimensions of the pastor’s life; the reasons why these varied depictions might be popular among their respective audiences; and the food for thought each of these accounts might provide regarding our own (prospective) careers.

[Please reserve a 3-hour window each day of J-term to allow for film screenings. Class will run just two hours on days devoted to book discussions.]

This course begins with a close literary reading of Esther and then refracts the study of this ‘Scroll’ through a wide variety of lenses. Students can expect to come away not only with a better understanding of Esther as Christian Scripture but also with a greater awareness and appreciation of the sheer breadth of approaches available to enrich the study of any Old Testament book. Angles of inquiry include: Christian theology, Jewish festival practice, history of interpretation (written and visual), critical theory, intertextuality/intracanonical reading, and comparison to the Septuagint. Hebrew recommended but not required.

Studies the historical context, social setting and epistolary structure of 1 Corinthians, emphasizing the major themes and issues of this letter and its message for the church today.

Engaging Christian Worship which effectively nurtures faith must be built on a clear understanding of the doctrine of Jesus Christ and should faithfully represent the full range of his ministry. The services of the Christian year – from Advent to Eastertide – provide an excellent pattern of nurture for the worshiping congregation. We’ll explore the worship calendar which observes the Christian Year and thereby faithfully leads worshipers through the entire ministry of Christ on an annual basis. We’ll function collegially and will aim to collaboratively plan services which faithfully accomplish this.

In this course we will learn together how to be aware of and then follow the promptings of the Spirit in all phases of preaching (preparation and study, writing, delivering) and all phases of worship leading (preparation, writing, leading). In this course, we will draw from the rich resources within our own tradition (Reformed) and the wider history of the Christian church as well as from the practical experiences of our pastorates. You will be invited to practice disciplines in your personal and vocational life which open you to the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

Introduces pastoral care for young people and families from a systems perspective, develops skills in theological diagnostic method, and examines issues such as depression and suicide, sexuality identity and function, use and abuse of alcohol and illegal substances, and dysfunctional families.

This course surveys contemporary issues and opportunities in global mission, informed by the dramatic expansion of Christianity in Africa, Asia, and Latin America even as it wanes in Europe and North America. Topics could include short-term missions, immigration and international students, persecution and peace-making, Pentecostalism and the prosperity gospel, Scripture-use across cultures, cross-cultural partnerships and reciprocity, Business-as-Mission, unreached and unengaged peoples, and missionary member-care.

Studies the thought of Augustine as related to his life and work, with emphasis on his place in the development of Christian doctrine.