Course Start Date: 9/8/08

Course Duration (or End Date): 12/12/08

Instructor(s): William L. Hurst

Course Description:

A review of contemporary understandings of evangelism in the context of broader issues of Christian mission in a pluralistic and postmodern society.  Also explores effective strategies in th practice of evangelism at the congregational level. (STM/DMin-level; requires prior theological master’s degree)

Course Start Date: 9/8/08

Course Duration (or End Date): 12/12/08

Instructor(s): Dr. Elizabeth Leeper

Course Description:

This course surveys the history of Christianity from the second century up to the time of the Reformation. Using texts and readings that offer a global approach, we will begin by examining Christianity's foundations during the Roman Empire, a time of identity crisis as Christian communities sought to come to terms with different expressions of Christian belief, threats by pagan culture, and varying ideas as what it means to live a life of Christian commitment. As the Christian faith moved east to Syria, Persia, and along the Silk Road, and northwest to northern Europe, we too will follow those missions and movements and see how Christianity developed in new ways. The course will end with the growing calls for reform within European Christendom and the new challenges posed by the rise of Islam in Asia.

Course Start Date: 9/8/08

Course Duration (or End Date): 12/12/08

Instructor(s): Dr. Paul Baglyos

Course Description:

This course completes the study of Christian history from approximately the Peace of Westphalia (1648) until the present. The primary focus will be on Christianity within the United States, with occasional forays into other parts of the world. In particular we shall be looking at such topics as America's religious foundations, revivalism, religion and society, and developments in American Lutheranism.

Course Start Date: 9/8/08

Course Duration (or End Date): 12/12/08

Instructor(s): Dr. Fritz Lampe

Course Description:

This course focuses on belief systems and the human world, giving particular attention to narratives of origin and identity, ritual, specialists/leaders, and innovations throughout the world. Emphasis will be given to the dynamic adaptability in specific contexts and their relevance to specific socio-cultural situations and settings. Participants will gain an understanding of: 1) their own Christian identity in relationship to other religious systems; 2) the complexities of belief within dynamic socio-cultural settings; 3) how beliefs are shaped by the cultural context in which they occur; and 4) particular anthropological approaches to understanding belief systems today.

Course Start Date: 10/13/08

Course Duration (or End Date): 12/14/08

Instructor(s): Dr. Nathan Frambach

Course Description:

This eight (8) week course examines: What does it mean to be the church as we live - not as we think or remember or long for, but as we live God's mission today? What does it mean to be who we are, where we are as the people of God? The emerging church conversation will be "Exhibit A" in this course as we respond to these and other important questions. Participants will explore evangelical listening and living in a radically contextual, communal way as seen in many emerging church communities.

Course Start Date: 9/3/08

Course Duration (or End Date): 12/17/08

Instructor(s): Claudia Bergmann

Course Description:

This course is designed to provide MAMS Diaconal Ministry concentration students with a foundation for understanding the Old Testament and to integrate its proclamation with their particular calls to ministry. This foundational introduction to the entire Old Testament surveys the contents of the Old Testament, Israelite history, and modern interpretive methodologies. MAR students may take the course with approval of the instructor.
100OL OT(3 credits)

Course Start Date: 9/3/08

Course Duration (or End Date): 12/17/08

Instructor(s): Nelson Strobert

Course Description:

This course provides students with an overview of education in the church. The historical, theological, social, and developmental foundations of religious education are examined in relationship to contemporary congregational life within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its ecumenical partners. This course is particularly helpful for those students who have limited or no background in educational ministry.
606OL Chris Ed(3 credits)

Course Start Date: 9/3/08

Course Duration (or End Date): 12/17/08

Instructor(s): Gilson Waldkoenig

Course Description:

This course looks at the experience of music and the processes that happen when introducing changes in music. Contemporary and alternative music in the church will be in focus, and the long roots of world and folk music from around the globe and North America. Students will be challenged to develop theological and sociological rationales for choosing music for various ministries; they will have opportunity to explore particular genres of music and approaches to leadership in alternative styles of music; and we will highlight the largely overlooked role of music outside of worship.
847OL Song(3 credits)