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
decision are made at all levels of church life; unique theological
contributions; 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 sometimes 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: This course meets once a week for a three-hour session and
consists of lectures, audio-visual presentations, class discussion, and student
presentations using case studies. A visit to a local United Methodist church on
a Sunday morning (on a date of the student's choice) will take the place of one
evening class session.
REQUIRED READING: