This webpage will give you:

The course descriptions and objectives represent the focus of the subject matter and the areas that receive attention in both the teaching and the taking of the
course. The descriptions summarize the overall thrust while the learning objectives delineate particular concerns that shape the parameters of the course. Since each course is limited to twenty contact hours (in addition to work completed outside of class and before the course begins), that which is described for each course serves as a desired end, although its full accomplishment cannot be attempted. Those who teach and those who take each course seek to accomplish as high a level of learning as is reasonable given inherent components.

The first two courses of Year Five seek to provide a foundational base for future learning. Course two and three of Year Five seek to put to functional purpose the student's academic learnings.

Year Five Classes (foundational courses)
COS 511--New Testament II
This course continues the third-year New Testament course, but focuses on the exegesis of assigned texts. It emphasizes the integration of previous learning in
exegesis and biblical studies with contextualization in the practice of ministry. Special emphasis includes the books of Matthew, John, James, and Revelation.

	Objectives:
		Improvement of the student's ability to effectively use scripture in the preparation of sermons and Bible studies
		Deepening of the student's understanding of the various assigned biblical studies
		Strengthening of the student's skills in using critical methods for biblical study
		Development of a rationale for the hermeneutical task
		Relating of the process of exegesis with sound hermeneutical methods for the student's pastoral role
		Assisting the student in relating the eternal biblical message to the context of ministry

COS 512--Contemporary Theology
This course critically reflects on significant individuals, movements, events, and fundamental tenets of the Christian faith that have shaped contemporary theologies in the past century or so. Through study of varied theological expressions in the modern and postmodern decades, the student enters into the church's enduring task of interpreting, articulating, and enacting the gospel for contemporary life. Attention will be given to selected primary sources.

	Objectives:
		Consideration of nineteenth-century theological issues that form the backdrop for twentieth-century developments
		Examination of the liberal-conservative split of the late-nineteenth and earlytwentieth centuries, as well as ensuing neo-evangelical movements, orthodox theologies, and liberal developments
		Analysis of the Barthian/neo-Orthodox traditions
		Interpretation of theologies of history and eschatology (for example, Niebuhr, Pannenberg, and Moltmann)
		Reflection upon Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American liberation theologies, with due reference to ethnic, feminist/womanist/mujerista, and class expressions
		Exploration of other significant theological movements, such as feminist, ecumenical, contemporary Roman Catholic, post-Enlightenment, postmodern, evangelical, Eastern Orthodox, and process theologies
		Appreciation for contemporary African, Asian, and Latin American theologies

Year Five Classes (functional courses)
COS 513-Our Mission from God: Transforming Agent
The mission of the church is to serve God and neighbor by proclaiming the gospel for the redemption of the world. Redemption is God's holy activity that transforms individuals, societies, and all of life. When faithful to its mission, the church serves as an agent of God's transforming redemption. Based upon this understanding of the nature of the church and its mission, this course seeks to help pastors gain theological understanding and practical ministry skills for leading congregations to carry out the mission of the church as God's agents of transformation.

	Objectives:
		Development of a biblical and theological framework for Christian mission
		Consideration of the Wesleyan understanding of personal piety and social holiness
		Examination of unjust social realities-such as racism, sexism, and classism-that impact society and thus impact the mission of the church
		Exploration of the growing influence of social, economic, and political globalization in the world and its implications for the mission of the church
		Exposure to United Methodist ecumenical, interreligious, and community programs that model effective social transformation in the spirit of the gospel
		Analysis of the context of ministry in local congregations for the development of strategies and leadership skills for the transforming mission of the church

COS 514-Theology and the Practice of Ministry
This course emphasizes the integration of the role of the practicing pastor with the church's theological heritage and its particular Wesleyan expression. The course also stresses theology as an ongoing task of critical reflection for the purpose of action. Consideration is given to issues, events, and institutions that form the context within which the pastor is required to think, speak, and act with theological clarity.

	Objectives:
		Continued growth of the pastor's identity as theologian and the development of his or her own credo (a written statement of the pastor's own understanding of Christian doctrine)
		Focus upon thinking theologically about everyday activities and contemporary events in the political, economic, and social areas of life
		Reflection upon a variety of theological perspectives in order to apply a faithful critique to persons who claim to be God's voices in our time
		Integration of the pastor's theological understanding in the practice and evaluation of ministry
		Encouragement of lifelong theological reading, reflection, and growth

llinois Great Rivers Conference

Our Vision:

All the physically and spiritually hungry people of our world feasting at God's table through the inviting, welcoming, and sharing of Christian communities of faith.

Our Mission:

The purpose of the annual conference is to make disciples of Jesus Christ by equipping its local churches for ministry and by providing a connection for ministry beyond the local church, all to the glory of God, so that the physically and spiritually hungry may feast at God's table. (The Book of Discipline, 2000, para. 601).