Module THMN3101: Contemporary Issues in Methodist Ecclesiology and Practice

Department: Theology and Ministry

THMN3101: Contemporary Issues in Methodist Ecclesiology and Practice

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To enable students critically to explore and appropriate the ecclesiology, polity and practice of the Methodist church for the contemporary context.

Content

• Core subjects will cover:
• Working with doctrine and theology: Building on knowledge of foundational and historic documents an exploration of recent Faith and Order Statements and Contemporary formulation of theology through conference and connexion and Methodist theologians.
• Sacraments, rites and ceremonies: approaches to, baptismal, funeral and marriage ceremonies and policies together with issues around Eucharist, confirmation and membership.
• Structures including Authority, Oversight, Connexionalism, Conference, Circuit and District, Management trustees responsibilities, property and Finance.
• Personal issues for presbyters/deacons including spirituality, support structures, confidentiality self-appraisal, safeguarding, personal safety, stress.
• Though a core set of general principles, practices and theology will be covered in the module, contemporary issues will change from year to year. These are to be identified by reports and debates being considered currently within the Conference of the Methodist church. The exploration of these issues will be within the historical, theological, and ecclesiological contexts as well as through current debate. Indicative topics:
• Confidentiality in the practice of ministry
• The Practice of Holy communion
• The Bible and Authority in the Methodist Church
• Issues of Sexuality
• Domestic violence
• Interfaith marriage
• The Methodist-Anglican Covenant.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will:
• be familiar with key contemporary texts on Methodist theology and practice;
• be able to give a critical account of the development of Methodist ecclesiology.

• be able to interpret and apply The Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church (CPD) to a variety of issues and situations;
• be able to analyse contemporary issues in Methodist theology and practice.

• be able to construct appropriate ministerial responses to ethical and pastoral issues arising in the life of church and community in way which reflect Methodist history, theology and polity;
• be able to local themselves in relation to Methodist tradition and ministerial practice.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The course will be a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials. Total contact time is 28 hours.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Student-led seminar on a contemporary issue in Methodist theology and practice with written feedback.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University