Christian education has traditionally been viewed as a process of cognitive formation. The Great Commission to make disciples, however, compels us to recognize it as a whole-life discipleship journey embracing the entire person, rather than just the mind. This course explores Christian education as an integrative learning process that impacts all of life in all seasons of life.
- Teacher: Pam Reed
Why does asking questions improve our critical thinking skills? How can we ask questions that invite dialogue, engage diversity, and probe issues and problems more deeply? Is there a right answer to every question? When reading, when do we soak up a lot of information like a sponge and when should we select and filter it? Why do critical readers read the conclusion of an article or book first? What is a “hook” and a “thesis statement” and why do the introductions to our essays need them? How to we integrate the views of “scholars” into our writing? The learning activities in this class will respond to these questions and will improve critical thinking, reading, and writing skills for theological studies.
- Teacher: Michael Lund
Western Christianity inhabits a culture that promotes individualism, instant-gratification consumerism, and an emphasis on self-help and private devotional practices for a better spirituality. A Wesleyan framework, by contrast, offers grace-filled transformative practices set in community for moulding mature Christians. Personal and community faith habits, or means of grace, are central to this pathway of discipleship. This unit will explore a range of personal and congregational practices that mediate the transformative power of God’s love to those committed to the pursuit of Christ-like discipleship within the community of faith.
- Teacher: David McEwan
When God speaks, new life is formed. As a preacher, you get to participate in proclaiming God’s life-giving word. It’s a great privilege but also a challenge. In this course, we will explore together how we can listen well, write well, and then deliver well. You will learn by doing, as you prepare and deliver sermons. Whether your context is a Sunday morning gathering or youth group devotions, if you’re new to preaching or looking to grow your skills, this course will grow your ability to communicate what God is saying today.
- Teacher: Laithe Greenaway
This unit provides students with an opportunity to understand the rather unique vocation of chaplaincy, introducing them to its distinctive characteristics, theological priorities, defining activities and core competencies. Students will explore the broad role of the chaplain, then focus on aspects of working in and leading teams, engaging with legal and organisational standards, and pursuing professional effectiveness. The unit will also expose students to some of the dilemmas, challenges, and opportunities faced by chaplains in the practice of professional chaplaincy across a variety of contexts.
- Teacher: Steve Forward
Have you ever wondered about God, the meaning or purpose of life, the problem of evil, or the possibility of a future life? Explore these questions and others within the context of Christian understanding. No prerequisites, including faith, are required. Come with an openness to explore the meaning of life with some helpful guides from the past and present.
- Teacher: Dean Smith
At various times in history, the Bible has been misunderstood or even misused to justify injustice, fuel division, or advance ideas far removed from God’s intent because of flawed methods of reading and interpretation. Reading verses out of context or assuming that a literal interpretation is always the best method may distort Scripture’s true message and cause serious harm. On the other hand, understanding the Bible isn’t always simple; time, language, and cultural gaps stand between the contemporary reader and the ancient world of the text. This class explores old and new techniques to bridge interpretation gaps and generate a more faithful, contextual, and wholistic understanding of Scripture.
- Teacher: Linda Stargel