Fall 2005/Pasadena
DP512
Walters

DP512: UNITED METHODIST POLITY. Wayne Walters


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 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 decision are made at all levels of church life; unique theological contributions; relationship to other communions.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/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 ordination requirements and skills at presenting themselves to ordination boards.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: This course is required for ordination in the United Methodist Church and helps students prepare for ordination examinations and for the local church pastorate.

COURSE FORMAT: This course meets once a week for a three-hour session and consists of lectures, class discussion, and student presentations using case studies.

REQUIRED READING:

Doughty, Steve. To Walk in Integrity: Spiritual Leadership in Times of Crisis. Upper Room, 2004.

Frank, Thomas Edward. Polity, Practice, and Mission of the United Methodist Church. Abingdon Press, 2003.

The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church. United Methodist Publishing House, 2004.

The United Methodist Book of Worship. United Methodist Publishing House, 1992.

RECOMMENDED READING:
The Book of Resolutions of the United Methodist Church. United Methodist Publishing House, 2000.

The United Methodist Hymnal. United Methodist Publishing House, 1989.

Willimon, William H. Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry. Abingdon, 2002.

__________. Pastor: A Reader for Ordained Ministry. Abingdon, 2002.

ASSIGNMENTS: Assigned readings, class attendance and participation (20% of grade), two 3 page reports (15% each), a 3-5 page case study presentation (25%), and a 7-10 page final project (25%).

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Pastoral Ministry and Theology (MIN6).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.