Born of Water, Born of Spirit: Baptismal Living and Ministry

Baptism is primarily about God acting and the community of faith responding; it shapes our primary identity as Christians. As the people of God, the priesthood of all believers, each of us is called to respond to a world that craves healing and wholeness. As people of faith, we know that the reign of God will be built on the transformation of hearts — on new life, not just reordered life. Through the recovery of our authority for ministry given at baptism, Christians are empowered to face the challenges of today, transforming our churches and awakening our spirits to the living God in our midst. This course will focus on the evolution of our understanding of baptismal living and ministry from the time of the earliest Christians until the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. We will look at ways to support the ministry of the baptized in daily life and in churches, and investigate resources for local ministry development.Through reading, reflection, and sharing, members of the class will gain a deeper understanding of baptism and will develop skills for empowering vocation in and outside of congregations. The primary text for the course will be Born of Water, Born of Spirit: Supporting the Ministry of the Baptized in Small Congregations, by Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook and Fredrica Harris Thompsett.

Instructor: The Rev. Dr. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook
The Rev. Dr. Kujawa-Holbrook is a priest of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, an educator, historian of religion, and practical theologian. She is currently professor of practical theology and religious education at Claremont School of Theology, and professor of Anglican Studies at Bloy House, the Episcopal Theological School at Claremont.

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