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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 Four seek to provide a foundational
base for future learning. Course two and three of Year Four seek
to put to functional purpose the student's academic learnings.
Year Four Classes (foundational courses)
COS 411--Hebrew Bible II
This course continues to examine the Word of God as it was expressed
through some of Israel's prophets, selected psalms, and passages
from the Book of Job.
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Objectives: |
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A focus on the biblical message as
a whole by integrating this year's study with previous study
of the Bible |
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Greater familiarity with a number
of the great passages in the designated books |
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Continuation of exegetical practice |
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Exploration of the assigned passages
as relevant for preaching, mission, and ministry by today's
pastor and congregation |
COS 412--The Wesleyan Movement
This course is a critical reflection on significant individuals,
decisive events, and fundamental tenets of the Christian faith as
found in the development of United
Methodism. Utilizing the categories of grace and faith as focusing
lenses, the student appropriates particulars of the Wesleyan heritage
and enters into the church's ongoing task of interpreting, articulating,
and enacting the gospel in contemporary life.
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Objectives: |
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A review of the factors in the English
Reformation, the Puritan revolution, and German Pietism that
illuminate the Evangelical Revival |
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Introduction to John, Charles, and
Susanna Wesley, with emphasis upon the ministry and theology
of John Wesley and the development of Methodist societies within
eighteenth-century Anglicanism |
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Consideration of significant theological
and historical developments in Methodism and in the Evangelical
United Brethren tradition in nineteenth and twentieth-century
America |
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Reflection upon pressing theological
and church polity issues facing contemporary United Methodism |
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Appreciation for and appropriation
of the contributions of historical theology |
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Continued growth of the pastor's identity
as theologian |
Year Four Classes (functional courses)
COS 413-Worship and Sacraments
This course examines the sacraments, rites, and liturgy of The United
Methodist Church and the pastor's role as worship leader.
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Objectives: |
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Examination of the church year and
its historical and theological grounding |
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Examination of the theology and practice
of the sacraments |
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Review of the rites of
Christian marriage, death and resurrection, and other occasional
services, including appropriate counseling methods |
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Reflection on worship practices, including
use of nontraditional liturgies, media, music, and lay leadership |
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Development, for reflection and evaluation,
of a sample service of worship |
COS 414-Personal and Social Ethics
This course analyzes the biblical and theological bases for Christian
behavior-personal, professional, and social. Emphasis is given to
the acquisition of pastoral
skills in moral discernment and ethically responsible decision making
and action.
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Objectives: |
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Exploration of biblical and theological bases
for ethical thinking and activity |
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Survey of major approaches to ethical
reasoning |
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Examination of the Social Principles
of The United Methodist Church as a frame of reference for ethical
decision making |
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Exploration of ways to
deal with ethical dilemmas inherent in such issues as war and
peace, hunger, poverty, political tyranny, domestic violence,
substance abuse, racism, sexism, AIDS, and biomedical technology |
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Reflection on case studies that challenge
pastors to examine carefully their ethics and responsibilities |
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Focus on pertinent issues for personal
and professional life, with indication of guidelines for ministerial
ethics |
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Delineation of and reflection upon
essential guidelines for Christian identity and moral behavior |
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).
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