Course Description

Christian Theology for Presbyterian Elders

Theology for Presbyterian elders is an introduction to basic Christian doctrine in the reformed tradition. The purpose of this course is to help elders reflect on the pastoral, teaching, and governance roles of the elder within The Presbyterian Church in Canada from the perspective of a life lived in response to God within the church.

The course will deal with ten major doctrinal themes: Theology, God, Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit, The Bible, Faith, The Church, The Christian Life, Mission, and Christian Hope. These ten themes follow the outline of Living Faith, although this course is not a study of Living Faithas a subordinate standard of The Presbyterian Church in Canada per se. The ten themes have been arranged in six modules for the purpose of this course.

Course Objectives

This course is intended to assist you in reaching the following objectives as an elder of The Presbyterian Church in Canada:

• Develop your knowledge of Christian doctrine in the reformed tradition as the basis for further study and reflection.
• Develop your ability to reflect critically and constructively on the reformed faith as expressed in your congregation, presbytery, and in The Presbyterian Church in Canada in the light of Scripture, tradition, and the contemporary context.
• Develop a better understanding of the diversity of theological perspectives within the reformed tradition.
• Develop your own life of study and prayer as an elder.
• Develop an ability to identify your own theological presuppositions and how they influence your work as an elder.
• Develop an ability to address issues in the church from a decidedly theological perspective.

Course Outline

This course deals with six major themes of Christian doctrine:

Week 1: Theology and Youth ministry as an Elder

Week 2: Revelation and the Bible

Week 3: God and Creation

Week 4: Jesus Christ and Salvation

Week 5: The Holy Spirit and the Christian Life

Week 6: The church and Mission