Independent Study – The Story of the Church

A look at church history from Paul to us. What and who has shaped the church today?  This is a self-led independent study.  Participants will work at their own pace and complete a variety of assignments including readings, research and writing.  Assignment packets will be available in January, 2010 and course work is due April 30, 2010.  Assistance is available and students can work in groups.

Text: The Story of Christianity by Justo L. Gonzales  This book was originally published in two volumes but is now available in one.  Participants can purchase it in either format.

UNPACKING SCRIPTURE I – Discipleship*
January 4 – February 22 (8 Mondays)
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Cost:  $200
Location: Aldersgate

How to develop discipleship ministries within your congregation including Small Groups, Youth Ministry, New Member’s Classes, Stewardship and special groups such as Men’s, Women’s, Senior’s, etc. An exciting and practical approach to the whole range of discipleship opportunities.

Bill Freeman, Instructor: Bill has a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA and is a member of LifeChurch in Allentown.   As a former Young Life Area Director in Maryland, Bill experienced in many aspects of specialized ministry work including fund-raising, event planning, pastoral care for volunteers and staff, as well as direct ministry to both churched and unchurched teenagers.  Discipleship issues with young adults and youth were central to this work.  Currently he is the Director of Priority One/Lehigh Valley where Bill's objective has been to connect men to God and to each other and to equip, nurture, and guide them in their relationship with Jesus Christ. His ministry style is relational discipleship, sharing his excitement about Jesus Christ and training others how to connect with their friends with God's powerful message.  He is also currently the Adult Discipleship Coordinator at First Presbyterian Church in Bethlehem.  Bill is very experienced in all aspects of discipleship and small groups for a range of ages.  His excitement is contagious.

Text: Complete Book of Discipleship, Bill Hull, any edition

*Our three Unpacking Scripture courses (Discipleship, Teaching and Preaching) can be taken in any order and do not require a pre-requisite.)

On any given Sunday morning your church’s pews will be filled with worshippers who grew up in many different Christian and possibly non-Christian traditions.  What is important to them?  How do they understand your form of worship? As American religion continues to diversify, and as the needs of both congregations and seekers evolve, we will explore what it means to be 'church' in a multifaith world.  What is tradition and how does that impact culture? How does this play out in para-church agencies where we all work together? How does tradition form worship in different groups?  What are the traditions celebrated during the church calendar year?  What about our Jewish and Islamic neighbors?  Join us for stimulating dialogues as we discover together our commonality and our differences as reflected through our Traditions.

The Rev. Dr. LaurieAnn Yeisley-Drogin is an ordained Lutheran (ELCA) pastor and is licensed to officiate in the Episcopal Church.  With a background in mental health provision and community ministry, she has served ecumenical and interfaith ministries and has led urban parishes in Louisville, KY and Boston, MA. LaurieAnn received her MS in Clinical Psychology from Hahnemann University, and her theological training at Eastern Baptist Seminary in Philadelphia and Louisville Presbyterian Seminary in Louisville.  A graduate of Moravian College, LaurieAnn most recently served as Pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Roxbury(Boston), MA.  

Text:  How to be a Perfect Stranger: The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook, Diana Eck's A New Religious America:  How a Christian Country Has Become the World's Most Religiously Diverse Nation  (Any edition of either of these books will be appropriate.), and Richard Foster's Streams of Living Water.

MISSIONAL LEADERSHIP
January 7 – February 25 (8 Thursdays)
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Cost: $200
Location: DLC (January), Kunwald (February)

This course is an exploration of leadership issues including Integrity, Team Building, Visioning, Strategic Planning and Resource Stewardship.  We will tackle the question, “What is Missional?” and use various online resources to explore these topics.  Several guest speakers will also contribute to the class.  This course is recommended for all lay leaders, pastors and congregational staff members.

Jill Peters, MATS, MOL, Missional Leadership Developer, Moravian Theological Seminary

Text: The Missional Leader, Roxburgh & Romanuk

UNPACKING SCRIPTURE II - Teaching*
January 9 – February 27 (8 Saturdays)
9:00 am – Noon
Cost: $200
Location: Kunwald

An exploration of what we wish to teach, what we do teach, and how teaching of the faith occurs across generations and through various media.  Understanding learning styles and age appropriate teaching.  Seeing your church as a learning environment.  How to reach the Facebook Generations and using electronic media as a teaching avenue.  Adult learners - Where faith/experience/works come together.  The arts and “Right Brain” Learning.  How to evaluate church curricula.  Learning outside the classroom possibly including mission trips and community service as learning opportunities.

The Rt. Rev. Kay Ward, Formerly of Moravian Theological Seminary – Kay will teach the first two classes;  And The Rev. Dr. LaurieAnn Yeisley-Drogin, LaurieAnn will teach the balance of the course or the last six classes.

The Rev. Dr. LaurieAnn Yeisley-Drogin is an ordained Lutheran (ELCA) pastor and is licensed to officiate in the Episcopal Church.  Her background includes teaching in both secular and religious settings across the lifespan, from kindergarten through adulthood, including work with newly released ex-offenders in Boston.  She has served ecumenical and interfaith ministries and has led urban parishes in Louisville, KY and Boston, MA. LaurieAnn received her MS in Clinical Psychology from Hahnemann University, and her theological training at Eastern Baptist Seminary in Philadelphia and Louisville Presbyterian Seminary in Louisville.  A graduate of Moravian College, LaurieAnn most recently served as Pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Roxbury(Boston), MA. 

Text: Nurturing Faith Through the Stages of Life (Augsburg Fortress Press), and Dennis Campbell's Congregations as Learning Communities: Tools for Shaping Your Future

*Our three Unpacking Scripture courses (Discipleship, Teaching and Preaching) can be taken in any order and do not require a pre-requisite.)