Course PA-01 - Introduction to Christian Theology

by Paul Appleby

This survey course provides an overview of the basic structure and methodologies of Christian Theology . Participants will reflect upon their own understanding of God and learn to place it in dialogue with other views, as well as exposing it to the rigors of academic investigation and exploration in order learn how to best leverage it in the places where they serve. Students will also learn about the approaches taken, traditionally, by those within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Finally, students will have opportunity to discuss different approaches to theology and assess their relative strengths and weaknesses. By the end of the course students should be able to articulate their own theology in a clear, concise, and consistent manner and identify areas for future study and growth.

These courses will satisfy, in part, educational requirements for non-seminary trained candidates under the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Apprenticeship Path to Ordination and for those seeking to be Commissioned in The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Note: There is no guarantee that an individual’s Regional Commission on Ministry will accept the course; it is incumbent on each student to clarify with his or her Regional COM the acceptability of the course for Standing. All courses are developed and delivered with the intent of preparing candidates for standing in the area of competency set forth. The courses will be taught in a way that makes them accessible and valuable to individuals from other Christian traditions as well. Future courses will expand on these themes by narrowing the focus to particular aspects of the field. All courses utilize the ONLINE Learning Platform of www.TransformingTheChurch.org and are provided through a “blended” format of onsite learning (through eight intensive ninety minute class sessions) and online learning (weekly class meetings through conference calls/webinars held on the Fridays following the onsite sessions). More information about the curriculum can be found at www.disciplesdivinitycenter.org

Course Schedule - Physical Sessions

• Class 1 - Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
• Class 2 - Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
• Class 3 - Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
• Class 4 - Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
• Class 5 - Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
• Class 6 - Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
• Class 7 - Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
• Class 8 - Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

Course Schedule - Online Sessions

• Online Session 1 - Friday, September 13, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Online Session 2 - Friday, September 20, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Online Session 3 - Friday, September 27, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Online Session 4 - Friday, October 4, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Online Session 5 - Friday, October 11, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Online Session 6 - Friday, October 18, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Online Session 7 - Friday, October 25, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Online Session 8 - Friday, November 1, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.