Church of the Brethren Newsline
April 20, 2018
The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership has announced its course offering for the rest of this year and into next, see the following listing. These courses are for everyone, with Training in Ministry (TRIM) and Education for Shared Ministry (EFSM) students receiving 1 unit per course, credentialed clergy earning 2 continuing education units, and others enrolling for their own personal and spiritual enrichment. To register for one of the following courses, go to bethanyseminary.edu/brethren-academy or contact academy@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1824.
A ministry training partnership of the Church of the Brethren and Bethany Seminary, the academy is an umbrella for several non-degree ministry training efforts within the denomination. The academy accepts students beyond the registration deadline, but on that date the academy determines whether enough students have registered to offer the course. Many courses have required pre-course readings, so students need to allow enough time to complete the readings. Do not purchase texts or make travel plans until the registration deadline has passed and a course confirmation is received.
Upcoming courses
“Contemporary Voices in Ministry: Diana Butler Bass Directed Independent Study,” July 3-4, taking place in Cincinnati, Ohio, concurrently with the Church of the Brethren Ministers’ Association gathering in advance of Annual Conference. Instructor: Carrie Eikler. Amid division, stress, and anxiety, why should anyone care about gratitude? Cultural observer and theologian Diana Butler Bass argues that gratitude is central to both our personal and political lives–and that it may be the single most important spiritual practice we can engage in times of turmoil and conflict. She proposes that a new commitment to giving thanks can save our own souls and society. Registration deadline: May 30.
“Set-Apart Ministry in the Bivocational Reality,” Aug. 8-Oct. 2, an online course. Instructor: Sandra Jenkins, pastor of Constance Church of the Brethren. Bivocational ministry is a reality in many denominations. It is not only a calling but a necessity; part-time ministry placements often outnumber full-time placements. This class will explore the set-apart ministry within the bivocational context, including the rewards and challenges for both pastor and congregation. A focus will be the bivocational ministry of the Apostle Paul. In an online learning community, the class will seek God’s direction as it relates to each person’s individual call and ministry. Registration deadline: July 3.
“Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures,” Oct. 17-Dec. 11, an online course. Instructor: Matt Boersma. Registration deadline: Sept. 12.
“Narrative Theology,” Nov. 1-4, a weekend intensive at Bethany Seminary in Richmond, Ind. Instructor: Scott Holland. Registration deadline: Sept. 27.
“Introduction to Pastoral Care,” Jan. 14-16, 2019, a weekend intensive at Bethany Seminary in Richmond, Ind. Instructor: Sheila Shumaker. Registration deadline: Dec. 5.
“Church History II,” Jan. 23-March 13, 2019, an online course. Instructor: H. Kendall Rogers. Registration deadline: Dec. 18.
“Church of the Brethren Polity,” March 14-May 1, 2019, an online course. Instructor: Torin Eikler. Registration deadline: Feb. 7, 2019.
— See the Ministry Training Brochure for an overview of Church of the Brethren ministerial training programs, at https://bethanyseminary.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2016-Ministry-Training-CoB-Tri-Fold.pdf. For more information and to enroll in a course, go to https://bethanyseminary.edu/brethren-academy.
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