Spring 2022 School for Ministry
NT1 Synoptic Gospels
Time: 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Michael Hull
The course introduces the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). The course looks to their structural similarities and to the meaning(s) of various synoptic pericopes with due regard to their geographical, sociopolitical, and religious contexts to expose and explain themes and issues in the Synoptics. Selected passages from each of the Synoptic Gospels are exegeted in detail.
Time: 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Michael Hull
The course introduces the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). The course looks to their structural similarities and to the meaning(s) of various synoptic pericopes with due regard to their geographical, sociopolitical, and religious contexts to expose and explain themes and issues in the Synoptics. Selected passages from each of the Synoptic Gospels are exegeted in detail.
TH4 Anglican Theology NEW
Time: 10:30 am – 11:45 am
Instructor: Rev. Canon Dr. Bruce Griffith
Part 2 of a two-semester course. Attention is directed to the history of Anglican theological content, methodology, and development with readings drawn mostly from Anglican theologians and historians. We continue to examine philosophy and history in the formulations of Anglican perspectives on theological themes such as: the person, nature, and work of Jesus Christ; God’s gracious action in creation and redemption; the revolution caused by the debates of the 19th century; and the place of denominationalism in the formation of doctrine since the founding of the World Faith and Order Conference.
PREREQUISITE: Completion of TH3.
Time: 10:30 am – 11:45 am
Instructor: Rev. Canon Dr. Bruce Griffith
Part 2 of a two-semester course. Attention is directed to the history of Anglican theological content, methodology, and development with readings drawn mostly from Anglican theologians and historians. We continue to examine philosophy and history in the formulations of Anglican perspectives on theological themes such as: the person, nature, and work of Jesus Christ; God’s gracious action in creation and redemption; the revolution caused by the debates of the 19th century; and the place of denominationalism in the formation of doctrine since the founding of the World Faith and Order Conference.
PREREQUISITE: Completion of TH3.
NT3 Acts and Pauline Epistles
Time: 9:00 am – 10:15 am
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Michael Hull
The course introduces the “Gospel according to Paul” and the Acts of the Apostles. It begins with an exposition of St. Paul as he speaks of himself in his letters and as he is spoken of in Acts within his Jewish and Hellenistic milieux. The focus of the course is an introduction to the thirteen letters of the corpus Paulinum. Selected passages from Paul’s letters and Acts are exegeted in detail.
Time: 9:00 am – 10:15 am
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Michael Hull
The course introduces the “Gospel according to Paul” and the Acts of the Apostles. It begins with an exposition of St. Paul as he speaks of himself in his letters and as he is spoken of in Acts within his Jewish and Hellenistic milieux. The focus of the course is an introduction to the thirteen letters of the corpus Paulinum. Selected passages from Paul’s letters and Acts are exegeted in detail.
AS3 Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations NEW
Time: 9:00 am – 10:15 am
Instructor: Right Rev. Dr. R. William Franklin, Canon Ted Gerbracht
Given the call for greater unity among Christian denominations, we will explore progress made by reviewing the history of the Ecumenical Movement in the Episcopal Church. We will start by looking at unity pioneers William Reed Huntington and Charles Henry Brent, and then we will evaluate some examples of ecumenical successes, including full communion with the Old Catholics, Evangelical Lutherans, and the Moravians. Then we will consider possibilities of full communion with some Methodists, Roman Catholics, and Presbyterians. The class will close with an investigation of the Interfaith strategies of the Episcopal Church.
Time: 9:00 am – 10:15 am
Instructor: Right Rev. Dr. R. William Franklin, Canon Ted Gerbracht
Given the call for greater unity among Christian denominations, we will explore progress made by reviewing the history of the Ecumenical Movement in the Episcopal Church. We will start by looking at unity pioneers William Reed Huntington and Charles Henry Brent, and then we will evaluate some examples of ecumenical successes, including full communion with the Old Catholics, Evangelical Lutherans, and the Moravians. Then we will consider possibilities of full communion with some Methodists, Roman Catholics, and Presbyterians. The class will close with an investigation of the Interfaith strategies of the Episcopal Church.
AS4 Christian Ethics from an Anglican Perspective NEW
Date & Time: arranged with instructor
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Michael Hull
An introduction to Christian Ethics from an Episcopal/Anglican perspective to: articulate a critical appreciation of the ways in which Anglicanism informs and shapes the moral life of communities and individuals; develop in students a well-informed understanding of the theological resources available for Christian reflection on ethical issues; and develop in students, skills to apply these resources faithfully to contemporary moral questions.
Date & Time: arranged with instructor
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Michael Hull
An introduction to Christian Ethics from an Episcopal/Anglican perspective to: articulate a critical appreciation of the ways in which Anglicanism informs and shapes the moral life of communities and individuals; develop in students a well-informed understanding of the theological resources available for Christian reflection on ethical issues; and develop in students, skills to apply these resources faithfully to contemporary moral questions.
LT2 The Book of Common Prayer: NEW Rubrics, Rites and Resources
Time: 9:00 am – 10:15 am
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Sean Wallace
The first of two courses on the structure, use and theology of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer and all attendant resources. This course will focus on the calendar, lectionary, Daily Offices, Baptism, Holy Week, and Holy Eucharist.
Time: 9:00 am – 10:15 am
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Sean Wallace
The first of two courses on the structure, use and theology of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer and all attendant resources. This course will focus on the calendar, lectionary, Daily Offices, Baptism, Holy Week, and Holy Eucharist.
TH2 Systematic Theology REVISED
Time: 10:30 am – 11:45 am
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Joshua Samuel
The second of a two-course sequence for those without prior theological training and who wish to engage in a systematic study of Christian doctrines such as God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Trinity, Church etc. Using Alister McGrath’s Christian Theology: An Introduction (sixth edition) which is modeled on the Apostles Creed, this introductory (and preparatory) course will help the participants to read and reflect on themes fundamental to the life and witness of the Church. Taking into consideration the realities of religious pluralism and racism in our society, the course will end with discussion on theologies of religious diversity and Black liberation theology.
Time: 10:30 am – 11:45 am
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Joshua Samuel
The second of a two-course sequence for those without prior theological training and who wish to engage in a systematic study of Christian doctrines such as God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Trinity, Church etc. Using Alister McGrath’s Christian Theology: An Introduction (sixth edition) which is modeled on the Apostles Creed, this introductory (and preparatory) course will help the participants to read and reflect on themes fundamental to the life and witness of the Church. Taking into consideration the realities of religious pluralism and racism in our society, the course will end with discussion on theologies of religious diversity and Black liberation theology.
PT2 Practical Theology Seminar (Ordination Track Only) Spring 2022
CS1 Capstone Seminar (Ordination Track Only) Spring 2022
The Mercer Capstone Seminar offers those very recently ordained to the vocational diaconate an opportunity to reflect on the new challenges of ordained ministry by confronting and understanding ministerial challenges, surveying various leadership frameworks, and developing one’s own leadership model. Guided readings, case studies, discussion, and guest speakers, will enliven the conversation as the students transition from the lay order to ordained ministry.
The Mercer Capstone Seminar offers those very recently ordained to the vocational diaconate an opportunity to reflect on the new challenges of ordained ministry by confronting and understanding ministerial challenges, surveying various leadership frameworks, and developing one’s own leadership model. Guided readings, case studies, discussion, and guest speakers, will enliven the conversation as the students transition from the lay order to ordained ministry.