Understanding Presbyterianism
Although we are properly more concerned to be Christian than to be denominational, understanding where our church came from is important. Knowing something about why it is the way it is can help you and the Church be more effective in making decisions about where we should be going in our life and Christian mission.
Presbyterian (Reformed) Studies has been offered by the Ecumenical Institute for Distance Theological Studies for over six years. Completing this paper has been of benefit to Presbyterian elders, youth leaders, local ordained ministers and ministers transferring from overseas or from other denominations.
This website will help you see what the course involves. It also provides on-line resources for reference and self-study.
Part-time but not on your own
Presbyterian Studies is offered as on-line correspondence course each year. We work together sharing discussion on the weekly topic, comparing our ideas from readings, and questions from our own situation and experience. We use email and this website, and Skype conversations are also an option.
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 begins in mid-May and the second in early July. Students may commence the course with either the first or the second module, but not with the third.
A weekly routine
For 2010 the weekly pattern (slightly amended) during each of the three modules of five weeks each will be:
- Sunday : Tutor's email responding to previous weeks discussion.
- Monday : 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: Each student emails their reflections on the lesson topic and question.
- Friday or Saturday : Further email discussion on the topic and reflections of the week.
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 by skype (contact name johnroxborogh) and telephone in Dunedin on 03 473 8631.
It is also helpful if you have a local resource person who is willing to talk through the issues or who may be able to lend books.
Enrol for May 17 or for July 5 2010
This year we will have two starting dates - in mid-May and the beginning of July. For enquiries please contact the Ecumenical Institute for Distance Theological Studies. Details are on their website http://www.eidts.ac.nz
John Roxborogh (tutor) john@roxborogh.com