Distance Learning Online at EMS

Eastern Mennonite Seminary has offered online courses for over a decade in the areas of Anabaptist theology, church history, and the practice of ministry (pastoral care, missional church, and leadership). More than a dozen online courses are offered on a two-year cycle, with several course offerings each semester as well as during the summer.

Spring 2012

BVG 621 Interpreting the Biblical Text

This course is concerned with the question of how biblical authority is made effective in the church today through proper interpretation. Such interpretation attempts both to uncover the inherent meaning of the text and to contextualize that meaning in contemporary life. The course gives attention to reading the biblical texts in their original context while attending to the way interpreters read from the perspective of their own cultural context. Methods are learned that preserve the normativity of Scripture in the process of relevant application to the life of particular cultures.

• Professor: Joni Sancken
• Credit Hours: 3
• Dates: January 10-April 27

SMCL 611 Pastoral Care

This course explores the simplicity and complexity of caregiving ministries in both the church and broader community from an Anabaptist missional perspective. Basic skills for caregiving are introduced as well as an examination of the many contextual issues inherent in good pastoral care (culture, method, models, and assumptions). Students will also have the opportunity to engage good self-care practices. The breadth of caregiving will be examined from birth through death with specific attention to major life events and challenges.

• Professor: Lonnie Yoder
• Credit Hours: 3
• Dates: January 10-April 27

Summer 2012

Money, Ministry and Me

This course involves an exploration of stewardship education resources alongside the explanation of financial tools and services needed in today’s world. It is designed to serve the needs of pastors and other church leaders in the congregation. Initial attention will focus on the personal stewardship practice of class participants. An exploration of biblical and spiritual perspectives will prepare the way for each participant to develop a five year stewardship education plan for themselves as leaders as well as their respective congregations.

• Instructor: Beryl Jantzi
• Credit Hours: 2
• Dates: May 7- June 30