This course focuses on preaching the gospel from the Old and New Testaments.
Students will be able to:
- Articulate a theology of proclamation.
- Exegete a variety of biblical passages for preaching.
- Evaluate sermons for biblical integrity, theological soundness, internal logic, and delivery, and appropriate insights gained from the evaluation of their own sermons.
- Utilize a variety of forms for preaching.
- Incorporate ALL of the senses into the preparation for and proclamation of scripture for preaching.
Required online meetings in Weeks 6-10.
Students are required to participate in each Zoom session. Please plan your schedule accordingly.
- September 16, 2026; 10am-12pm EDT
- September 23, 2026; 10am-12pm EDT
- September 30, 2026; 10am-12pm EDT
- October 7, 2026; 10am-12pm EDT
- October 8, 2026; 10am-12pm EDT
- October 14, 2026; 10am-12pm EDT
- October 15, 2026; 10am-12pm EDT
- Facilitator: Robert Brown
This course will examine the origins of the Methodist doctrinal heritage in the theology of John Wesley and subsequent theological developments in nineteenth century Methodism. Special attention will be given to Wesley's understanding of the Christian life, the nature of grace, and the function and interrelation of means of grace. The impact of these central Wesleyan concerns on other doctrinal areas and issues will be explored. An important aspect of this study of Wesley's theology will be a consideration of the ways it can be critically and constructively appropriated today.
The primary goal of this course is for students to critically understand Wesley's theology and the tradition it birthed both as a distinctive contribution to the larger Christian tradition and as a style of theological reflection which has as its focus the Christian life.
Desired Outcomes
- Understanding the theology of John Wesley.
- Understand the role of means of grace and spiritual disciplines in the Christian life.
- Develop an understanding of some of the theological developments in Wesleyan/Methodist traditions subsequent to Wesley.
- Explore some of the central theological issues raised by these traditions and their implications for the church, mission, and practice of ministry today.
Online meeting: A Zoom meeting for introductions and discussion of the course will be held Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 7 p.m. CT.
- Facilitator: Hal Knight
This course introduces the student to the origins, sources, concepts and practices of Christian doctrine within the United Methodist tradition of Christianity.
- Instructor: Brian Germano
This course will cover over three hundred years of historical developments that contribute to the formation of The United Methodist Church. Special emphasis will be given to the formation of the Wesleyan heritage in the eighteenth century, the adaptation of that tradition to the American scene during the Revolutionary period, and the forces that have shaped Methodism through the last three centuries.
- Facilitator: Phil Jamieson
This course in United Methodist Polity is designed to engage students in a dialog on the nature of the church and its ministry, the organization of the church and its theology, and the history of the church that has formed us as the community of faith we are today.
- Facilitator: Phil Jamieson
This course introduces biblical interpretation. Attention is given to the inspiration, formation, and function of the canon and to the development of a methodology of interpretation consistent with the nature of scripture. The importance of the Bible as a witness to the life and faith of ancient Israel and earliest Christianity will be emphasized.
Students will be able to:
- Articulate the place of scripture in the life of the congregation and the role of the pastor in interpretation.
- Understand the inspiration and formation of the canon and its authority within the community of faith.
- Understand and apply historical, literary, and theological approaches to various types of literature in scripture using Genesis, Hosea and Amos, Mark, and Philippians.
- Develop a method of exegesis consistent with the nature and authority of the Bible.
- Facilitator: Chris Haynes
This course introduces the student to theological reflection in the Wesleyan tradition. Basic terms, tasks, and methods of Christian theology will be introduced. Representative classical themes will be defined and illustrated. The course provides a foundation for further historical and theological study.
Students will be able to:
- Examine their understanding of faith, sin, salvation, grace, and the place of doctrine in the life of the Church.
- Use and understand classical theological terms and themes.
- Critically consider the sources of theological reflection, including scripture, tradition, experience and reason.
- Reflect theologically as a resource for pastoral ministry.
- Instructor: Brian Germano
This course grounds the student in the theology and core practices of personal and congregational formation and discipleship.
Students will be able to:
- Articulate a theological basis for the Wesleyan emphasis on spiritual disciplines and practice them as means of grace.
- Explain and implement the General Rules and the practices of small groups in a congregation.
- Educate and resource a congregation in the disciplines Christian formation.
- Organize congregations to help people discern their callings and gifts for ministry
Online meeting: Optional, but highly recommended Zoom meeting: October 14, 2026; 6-7pm EDT
- Facilitator: Robert Winstead
This course forms the student’s identity as pastoral leader and change agent in congregations, The United Methodist Church, and the world.
Students will be able to:
- Identify and understand the attributes of good leaders, biblically and theologically.
- Evaluate and strengthen their own identities and skills as pastoral leaders.
- Explain and reflect on the nature of change in the local congregation and wider society.
- Implement visioning, strategizing, and planning processes in their local congregations.
Online meeting: Optional, but highly recommended Zoom meeting: October 14, 2026; 7-8pm EDT
- Facilitator: Robert Winstead
This course interprets the critical events, developing institutions, and traditions of Israel. Attention is given to the earliest Covenants, to the Exodus, to the rise of the monarchy, and to other events up to the eighth century prophets.
Students will be able to:
- Articulate a historical overview of the experience and faith of ancient Israel.
- Exegete selected passages that illustrate crucial turning points in the history of Israel.
- Apply exegesis to preaching, other pastoral responsibilities, and issues of the present day.
Online meeting: Optional, but highly recommended Zoom meeting: August 24, 2026; 7:30-9pm EDT
- Instructor: Russell Sisson
This course focuses on the history and theology of the Church through the first five centuries. Using primary sources, students will reflect on significant individuals, events, and the articulation of the Christian faith during this period.
Students will be able to:
- Understand and articulate the doctrine of the Trinity, and the historical debates in the early Church around the person and nature of Christ.
- Understand and articulate a doctrine of salvation in light of the controversies of the early church.
- Understand the history and significance of the creeds and ecumenical councils.
- Appropriate historical theology for pastoral ministry.
- Facilitator: William McDonald