Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center
Course Offerings
for Academic Year 2008-2009
The following is a list of Bethany Theological Seminary courses to be hosted by SVMC. Enrollment for courses will occur through Bethany Theological Seminary.
Introduction to Preaching (M-120-S)
Application deadline: 8/12/08 (new students)
Registration deadline: 8/25/08
Instructor: Ken Gibble, D.Min.
Dates: September 12-13, October 3-4, October 17-18, October 31-November 1, 2008
Time: Friday 6:00 to 9:30 PM; Saturday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Location: Young Center, Elizabethtown College
Credit: 3 hours of seminary credit
This course introduces students to a basic understanding of the value and methods of preaching in ministry. Attention will be given to the application of biblical exegesis in the preparation of sermons and students will be instructed and given opportunity to apply homiletical theory and skills necessary in preparing, presenting, and constructively criticizing different types of sermons.
History of Christianity 1 (H-101-S)
Application deadline: 01/13/09 (new students)
Registration deadline: 02/01/09
Instructor: George Pickens, Ph.D.
Dates: February 13-14, February 27-28, March 13-14, March 27-28, 2009
Time: Friday 6:00-9:30 PM & Saturday 8:30-4:30 PM
Location: Young Center, Elizabethtown College
Credit: 3 hours of seminary credit
This course gives an overview of the history of Christianity from the apostolic period to the eve of the Reformation. Topics addressed include theoretical issues in studying the history of Christianity, early Christianity, the Constantine shift, Augustine’s’ influence, asceticism, the Middle Ages, medieval lay piety and dissent, monastic orders, the papacy, and the beginnings of the renaissance.
Brethren Polity and Practice (M-265-S)
Application deadline: 03/03/09 (new students)
Registration deadline: 03/20/09
Instructor: Warren Eshbach, D.Min.
Dates: April 3-4, April 17-18, May 1-2, May 22-23, 2009
Time: Friday 6:00 to 9:30 PM; Saturday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Location: The Young Center, Elizabethtown College
Credit: 3 hours of seminary credit
This course is designed to enable a student to study and understand the ecclesiology, history, and polity of the Church of the Brethren. During this course, students will explore the ecclesiology in the Anabaptist and Pietist traditions in general, and the Church of the Brethren in particular.
In addition, students will examine the changing nature of organization and polity in the Church of the Brethren, while gaining an understanding of the relationship of the congregation district, and denomination. Included in this course will be the study of the relationship between the cultural context and organizational patterns of congregations.
Micah and Isaiah (B-218-S)
Application deadline: 08/11/09 (new students)
Registration deadline: 08/28/09
Instructor: Robert W. Neff, Ph.D.
Dates: September 11-12, October 2-3, October 23-24, November 6-7, 2009
Time: Friday 6:00 to 9:30 PM; Saturday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Location: Elizabethtown College, The Young Center
Credit: 3 hours of seminary credit
Both prophets figure significantly in the sermons and music of Advent and in their definition of a responsible ethical life. However, while they prophesy at about the same time, Micah comes from a small town and Isaiah comes from the city. They speak about critical issues like: Who speaks for God? What decisions makes for peace? How do we experience God? What is the definition of a moral life? What are the characteristics of a Godly leader? This course will look in depth at key texts that provide a response from the perspective of a small town seer and a city prophet.
PROJECTED COURSE OFFERINGS
Song, Mission and Culture—Winter 2010
Church of the Brethren History—Spring 2010
Introduction to the Old Testament—Fall 2010
Ministry with Older Adults—Winter 2011
Administration, Leadership, Authority—Spring 2011
Introduction to the New Testament—Fall 2011
Introduction to Pastoral Care & Counseling—Winter 2012
Old Testament Elective—Spring 2012
