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.

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.

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, 2004-2005.

Gray, Joan S. and Joyce C. Tucker. Presbyterian Polity for Church Officers. 3rd ed. Westminster/John Knox, 1999.

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 $1.50].

Polity Course Syllabus.

Robert's Rules of Order. The Scott, Foresman, Nealy Edition, 1981.

1. Regular reading assignments.

2. Regular reading and readiness to discuss in class the course syllabus case studies.

3. Periodic exams designed similar to the Standard Ordination Exams. Make-up exams may be arranged only for emergencies and illness.

4. Team presentations designed to apply The Constitution to congregational and relevant church settings.

None.

Meets M.Div. core requirement in Pastoral Ministry and Theology (MIN 6).

Yes. Multiple-choice and essay questions, open-book.