Anglican Study Series

This is a series of six courses intended to provide the Anglican perspective on ministry, liturgy, church history, theology, ethics, and Scripture. Three courses are offered each year and a certificate of completion is awarded to participants who successfully complete the entire roster of courses. You may begin with any class; there are no pre-requisites.

Advanced Anglican Study Series

These courses are designed for students with some background in Anglican history and theology who wish to explore various aspects of Anglicanism more deeply.

Introduction to the Scriptures

Eight courses over a two-year cycle make it possible for participants to cover the entire Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. Courses also cover modern biblical scholarship and how to use common biblical reference tools, both in hard copy and online versions.

General Interest

Liturgy and Worship

This two-year series will offer opportunities for in-depth study of many aspects of liturgy and worship in the Anglican tradition. Courses include basic knowledge and resources for liturgical leadership, plus specialized topics such as music in the congregation.

Pastoral Care Series

This series of courses provides resources for congregations in which clergy and laypeople share responsibility for pastoral care, for those preparing for ordained and lay ministry, and for clergy and laypersons wanting to learn best practices for pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and community support. Those who successfully finish all courses in this series will receive a certificate of completion. You may begin with any class; there are no pre-requisites.

Congregational Leadership Series

These courses tackle specific challenges in religious leadership, including issues around money, organization, diversity, and assessment of strengths and needs. Course topics vary according to interest and need.

Spirituality

This series offers introductory explorations of various traditions and practices in Christian spirituality, ranging from individual to communal experiences, to foster and strengthen people's relationship with God. Studies will range from classical traditions to modern adaptations.

Author's Circle

This year authors of newly published books will engage in in-depth discussions with students about how their books relate to the Christian life. There are four books in this year's Author's Circle:

CALL/NAAD Classes for Deacons

The Center for Anglican Learning and Leadership enjoys a partnership with the North American Association for the Diaconate for online courses directed at continuation education of deacons. NAAD members design and teach these classes and all members. These courses are not restricted to NAAD members. In addition, NAAD members may find other CALL online course offerings of interest. All members of NAAD qualify for the group discount for all other CALL online classes. When registering on line, simply indicate NAAD as the name of your group.

June 2 - July 27

Between the Testaments

Bob Kramish
Registration Deadline: May 29, 2008

This course presents an exploration of the rich and varied literature that was produced between the Old and New Testaments, and the light this literature sheds on Judaism and early Christianity. Much of the New Testament itself can only be properly understood through familiarity with this literature. We will read excerpts from these texts, as well as secondary material describing the history, practices and beliefs of this crucial period (200 BCE to 70 CE). We’ll see how the biblical canon was formed, and why some books were included and some left out. We will also read and discuss the Apocrypha (what is it, and why is it important?); the Dead Sea Scrolls (myths and reality); and the genre “rewritten bible” (texts that expand on and fill in the blanks of the canonical text). If you’ve ever wondered what the name of Noah’s wife was, or what Moses really did on Mt. Sinai, you’ll find out!

Bob Kramish, Ph.D. student in biblical studies at the Graduate Theological Union

Register

June 16 - August 10

Renewal and Reform: Reformation History and Theology and the Anglican Tradition

Thomas Ferguson
Registration Deadline: June 12, 2008
Class Syllabus

Covers the beginning of the Continental Reformation through the 17th century. Particular attention will be given to the development of Anglicanism, including the formation of the Book of Common Prayer, the theology of Richard Hooker, and the striving for a "Via Media."

Required Text:
European Reformations by Carter Lindberg. Blackwell Press, ISBN 978-1557865755.

Thomas Ferguson, Ph.D. in church history, Graduate Theological Union; Associate Deputy for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations for the Episcopal Church

Register

July 7 - August 24

Holy/Wholly Poetry: Articulating the Sacred in Poetic Form

Hoang-Anh Tran
Registration Deadline: July 1, 2008

No matter how well-crafted nor how beautiful, poetry can never completely nor accurately describe what is holy or what is sacred. Poetry can only gesture towards something greater than our understanding and experience. Given human artistic limitations, how does one evaluate a poem’s adequacy or success in describing the indescribable? In this course, we will not attempt to define what is or is not holy or spiritual, but will consider how poetry effectively expresses our understanding of what we consider is sacred.

This course will examine how different poetic forms and techniques have been used by women throughout the centuries to articulate the Sacred. Participants will read, analyze, and discuss poetry written by women in various parts of the world. Participants will also craft their own poetry in response to the poets read, and to engage in active discussion of one another’s written forms.

Hoang-Anh Tran, M.F.A. in poetry, University of North Carolina, Wilmington. Fulbright recipient and published poet (Three Grains of Rice). Currently on staff at CDSP.

Register

The Elisha Factor: Seven Sneezes to Parish Revitalization

Winfred Vergara
Registration Deadline: July 1, 2008

Let’s face it: many parishes are struggling, declining, dying---and some are already dead. Some are in maintenance mode, others are stuck, asleep---and the rest are lulled into passivity. How do we move the parish from maintenance to mission, from lethargy to renewal, from slumber to revival, from death to life?

This course will help participants examine the principles that make up for parish revival, renewal and growth. In seven humorous yet insightful chapters, Fred Vergara presents the image of the prophet Elisha covering a dead child with his body; the child sneezed seven times and then came back to life. Would you join us in exploring this “ministry of raising the dead” and restore our churches back to life? Even if your parish is not dead, this course consisting of weekly lectures, online discussion, and case studies will help you strengthen the vital signs of a healthy Body of Christ and move on to growth. “Let’s parish, lest we perish.”


The Rev. Dr. Winfred Vergara (D. Min., San Francisco Theological Seminary; D.D. honoris causa, Church Divinity School of the Pacific) is Program Officer for Asian American Ministries for The Episcopal Church. The Course is the result of 30 years experience and learning as parish priest, missionary, evangelist and church planter in Philippines, Singapore, California and New York.

Register