Seminary Without Walls: Three Concurrent Tracks
Preparing for mission in communities and congregations can't get completed by learning great ideas alone. Ideas and theories give a foundation to practices. Practices though, need to align to what the Spirit of God is up to. Bringing together academic understanding, practical skills, and a discerning spirituality are the three tracks that help to build missional capacity for those in ministry, as well as those whom they serve.
Academic Track:
Classes in the Academic track are offered four class sessions each year. Classes take place in the fall, winter, spring, with a summer reading group. Classes may be offered as onground classes, hybrid online, and/or weekend retreat or seminar formats.
- Bible
- Hebrew Bible
- New Testament
- Theology
- Systematics
- Topical studies (Christology, Ecclesiology, Missiology, Pneumatology, etc.)
- Christian history
- Topical studies
- Survey of church history from 1st century to present
- Historic individuals and biographies
- Missional theological studies
- The reign and realm of God in culture
- Missional practices and leadership
Practical Track:
Practical skills development classes are offered as short courses of 2-4 weeks and/or as weekend seminars. Some skill development classes require a congregation in which to practice the skills being developed. We can help you work in cooperation with your congregation.
- Lead in ordinances and sacraments
- Preaching
- Pastoral care
- Worship leading and design
- Polity and congregational administration
- Conflict transformation
- Community awareness and missional leadership
- Christian discipleship and education
Spirituality Track:
Spirituality is practice leading toward transformation into Christ-likeness. Several Christian traditions provide time honored practices and disciplines to experience and incorporate. A variety of short retreats and spiritual direction is available for students.
- Individual devotional practices
- Liturgical season mini-retreats
- Developing discernment practices for groups and congregations
- Receiving spiritual direction and mentoring through duration of program