DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to give students preparing for ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA) 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.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: A working understanding of Presbyterian polity is required for ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA). 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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: There are four objectives for the course in Presbyterian polity: First, students will gain an increased appreciation of the polity of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Second, students will be introduced to the common dilemmas of pastoral ministry and as a result be able to conduct their own ministries in accordance with Presbyterian law. Third, students completing this course will gain an understanding of Presbyterian law in the larger context of the Great Ends of the Church. Fourth, students upon completion of this course will be able to pass their ordination exam in Presbyterian polity.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet once each week for three-hour sessions for lectures and discussion. Case studies will be used regularly.

REQUIRED READING:

Chapman, William E. Distinctively Presbyterian. Witherspoon, 2006.

The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

The Book of Order, 2009-2011.

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 and Reader.

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

2. Regular attendance (10%) in order to participate in assigned teams which prepare and present case studies to the class.

3. Three team presentations designed to apply the Constitution to congregational and relevant church settings (7% each = 21%).

4. Great Ends team assignment (9%).

5. An objective type midterm exam (similar to the Standard Ordination Exams) given at the end of the first week (20%). Make-up exams may be arranged only for emergencies and illness.

6. Essay question, open-book final exam, given in class to simulate the Standard Ordination Exam in Polity (40%).