DESCRIPTION: This course provides an overview of the origins and development of Anabaptism as a movement and a theological understanding. It invites students to consider the various steams of Anabaptist thought and to consider the relevance of Anabaptism in Mennonite churches today, its place within the wider Christian movement, and its missional role in the world.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: In this course, students will (1) understand the role of Anabaptism as a renewal movement in sixteenth-century Europe; (2) become familiar with the thought, context, and influence of leading Anabaptist figures; (3) understand the development of the major theological themes within Anabaptism; (4) develop a critical working knowledge of Anabaptism and connect it to the church's mission today; (5) evaluate the place of Anabaptist history and theology in pastoral ministry within Mennonite churches today; (6) reflect on the role, office, and function of pastoral leadership in Anabaptist/Mennonite churches today.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Students who are preparing for ministry in Anabaptist/Mennonite churches need to reflect on the role and relevance of Anabaptist history and theology for their work. Anabaptist history and theology also provide important gifts to the larger church that need to be identified and shared.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet once a week for three hours. Classes will include lectures, student presentations, group discussions, and video presentations. The course will include an "ordination" track for students who need the course to meet their denomination's ordination requirements. The class will be divided into small groups, focused around the needs and/or interests of the students. Korean and/or Spanish language discussion groups will also be developed, depending on interest.

REQUIRED READING:

Driver, Juan. Images of the Church in Mission. Herald Press, 1997.

Finger, Thomas. A Contemporary Anabaptist Theology: Biblical, Historical, Constructive. InterVarsity Press, 2004.

Snyder, C. Arnold. Anabaptist History and Theology: An Introduction. Pandora Press, 1995.

Bender, Thomas. The Anabaptist Vision. Herald Press, 1944.

Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective. Herald Press, 1995.*

Dyck, Cornelius. Introduction to Mennonite History. Herald Press, 1993.

Klaassen, Walter. Anabaptism in Outline. Herald Press, 1981.

Mennonite Polity for Ministerial Leadership. Faith and Life Press, 1996.*

Williams, George. The Radical Reformation. Truman State University Press, 2000.

*Non-MCUSA students may substitute similar texts from their denominational traditions.

1. Attendance and participation in class sessions (10%).

2. Four two-page reflection papers (10% each paper - 40%).

3. EITHER (A) Ordination track students: (i) Reflection paper responding to MCUSA-PSMC ordination requirement question; (ii) Ordination track students from other denominations will work on a denominationally approved assignment (20%).
   OR (B) Non-ordination track students: An action/reflection paper on living out the Anabaptist message (20%).

4. Final paper: 8-10 page paper connecting Anabaptist history/theology to the church's mission today (30%).