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

Year Three Classes (foundational courses)
COS 311-New Testament I
This course presents a panoramic view of the content, main characteristics, and message of the books of the New Testament in light of their historical, political, socioeconomic, cultural, and religious environment, as well as their importance as literary expressions of the faith and history of the early church. The practice of exegesis is again emphasized, with special focus on Luke, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, and Galatians.

	Objectives:
		Review of the nature, scope, and purpose of the New Testament
		Review of the origin and formation of the New Testament canon
		Description of the historical and social background out of which the New Testament emerged
		Development and practice of an exegetical methodology that is appropriate and helpful to the study of the New Testament
		Articulation of an introductory explanation of the origin, formation, development, and expansion of the Christian faith during the first century
		Examination of some of the ways in which the early church interpreted the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and how this interpretation informed how its members lived out their faith in various social circumstances
		Reflection on the meaning and significance of the message of the New Testament for the faith and mission of the church in its contemporary context

COS 312-Our Theological Heritage: The Reformation
This course is a critical reflection upon the individuals, decisive events, and theological developments during the period of the Protestant Reformation. Utilizing the
categories of grace and faith as focusing lenses, the student appropriates the Reformation heritage and enters into the church's ongoing task of interpreting and enacting the gospel for contemporary life. Attention will be given to selected primary sources.

	Objectives:
		Reflection upon movements and events in the period prior to the beginning of the Protestant Reformation (for example, mysticism, nominalism, the Renaissance, the Papal Schism, and the martyrdom of Huss and Savonarola)
		Examination of the Reformation on the European continent, with due attention to the theologies of Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, and the Anabaptists
		Engagement with pivotal theological concerns in their historical context, including the relationship of faith and reason, justification by grace through faith, sacramental theology, ecclesiology, and Christology
		Analysis of the Catholic Reformation as reflected in the Council of Trent and such figures as Ignatius Loyola, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, and Blaise Pascal
		Analysis of the English Reformation of the sixteenth century and the rise of Puritanism in the seventeenth century
		Understanding and appreciating the historical development and context of Christian theology
		Continued growth and development of the pastor's identity as theologian

Year Three Classes (functional courses)
COS 313-Our Mission from God: Evangelism
This course analyzes the theology of evangelism and our faithfulness to God's call. It also examines various strategies for and approaches to the church's evangelistic task in the heritage of United Methodism, stressing the proclamation and the enactment of the gospel.

	Objectives:
		Significant reference to the biblical roots of evangelism, with particular attention to New Testament foundations as illustrated in the scriptures examined in COS 311
		Interpretation of the Wesleyan heritage of evangelism
		Survey of strategies and models for evangelism in the past, present, and future life of the church
		Analysis of contemporary issues in evangelism, such as debates on church growth methodologies, the relationship of evangelism and mission, evangelism in relation to personal and social transformation, evangelization and liberation theologies, and revivalism
		Development of the ability to critically assess curricular materials for theological content and appropriateness to ministry settingFocus on evangelism in and use for the local congregation, with emphasis on such issues as preaching evangelistically, organizing and training laity for evangelism, relating evangelism to Christian education (including evangelism in confirmation classes), and planning for long-range evangelistic efforts in communities
		Critical analysis of and appreciation for electronic media as instruments of evangelism

COS 314-Pastoral Care and Counseling
This course focuses on the pastor's understanding of human nature with attention to methods and skills in pastoral care and counseling. Students participate in an assessment of their personal interactive styles.

	Objectives:
		Examination of basic styles and types of pastoral care and counseling
		Analysis of pastoral-care experiences through such methods as case studies, verbatim, incident reports, and tapes
		Practice in the skills of pastoral care and counseling with classes, feedback, and appropriation of insights gained
		Focus on the counseling process from initial contact to completion, including referral as appropriate
		Formation of pastoral theology through reflection on the uniqueness of the pastoral dimensions of care and counseling
		Sensitivity to the life situations and relationships of individuals receiving care and counseling

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).