Courses

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ONLINE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE COURSE
Pacific Southwest District Lay Ministry Training will offer a CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE COURSE in an online format! If you can use an internet browser, send an E-mail, and watch a video, the entire course (except text book reading) is now available. Class interaction is done on your time schedule, through a discussion that is part of the program. Dr. Steven Mueller, professor and dean of Christ College at Concordia Irvine is the instructor, and Rev. Dustin Parker, pastor at Concordia Cerritos, is the mentor for the discussion group. A minimum of ten students are needed to start the course with a limit of fifteen. Some spots have already been filled. The course is 10 weeks in length, broken into manageable segments. For more information, please contact Rev. Dustin Parker at Cerritos.pastor@gmail.com.

1 Old Testament: This study will focus on God's plan of salvation as revealed in the Old Testament and leading to the New Testament.

2 New Testament: The New Testament study will focus on the person and work of our Savior to show the completion of God's plan of salvation.

3 Doctrine: In this course, the basic teaching of God's Word as recorded in Scripture and supported in the Book of Concord will be studied.

4 Care-Giving: Concern for those in special need will be stressed, including those home-bound, in hospitals and rest homes, and those in bereavement.

5 Leadership Skills: This study will include certain fundamental understandings, attitudes, and behaviors required for successful ministry.

6 Lutheran History and Polity: This study will provide a basic understanding of the history of Lutheranism and the polity of the Lutheran church.

7 Evangelism and Assimilation: Developing an effective program of outreach and assimilation is central to this course. Small-group ministry is included.

8 Teaching the Faith: This course will examine the essential elements of the teaching-learning process as it applies to teaching the Christian faith.

In addition to courses listed above, the following courses are required for deacon certification. Upon request from a congregation, the district president can issue a license to serve as a deacon on an annual basis. (Note: After two years of such service, the person must continue work toward ordination).

9 Worship: In this course the applicant will study the basic elements of Lutheran worship, including confession and absolution, the Word and Sacraments, and prayer and how they are included in a variety of worship formats (traditional, contemporary, etc.).

10 Homiletics: In this course, the deacon applicant will concentrate on the basic preparation and delivery of a sermon.

All courses will have a minimum of 18 class hours. Cost of each course is $150. Make checks payable to the Pacific Southwest District. All courses are offered under the auspices of the president of the Pacific Southwest District.