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.
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.
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: