What is the historical, scriptural and theological basis for the diaconate? Part one of this course will review the origins of this "full and equal" order"; its development and its subsequent decline over the ages until its restoration in the 20th century. Other topics will include the place of the diaconate in the modern church, and considerations regarding qualifications and training, and responsibilities within the diocese and the parish. We will emphasize the importance of lay ministry and how the church can continue to empower the laity in their call to ministry.

In the frenetic and often confusing world in which we live, some within the Church are called to the audacious task of proclaiming God's word through preaching. This course will explore the nature of preaching and the many challenges that face those who would proclaim the Word of God in our contemporary world. Through the preparation and delivery of sermons, participants will be encouraged to explore different styles and techniques of preaching as they seek to discover their own preaching "voice".

In this segment of the course, a systematic approach to the doctrines implicit in the Nicene Creed will be taken, introducing the students to the methods and terminology of theological discourse as they learn about the development of core Christian doctrines, their reformulations, and their practical connections to the living of the Christian experience.

See the core curriculum for - Year 2, Spring