Required classes are established to discourage the less than ardent and, when it comes to the church, to weed out the lazy and the less than “called” into ministry. The Polity and Leadership class has the potential of being about as interesting as watching a video on the process of changing out transmission oil from farm equipment. As a student at Duke Divinity School years ago when I was forced to take the equivalent of this course it was about as enjoyable as serious dental work. I will do everything I can to make this class interesting because it is one of the most important pieces of learning for an Iliff student.
This class, offered at the school on a Tuesday evening, will be an opportunity to test out the student’s call to ministry, to examine how one might think theologically, and to explore ways in which a church leader is able to apply theory onto praxis. Most important is the interaction with the other students, the book of Discipline, and the other two required readings. It is hoped that this 4 hour class will be both interesting and helpful for those who want to take seriously their future ministry and their work in the United Methodist Church. The ultimate goal is to create an environment where the students can think and imagine our structures as enabling creativity, and where church leaders of the future will be inspired to lead the church as institutions formed to bring justice and transformation.
United Methodist Book of Discipline 2012 ISBN-9781426718120 Or 9781436766206 (e-book)
Thomas Frank Polity, Practice, and the Mission of the United Methodist Church ISBN-9780687335312
Diane Butler-Bass Christianity After Religion ISBN-9780062003744
See Taylor Library's list of online book sellers for purchasing options.
Incompletes: If incompletes are allowed in this course, see the Master's Student Handbook for Policies and Procedures.
Pass/Fail: Masters students wishing to take the class pass/fail should discuss this with the instructor by the second class session.
Academic Integrity and Community Covenant: All students are expected to abide by Iliff’s statement on Academic Integrity, as published in the Masters Student Handbook, or the Joint PhD Statement on Academic Honesty, as published in the Joint PhD Student Handbook, as appropriate. All participants in this class are expected to be familiar with Iliff’s Community Covenant.
Accommodations: Iliff engages in a collaborative effort with students with disabilities to reasonably accommodate student needs. Students are encouraged to contact their assigned advisor to initiate the process of requesting accommodations. The advising center can be contacted at advising@iliff.edu or by phone at 303-765-1146.
Writing Lab: Grammar and organization are important for all written assignments. Additional help is available from the Iliff Writing Lab, which is available for students of any level who need help beginning an assignment, organizing thoughts, or reviewing a final draft.
Inclusive Language: It is expected that all course participants will use inclusive language in speaking and writing, and will use terms that do not create barriers to classroom community.
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