Bethany Announces New Courses

Bethany Theological Seminary has announced two new courses with appeal for both current seminary students as well as ministers who are seeking opportunities for additional professional development. One of the courses will be offered as a one-week August intensive while the second will take place during the Spring Semester.  

Theology and Ministry in Response to Crisis, August Intensive, Dr. Russell Haitch 

This course will consider the opportunities for ministry presented by crises of various kinds — personal, churchwide, national, or even global. The course will consider such important questions as: “What do we believe about evil and about suffering?” “How can we listen, speak, and pray with those who are experience a current crisis or recalling past trauma?” “How does a national or global crisis change our understanding of what it means to be and do church?” As a resource for discussion, students will be encouraged to reflect on their own experiences of crises, including the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Shape of Ministry in a High-Tech World, Spring Semester 2021, Dr. Dan Poole 

This course will explore how ministry can remain grounded in the core principles of pastoral care and discipleship in the digital age. Students will ponder such questions as: “How does the ministerial leader avoid substituting high touch ministry with high-tech gadgets?” “What is the role of the ministerial leader in reminding communities of faith about healthy boundaries in the building of community that furthers the life of discipleship through electronic platforms and social media?” “How does the ministerial leader maintain healthy Sabbath practices in a 24/7 connected world?”  The class participants will examine the responsible engagement of these digital tools in the work of serving God’s people as ministers of the Gospel. 

“These new courses are examples of Bethany’s ongoing efforts to adapt its educational offerings to the evolving needs of the world,” says Dean Steve Schweitzer. “We believe these courses will be helpful both to students who are currently pursuing degrees and certificates as well as alumni who are seeking opportunities for professional development.” 

To learn more, contact us here.