The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary (UDTS) has long recognized the importance of connecting theological education to the local context. In the past few years, they have increased options for making theological education available to everyone in the church, where you are. #whereuare While these are not free, UDTS is committed to making education affordable through a combination of scholarships and grants. If members of our church are interested, there are also potential funds available from FPC FdL.
Feel free to talk with Pastor Craig or Evan Stark about their educational experiences at UDTS.
Here are some possibilities for your consideration.
Congregational Equipping Courses
Congregational Equipping courses nurture lay leaders and church teachers, as well as provide theological insight for interested laity. This summer, these courses will offer the expertise of UDTS faculty and the flexibility of hybrid learning to join you. #whereuare. They also feature an in-person, on-campus component.
We invite you to join us this summer for: Foundations of Christian Education. This course explores the role and practice of the teaching and discipling
ministries of the church. Taught by Rev. Dr. Susan Forshey. Reformed Worship and Sacraments. This course introduces basic scriptural, historical, and theological principles of Christian worship as viewed from a Reformed perspective, with special focus on liturgical practice in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Taught by Rev. Dr. Richard Shaffer. Preload: July 13-24; On Campus/In Person: July 27-31; Postload: Aug. 1-21 There are eight CEP course offerings scheduled for this fall that are all asynchronous and online. More details about these courses can be found here:
https://www.dbq.edu/UDTS/AcademicPrograms/CongregationalEquipping/CourseOfferings/
Elective Courses
“Our church is exploring how to reinvent our ministry in the community, but we have no idea where to start. Do you have something?”
“There is a need for our church to develop a community service like childcare, but none of us know how to develop and manage projects. How can we learn?”
“We are realizing we need to join with agencies and other churches to serve our neighborhood – is there a blueprint for figuring out what to do, and how to work together?”
D MN 567: Initiative Design, Leadership, and God’s People is an elective course that equips Christian leaders to design and lead new initiatives in local churches and communities. Grounded in the conviction that the Spirit of God is active, students engage in practices of contextual listening alongside practical approaches to project design and leadership. Through a semester- long project, beginning in the fall, students develop and test a pilot initiative in their context.
Ministry is full of beautiful moments, but it also brings tough decisions and complex situations. At UDTS, our church-facing mission means we want to equip you with the deep, practical wisdom needed to navigate ministry leadership with integrity in your unique context.
FE 603 Leadership Ethics: begins this fall and focuses on developing a theological understanding of ethical Christian leadership, which can guide decision-making and the setting of priorities in the parish. Students engage in practical reflection on the shape of the good pastorate. During the course, students will complete a mandatory Boundary Training.
For more information and for registration, contact: DERegistration@dbq.edu
https://www.dbq.edu/UDTS/ConnectwithUDTS/SpecialPrograms/
