Understanding the church
If you are in leadership in the Presbyterian Church then understanding where our church came from and why it is the way it is will help you and the Church be more effective in making decisions about our life and mission.
Presbyterian (Reformed) Studies has been offered by the Ecumenical Institute for Distance Theological Studies for over six years and has been of benefit to elders, youth leaders, local ordained ministers and ministers transferring from overseas or from other denominations.
This is the site for the 2009 course. For information on the 2010 course click here
Studying part-time
Presbyterian Studies is offered each year to groups usually of about 8 - 12 students. We work together online sharing discussion through email on the weekly topic, comparing our ideas from readings, and questions from our own situation and experience.
A comprehensive reader is provided and there are one or two text books you are advised to borrow or purchase. There are introductions to each lesson on this website. Each week the tutor writes to the class introducing each new topic.
There are three assignments and there is a short break between each module of five lessons and an assignment. There is no exam.
The first module usually begins in mid-May each year.
A Weekly Routine
For 2009 the weekly pattern will be:
- Sunday : Tutor's email introducing the weekly lesson, including key reading and question for email discussion.
- Monday to Wednesday : Reading, discussion at home, research and reflection.
- Thursday: Email to Tutor with reflections on the lesson topic and question.
- Friday or Saturday at agreed time: Skype or telephone call discussing issues which arose and questions you may have.
Support
You need a reliable email connection. Broadband is not essential but it is good if you have it. Most of us need a computer buddy, but this course is not unduly complicated from a computer point of view.
The tutor John Roxborogh is available by email on john@roxborogh.com and telephone in Dunedin on 03 473 8631
Some find it helpful to also have a local resource person who may be able to talk through the issues and relevance of each topic, and who may be able to lend books.
Enrolment
Enrolments for 2009 have closed. For enquiries for 2010 please contact the Ecumenical Institute for Distance Theological Studies. Details are on their website http://www.eidts.ac.nz