Presbyterian Polity, Program, and Mission

This is a hybrid course which will meet requirements for Christian educator certification in the PC(USA).  At-home work begins on September 5, 2017; in-class time is October 3-5, 2017.

Location:  Union Presbyterian Seminary: Paisley Hall, Richmond Campus, 1204 Palmyra, Richmond, VA

Led by:  H. Carson Rhyne, Jr.

Cost:  $295

CEUs:  3.0

This class meets the requirements for Christian Education certification in the PC(USA), but is open to anyone interested in the topic.

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Click here to register for Presbyterian, Polity, Program, and Mission beginning at home on September 5, 2017, and in-person October 3-5, 2017.

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Description:

The mission of the church is to serve the sovereign God. That mission of God “in Christ gives shape and substance to the life and work of the Church.” (F-1.01) Fulfilling the mission of God occurs through the polity, program, and mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).  That polity is contained in the Constitution of the PC(USA):  Part I, Book of Confessions, and Part II, Book of Order.   The program of the PC(USA) occurs through the Office of the General Assembly, the Presbyterian Mission Agency, Councils, and individual congregations.  The mission of the PC(USA) is defined in the Great Ends of the Church:  “the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind; the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God; the maintenance of divine worship; the preservation of the truth; the promotion of social righteousness; and the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world.” (F-1.0304)

To register for Presbyterian Polity, Program, and Mission, click here. Information on how to log into the class on Blackboard will be sent to those registered.

Objectives

Learning the polity, program, and mission of the PC(USA) enables one to understand and hopefully appreciate the culture and approach of this denomination in fulfilling the mission of God. In this course, students will be able to:

1. Articulate the way Reformed theological themes undergird our polity, and become well acquainted with two confessions in the Book of Confessions.
2. Teach the significance of the historical, basic principles of church order and government.
3. Express their understanding of the calling, election, training, ordination and duties of Presbyterian ordered ministries.
4. Describe the nature and function of higher councils.
5. State the connection between Foundations 1-3 in the PC(USA) Book of Order with the program and mission of the church.
6. Identify the ways that the Great Ends of the Church are lived out in the congregation.
7. Design at least two presentations or educational events to help church leaders understand the program and mission of the PC(USA).

Required Reading

1. Book of Confessions, Study edition. Online version is at http://www.pcusa.org/site_media/media/uploads/oga/pdf/boc2014.pdf or on course documents, Blackboard
2. Book of Order, 2013-2015 edition. Online version is at http://www.pcusa.org/resource/book-order-2013-2015/ or on course documents, Blackboard
3. Historic Principles, Conscience, and Church Government, adopted by 195^th General Assembly (1983) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
4. http://www.pcusa.org/resource/historic-principles-conscience-and-church-governme/ or on course documents, Blackboard

Supplemental Reading:

1. Presbyterian Polity for Church Leaders, Joan S. Gray and Joyce C. Tucker, 4^th edition
2. 2014-2015 Presbyterian Planning Calendar

Click here for a biographical sketch of the leader.

Click here for a schedule of at-home topics and in-class work.

Click here to register for Presbyterian, Polity, Programming, and Mission beginning at home on September 5, 2017, and in-person October 3-5, 2017.