Summer Courses 2013

The Harrisonburg, Va. campus offers summer courses in May and June.

To take summer courses contact either the 540-432-4257 or the 540-432-4274

Cross-Cultural

Places, People and Prayers: Israel and Palestine

Leaders: Kevin A. Clark and Dorothy Jean Weaver
Dates: May 2-25
More information

Cross-Cultural Experience

Instructor: David Evans
Schedule: May 2,3, and 6; 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. each day
Credits: 3

This seminar involves at least three weeks of immersion in a cultural setting distinctly different from one’s past experience. This includes interaction with religious, social, cultural, political, economic and commercial groups and their leaders. The basic goals of the seminar include becoming a learner at the feet of the people of this community, acknowledging that they alone know what their world is like. Approaches to learning in this seminar emphasize the methodology of “participant observation ” with careful attention to personal reactions and responses to one’s experiences through journaling and group reflection. Special attention is given to how the Christian gospel is communicated and expressed in that setting and how it engages the realities of that world. The particular characteristics and requirements of a given seminar vary depending on the particular setting and who is leading the seminar. The seminar does not assume other-than-English language capability, but learning the basics of another language is sometimes a part of what we learn through participant observation. Descriptions of specific cross-cultural seminars offered are circulated each year.

Christian Movement in the Mediterranean

Leader: Linford Stutzman
Dates: May 16-June 1
More Information

Online courses

EMS is offering Ethics and Nonviolence online this summer. For more information visit www.emu.edu/seminary/distance-learning

On Campus Courses

See a block schedule of these courses

Isaiah

Instructor: Jim Engle
Schedule: May 7- 24, Tuesdays and Thursdays 8 a.m.-2:30p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays 8-12 a.m.
Credits: 3 SH

The book named for this prophet is studied for its themes, content and theology (English text). The study of the literary features of the book and its historical context(s) serve to sharpen the message and contribution of the prophet. Inductive study supplements and evaluates the mass of scholarship that has grown up around the study of this prophet.

Foundation of Christian Preaching

Instructor: Joni Sancken
Schedule: May 7- 29, Tuesdays and Wednesdays- 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Credits: 3 SH

This course is a general introduction to preaching, emphasizing how to move from biblical text to God-centered proclamation of the gospel. While the course will explore a variety of approaches to the biblical text and consider historical, theological, pastoral, and creative aspects of preaching, we will focus primarily on one methodology that can be adapted to a variety of styles and forms.

Spirit World and the Global Church

Instructor: James Krabill
Schedule: May 7-17, Monday-Friday 9 a.m. -3:30 p.m.
Credits: 3 SH

This course will explore the biblical foundations of the spirit world and trace how these understandings have been both applied and challenged throughout the history of the Western Church. From there we will examine how the conversation is expanding as Western Christians encounter spiritual realities present in the rapidly growing churches of the global south (Africa, Asia and Latin America). Particular themes also treated will include: the Pentecostal appeal among struggling social classes, the language of “spiritual warfare” and peace theology, and case studies of North American congregations and church leaders dealing with difficult “hard cases” involving spiritual dimensions.

Biblical Foundations of Peace and Justice

Instructor: Mark Thiessen Nation
Schedule: May 27- June 4, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Credits: 3 SH

More than a study of a few select texts that deal with peacemaking, this course will explore and examine the various dimensions of peace in the Bible, with special attention to how the Bible as a whole functions as a foundation for peacemaking. The course will explore texts which reflect the everyday dimensions of wholeness, wellbeing, and security, as well as those which describe God’s attempts to make peace with rebellious humanity. A central figure in the biblical story of peace is Jesus, both as foundation of peace and as model for peacemaking. Texts and issues which present peacemakers with serious difficulties, such as the wars of Israel or the image of God as judge and warrior, will also be examined.

Instructor: Nancy Kauffmann
Schedule: May 30- June 7, Monday-Friday 9 a.m – 3 p.m.
Credits: 2 SH

This course examines two aspects of contemporary Mennonite reality. First, what the Mennonite Church has said and, especially, what it is currently saying about what it believes concerning the Christian faith; and second, how it structures itself in the light of those beliefs to carry out its ministry in the world. Focus will be on the expression of faith, its features and trends, in the last half century in the General Conference Mennonite church and the Mennonite Church, now integrated as Mennonite Church USA. Polity at the denominational, area conference and congregational levels will be studied with special interest in the emerging structures of the integration process. Particular attention will be given to polity and ethical guidelines for ministerial leadership.

June 17-28

Summer Institute for Spiritual Formation- 1-4 SH

The Institute is a two-week summer program which offers classes, worship and experiential learning in the area of spiritual formation. It teaches spiritual directors and ministry leaders how to deepen their own faith and lead others in doing the same. Students can receive up to four seminary credits each summer and a certificate from the Institute after completing three summers.