COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to familiarize the student with
the polity of the United Methodist Church with reference to its history,
doctrine, and worship. Subject matter will include organization of the church
at the local, district, annual conference, jurisdictional and general
conference levels; sources of authority and permission within those structures;
how the church finds expression through its structures; privileges and
responsibilities of the connectional system; ordination and the various forms
of ministry; recent trends in legislation; how leaders are selected; how
decisions are made at all levels of church life; unique theological
contributions; and relationship to other communions.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: This course is required for ordination in
the United Methodist Church and helps students prepare for ordination
examinations and the local church pastorate. The course also assists students
exploring denominational affiliation in their personal discernment process.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1)
the ability to be conversant about the forms of ministry and structure of the
United Methodist Church, (2) an appreciation of the connectional nature of the
United Methodist Church, (3) the development of a theological base for dealing
with issues that arise in parish ministry, (4) increased skills in
pastoral ministry including leading basic worship services, weddings, and
funerals, (5) a knowledge of United Methodist ordination requirements and
skills at presenting themselves to ordination boards.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will be conducted on the Internet using a 10-week
lesson program aligned with Fuller's academic calendar. Sessions combine
lecture and plenary discussion with work in groups; the course includes some
creative writing and listening to recorded material. Classes require
substantial preparation on the part of students, on average two hours of
preparation for each class hour, including study of assigned readings that are
specified. The course emphasizes collaborative learning, and students need to
be willing to be committed to working together with other students through
journaling, threaded discussions, and web-based research.
REQUIRED READING:
Frank, Thomas Edward. Polity, Practice, and Mission of the United Methodist
Church. Abingdon Press, 2006. ISBN: 9780687335312. Pub. Price: $28.
Richey, Russell E., Dennis M. Campbell, and William B. Lawrence. Marks of
Methodism: Theology in Ecclesial Practice. Abingdon Press, 2005. ISBN:
0687329396. Pub. Price: $22
The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2008. United
Methodist Publishing House. ISBN: 9780687647859. Pub. Price: $20.
RECOMMENDED READING: