Survey the typologies of engagement by various Christian traditions (giving particular attention to the broad evangelical tradition) with the public square, along the spectrum of disengagement, cooperation, co-optation, and confrontation. Analyze the theological assumptions and perspectives on the gospel that inform such engagement or lack thereof. Dominant evangelical paradigms of Christian engagement in the public …
View course details “When Christians Disagree: Church Unity in an Age of Division”
The Early Church in Africa and Asia
Many studies of non-Western Christianity focus on the modern period, emphasizing the impact of Western missions and colonialism. But this approach neglects the rich traditions of African and Asian Christianity that were established long before the earliest Western colonial contact. Join us as we explore early history of the church in North and East Africa, …
View course details “The Early Church in Africa and Asia”
History of Religion in America
Christianity has been intertwined with American history, culture, and politics since the first arrival of European explorers. The close connection between faith and culture has been a double-edged sword, alternately supporting and inhibiting the growth of a vibrant and faithful church. Join us as we discuss the many ups and occasional downs of Christianity’s sojourn …
View course details “History of Religion in America”
Systematic Theology Overview
Gain an introductory grasp of the central doctrines and tasks of Christian theology. Learn to think doctrinally in the context of our current moment, situating theology within the industrialized West’s post-Christian context. Reflect on Christianity’s central doctrines in relation to a contemporary society that’s constituted by deep pluralisms and where the logic of Christian thought …
View course details “Systematic Theology Overview”
The Bible and Work: Going Deeper and Broader
Many Christians today recognize that our work matters to God. Acknowledging the goodness and value of our daily work is a great start–but it’s just the beginning. Examine closely what the Bible really says about work. Deepen your theological understanding of why work matters and how it is to be done. Broaden your vision and …
View course details “The Bible and Work: Going Deeper and Broader”
Calling, Context, and the Church: From Belonging to Witness
How do churches discern and incarnate God’s calling in their communities? Grounded in a theological framework for vocation, insights from contemporary scholar-practitioners, qualitative tools and strategies, and relevant case studies that include the work of Regent Exchange, this course offers a fresh approach to vocation with practical implications for the church as a learning community. …
View course details “Calling, Context, and the Church: From Belonging to Witness”
Postcolonial Theology
Beginning with the premise that all theology is contextual, we will explore—through the lens of postcolonialism—how theology in the global south and elsewhere has been contextualized. Expect to gain a solid grounding in postcolonial theory, in particular key concepts such as Orientalism, otherness, hybridity, hegemony, subalternity, and their relevance to evangelical theology. Format Onsite/Online Credit …
View course details “Postcolonial Theology”
Culture, Faith, and Mental Health
Faith doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Too often, though, we fail to recognize the important interplay between faith, culture, and mental health. Join us as we dive into a rich and complex exploration of the things that make us who we are, both as individuals and as a church. What is culture, and where does …
View course details “Culture, Faith, and Mental Health”
Worship in Polyrhythm
This course provides a framework for preparing and leading worship by exploring the biblical and historical foundations of Christian worship. With the help of expert coaches, you will learn practical skills for worship ministry through a polyrhythmic metaphorical lens. These skills include producing liturgies and services (Erin Glanville), using visual arts in worship (Joy Banks), …
View course details “Worship in Polyrhythm”
Spiritual Friendship
The Bible uses a number of images to represent friendship, including the beautiful picture of the knitting together of souls (1 Sam 18:1). This splendid image captures the essence of spiritual friendship: intimacy, loyalty, intentional connection, and a relationship undertaken in the presence of Christ. Spiritual friendship is an ancient practice. While theological reflection on …
View course details “Spiritual Friendship”