Friday Classes are from 5:30pm-9:30pm
Saturday Classes are from 9:00am-1:00pm
1. Diversity in the Christian Tradition
Instructor: Rev. Meade Walker, PhD.
Class Meetings: Fridays: February 3-March 23
What is the family tree of Christianity? Where did our brothers and sisters in Christ come from? In this course, we will examine the history of Christianity and understand our shared heritage, our places of agreement and disagreement, and our possibilities for shared life and ongoing conversation in the faith.
2. Bible and Ministry
Instructor: Rev. Andre E. Johnson, PhD.
Class meetings: Saturdays: February 4-March 24
How do we come to understand biblical texts so as to relate them to the life of discipleship in the contemporary world? In this course, we will consider different ways to interpret the Bible, examine how context is important in understanding biblical texts, and how we share biblical meanings with other people of faith.
3. Biblical Theology
Instructor: TBA
Class meetings: Fridays: May 4-June 22
What are the foundations of the Christian faith and how are they rooted in the Bible? How do we build upon those foundations through our own faith reflections and sharing with others in pastoral contexts? In this course we will examine central Christian faith convictions in relation to the Bible. We will also consider different approaches to our own work of doing biblically based theological reflection.
4. Proclaiming the Word
Instructor: TBA
Class meetings: Saturdays: May 5-June 23
How do we effectively proclaim the Word of God? How do we prepare and deliver a sermon that will be transformative for our hearers? In this course, we will explore different ways of preparation for and engaging in the practice of preaching.
5. Building Your Ministry
Instructor: TBA
Class Meetings: Fridays: August 3-September 21
How do we draw upon social, cultural, institutional, and financial resources to build our ministry? In this course, we will investigate and evaluate different ways to build effective ministry. This will include attention to the use of social media, fund-raising, and creating and sustaining a non-profit organization.
6. Mission and Outreach
Instructor: TBA
Class meetings: Saturdays: August 4-September 22
What is our mission as church? How do we identify and promote the mission of our church? How might our mission include a variety of ministries? In this course, we will consider the theological foundations for church mission, varieties of church outreach, and the practical skills necessary for engaging in outreach.
**Graduation Ceremony: October 5 @ 6:30pm @ Mt. Vernon Baptist Church
To enroll or to get more information, please call Dr. Debra Matthews @ 334-5857
