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Iowa School for Life Long Theological Education
The Rev. Tom Gehlsen, Ph.D., 515-277-6165 or tgehlsen@iowaepiscopal.org
What is E-Seminary?
What classes are available now?
How do I register for a class?
Bulletin Insert information about the class taking registrations from now till Feb. 4, 2013
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Instructor: The Rev. Mary L Fraser, Ph.D. Director, Office of Pastoral Care & Counseling for the United Methodist Church
Starts Monday, February 18, 2013
(8 Monday sessions) 7:00–8:15 PM
Cost: $250.00
Course Description: This course will explore the vocational nature of the ministry, the necessity for self care and balance in the work of ministry and four genres of practice that help clergy center on both the mystical and practical. We will begin with Henri Nouwen’s In the Name of Jesus and discuss both the sense of call and the distinguishing features of a theologically centered vocation. Next we will look at balance and well being in the practice of ministry, utilizing Roy Oswald’s work Clergy Self Care Finding Balance for Effective Ministry. Filled with concrete examples and illustrations as well as self scoring inventories this resource will give us room to examine the nuts and bolts of life in the clergy. Finally we will unpack Angela Arrien’s seminal work, The Four Fold Path in which she lays out four templates for understanding the work of informed spiritual leadership, that of the Leader/Warrior, the Caretaker, the Visionary and the Teacher.
Week 1 & 2: Introductions, naming of issues, In the Name of Jesus
Weeks 3 & 4: Situations of self care and management, Clergy Self Care Finding Balance for Effective Ministry
Week 5: The Way of the Leader/Warrior, The Four Fold Path
Week 6: The Way of the Caretaker, The Four Fold Path
Week 7: The Way of the Visionary, The Four Fold Path
Week 8: The Way of the Teacher, The Four Fold Path
What equipment do I need to have? For the video-conferencing, you will need a computer with a web camera, headset and high-speed internet connection. The MegaMeeting video-conferencing program is internet-based so no special software is needed by participants.For the audio, you will need a telephone with a hands-free headset.
What will the classroom be like? Your "classroom" can be anywhere you have access to the internet! You'll be able to see and speak with your instructor as well as all your fellow students. Your instructor may be in touch with you via email between classes and you can turn in any homework by email as well. If you do not have access to a computer in your home, church or local library, contact us and we'll try to help you find a suitable location near you.
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Mission/Vision: To make theological formation accessible to all.
The E-Seminary is committed to the ongoing enhancement of the teaching and learning process. Diverse pedagogies, experimental formats, and new learning technologies will be utilized.
The E-Seminary in the Diocese of Iowa will deliver the formal curriculum by means of MegaMeeting internet web conference. Prior to the first class, students will be provided with the link to connect to their class. Required equipment is a computer with high-speed internet (Cable, DSL or T1), a webcam, and a telephone with a hands-free headset.
The Diocese of Iowa recognizes the traditional seminary experience as the norm for those nominated for ordination. The E-Seminary, however, provides support for developing ministry teams and fills the gaps for those being prepared for ordination independent of a ministry team, when attending seminary is not the recommended path. Candidates will be offered the following core areas of study:
- The Gospel Mission
- Bible: overview of Old & New Testaments, how to use the Bible
- History & Ecumenism: ancient, medieval & modern (historical theology)
- Theology & Ethics: contemporary society, minority & racial groups
- Spirituality & Spiritual Formation
- Encouraging Local Ministry Development
- Theory & Practice of Ministry: pastoral care, preaching, CPE, human relationships, trainings, pastoral leadership, ministry in daily life
- Liturgy & Music: Book of Common Prayer & supplemental texts
The Bishop with advice from the Commission on Ministry will determine the specifics of preparation for individuals nominated independent of a Ministry Team. Ministry Teams, following their completion of the required Iowa Ministry Team Development Curriculum, will complete another two years of formal study and formation through the E-Seminary. Continuing Education opportunities will also be offered for ordained and non-ordained, including appropriate training for licensed ministry.
Spiritual formation is integral to preparation for all ministries, lay and ordained. Spiritual formation occurs not only in formalized settings, but in other ways as well: shared worship, retreats, spiritual direction, and work with outreach ministries.
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