Systematic Theology: First Year Students & Track 2
Systematic Theology is an on-going effort by Christ's Church to tell the truth in an
organized way. Lutheran systematic theology is Christ centered because of its insistence
on connecting every Christian claim or doctrine to the Gospel, that is, to the Good News
of God's reconciling sinners to God's self in Jesus Christ. Students will learn the
distinctive structure of Lutheran systematic theology as it is organized around this
evangelical ("gospel based") center, and not around some lesser center.
Time: Not offered in 2010-2011
Required Texts: Book of Concord & additional readings provider by instructor
Worship and Liturgy: First Year Students & Track 3
Students in the Worship & Liturgy class will gain an overview of the history, theology,
and cultural contexts of a Worship Service. The students will study the vehicles of
worship using available resources and practicing critical analysis. Students will develop
and present to the class a contextual learning project. Students completing this class will
be eqipped to serve as educated impassioned members of a worship committee. They
will also be prepared to serve on a task force evaluating their congregation's worship
needs and changes. Students will be able to assist a pastor with components of worship
under his/her leadership.
Time: Not offered in 2010-2011
Required Texts: Why Worship Matters by Robert A. Rimbo, Central Things by Gordon W.
Lathrop, and additional readings as assigned by the instructor. Suggested Texts: Sundays
& Seasons ELCA Worship Planning Guide.
Old Testament/Hebrew Bible: First Year Students & Track 1
The goals of this course are for the student to gain a working knowledge of the content of
the Hebrew Bible along with a basic understanding of its socio-historical background and
an awareness of the history/methods of interpretation. The student will develop skill in
reading biblical texts as rhetorical literary documents and achieve an understanding of the
importance of the Hebrew Bible for understanding the New Testament and Christian
faith. The instructional method will encourage the student to grow in love and excitement
in the reading and study of the Bible.
Time: Not offered in 2010-2011
Required Texts: The Old Testament by Micheal D. Coogan
Introduction to the New Testament: Second Year Students & Track 1
The goals of this course are to gain a working knowledge of the content of the New
Testament, a basic understanding of its socio-historical background and an awareness of
how the New Testament came into being. The student will develop skills in reading
biblical texts while exploring the varios Gospel portrayals of Jesus. Students will use the
knowledge to grow in confidence in proclaiming the Gospel to others. Students will also
explore key theological concepts such as grace, justification, the theology of the cross and
stewardship. The instructional method will encourage students to grow in love and
excitement in the reading and study of the Bible.
Time: Friday, 6:20 - 8:20 p.m.
Required Texts: The New Testament by Bart D. Ehrman
Luther for Today: Second Year Students & Track 2
The purpose of this class is for the student to discover an authentic Luther while gaining
an understanding and appreciation of "Lutheran" Christianity. The student will also attain
a working understanding of Martin Luther's theological discoveries so as to be able to
enter the often confusing contemporary Christian discourse. The class will also promote
laughter, struggle, growth, and the consumption of chocolate.
Participation is encouraged by discussion and questioning. "True learning comes from
discourse not lecture" Rev. John Meachen.
Time: Friday, 8:30 - 10:00 p.m.
Required Texts: Martin Luther by Martin Marty, Faith and Freedom: An Invitation to the
Writings of Martin Luther by John F. Thorton and Susan Vareene ed., other resources
provided by the instructor
Church History: Second Year Students & Track 2
The intention of this course is to give students an overview of the Christian Church as it
has traveled through history. It is easy to forget that we have twenty centuries of
Christians who have lived, struggled, sometimes even fought and died, in the arms of the
Church. In order to understand ourselves, it is important for us to understand how we got
where we are. The course will take the form of reading, lecutures, and question and answer
sessions. Students will be expected to complete the assigned readings before class.
Time: Saturday, 9:00 - 10:50 a.m.
Required Texts: The Oxford Illustrated History of Christianity by John McManners, ed.
Faith and Spirituality: Combined First & Second Year Students & Track 3
Students in the Faith and Spirituality class will use material to grow spiritual lives
through balanced knowledge and experience of Christ's life and church traditions.
Students will also be taught some spiritual practices from a spiritual direction program.
The class will be lead through a spiritual practice, and then break into small groups that
will address the material for the month. The class will end with a short large-group
discussion. Students will be required to have a prayer partner and to pray with them
regularly, read the assigned chapters, answer questions from the workbook in a separate
notebook, and choose an exercise to practice from that "tradition."
Time: Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.
Required Texts: To be announced
Ministries in Daily Life: All classes combined
This class is intended to be an opportunity for students, alumni, and staff to apply class
learning to daily life. Topics will be varied. Each session will be presented by a
guest presenter. First and Second year students are required to attend.
Time: Saturday, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Required Texts: None
2010-2011 Continuing Education
Continuing education classes will be offered on Friday night and on Saturday morning.
Note the class descriptions listed below.
Please register with Jeanette at wausaulayschool@gmail.com or 715-848-2108
Friday Night Continuing Ed Classes:
Christian Apologetics
In classic times apology
meant defense.
Not I'm sorry
but I'm not sorry at all; I'm right and I'll prove
it!
This course, and the book on which it is based, is about showing the reasons why Christianity is true.
The main tool is reasoning, applied to the data that are publicly available. In the process, we will look at
the most interesting--and most important!--questions there are: Does God exist? Is the Bible true? How
can God allow evil? Was Jesus more than a man? Is there life after death?
Text Book: Handbook of Chritain Apologetics by Peter Kreeft & Ronal Tacelli; available from
Amazon. (Do not confuse this with the Pocket Handbook etc.) Please read Part 1 "Introduction" chapters 1-2.
Familiarity with this material will be assumed for the first class. Bring your own insights and questions!
Instructor: Doctor Todd Murken
Times: 6:00 - 7:20 P.M.
What's the Same; What's Different? Learning About Christian Denominations in the USA
This course will examine the beliefs and practices of some of the various Christian denominations in the
United States, starting with the oldest & moving into the newer. Special attention will be paid to those
denominations which have congregations in out area; the first class will be on the Orthodox Christian
tradition.
Text Book: There are no assigned books for this class.
Instructor: Doctor Dennis Creswell
Times: 7:30 - 8:50 P.M.
Saturday Morning Continuing Ed Classes:
The Parables of Jesus & NOOMA Video Series
See extraordinary insights & illustrious explaining parables of Jesus. See these parables come alive through
Middle Eastern eyes & learn how they are still viable for our Christian lives today.
Text Book: Parables of Jesus by Harry N Wendt; available from Crossways International their website is:
www.crossways.org.
Instructors: Julie Barger, Will Ostrem & Shirley Mitchell past graduates from the Lay School
Times: 9:00 - 10:30 A.M.
The Theology & Spirituality of the Psalms
The class will not only look at the spirituality and theology of the psalms, but also on how to pray the psalms,
and perhaps also how to teach the psalms and to lead a retreat using the psalms.
Text Book: The Psalms and the Life of Faith by Walter Brueggemann (Fortress 1995); available on Amazon.
Instructor: Dr. Ann Fritschel
Times: 10:40 A.M. - 12:10 P.M.
Continuing Education:
$100.00 per class / books extra
Registration Fee: $50.00
Special All Four Classes: $300.00