Summer 2003/Pasadena
Two-week Intensive
DP505
Sperry

DP505: PRESBYTERIAN POLITY AND WORSHIP. Jan Sperry.

DESCRIPTION:

: This course is designed to give students preparing for ordination in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) a thorough knowledge of the polity of the PCUSA as contained in its Constitution. The course will assist students preparing for the Standard Ordination Examinations in Polity and Worship. Time will also be spent covering the basics of parliamentary procedure as used in the PCUSA.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:

: A working understanding of Presbyterian Polity is required for ordination in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Polity is integral to one's functioning effectively as an ordained Presbyterian minister both in the local congregation and throughout the governing bodies of the church. This course is designed to enable the students to identify polity issues, and become aware of the implications of polity for one's decisions and functioning in the life of the church.

COURSE FORMAT:
The course will meet each evening for two weeks, Monday-Friday, for four-hour sessions for lectures and discussion. Case studies will be used regularly.

REQUIRED READING:

: Chapman, William E. History and Theology in the Book of Order: Blood on Every Page. Witherspoon, 1999.; The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

: The Book of Confessions.; The Book of Order, 2003-2004.

: Gray, Joan S. and Joyce C. Tucker. Presbyterian Polity for Church Officers. 2d ed. Westminster/John Knox, 1990.; Wolfe, Marianne L. Parliamentary Procedures in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). P.R.P. [available at first class session from the instructor for a cost of $1.25].; Polity Course Syllabus.