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Summer courses at AMBS

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Download the printable list of 2012-2013 courses (PDF)
Download the printable course list for 2013-2014 (gives details of when classes meet)
Check the date on each page to see when it was last updated.
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Summer 2013 advance readings

Seminar in Theology: Baptism advance readings

Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations advance readings

Pastoral Counseling and Theology advance assignments

Summer 2013 course descriptions

Greek Readings: Synoptic Gospels (BIB602)

Three hours — Mary Schertz
May 28–June 14, 9-10 a.m., 3-4 p.m.
This is the basic course in the New Testament exegesis sequence that offers (1) reading skill in Koine Greek, (2) an introduction to the major literary and theological issues in interpreting the Synoptic Gospels, (3) practice with a “hands-on” method of studying biblical texts, and (4) familiarity with computer programs that facilitate reading and exegeting the Greek text. The students in this course also will begin a Bible study journal for use in other seminary courses and future ministry. Prerequisite: Beginning Greek

Seminar in Theology: Baptism (HTE635)

Three hours — Jamie Pitts
May 28–June 14, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
This course examines baptismal theology and practice from New Testament times to the present, with special emphasis on Anabaptist-Mennonite traditions. Primary and secondary readings will come from a variety of theological, social scientific, and pastoral sources. Attention will be given throughout the course to baptism’s central position in church polity and mission. Class times will combine lectures, group discussion, and prayer.

Advanced readings for Seminary in Theology: Baptism

The Five Scrolls (BIB541 and BIB541-2)

Three hours or Two hours— Safwat Marzouk
June 17–28, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
This course will study the five books of Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes and Esther. In the Jewish tradition these books are read and associated with five festivals: Song of Songs at Passover, Ruth at Pentecost, Lamentations to commemorate the destruction of the temple, Ecclesiastes at the Feast of Booths, and Esther at Purim. The course will offer close interpretive studies of these books and will also explore the use of biblical texts in liturgical contexts.

Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations (HTE686)

Three hours or Two hours — Jacqueline Hoover
June 17–28, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
With an eye on challenges facing the Muslim community today, this course examines foundational Islamic narratives and texts—including the Qur’an and the Prophetic Tradition—and how Muslims have interpreted and used these in law, doctrine, and spirituality. Also included is how Christians and Muslims have interacted culturally, politically, and theologically through the centuries to the present. This leads to discussion of a way forward in Christian witness and service among Muslims.

+ Read more about Jacqueline Hoover

Jacqueline Hoover, M.A., is a free-lance lecturer in Islamic Studies. She teaches yearly courses on Islam and Christian-Muslim relations in Egypt, Germany and the University of Nottingham in England. She currently lives with her husband Jon in Nottingham. Until 2010, they lived in Beirut, Lebanon, and taught Islamic Studies at the Near East School of Theology.

Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations advance readings

Celebrating the Christian Year CHM514

Two hours — Rachel Miller Jacobs
June 17–28, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
With the story of Jesus as the center of the Christian year, this course explores ways in which congregational worship can more fully express and celebrate the good news of our faith. A particular focus is the seasons of Advent-Christmas-Epiphany, Lent and Holy Week, and Easter to Pentecost. Along with elements of worship such as Scripture, prayer, and preaching, the role of the arts in worship is emphasized.

Pastoral Counseling and Theology (CHM635H)

Three hours — Daniel Schipani
Hybrid format (June 17–28)
This course focuses on pastoral counseling as a ministry of the church and as a special setting for practical theology. It considers the practical questions of content, goals, and process in pastoral counseling aimed at discernment and guidance, nurture and support, and reconciliation and healing. Special attention is given to the task of integrating theological and psychological perspectives. Prerequisites: Human Development and Christian Formation, and Principles of Pastoral Care.

Pastoral Counseling and Theology advance assignments

Faith Formation and Spirituality: Adults and Seniors (CHM571)

Two hours — Marianne Mellinger
July 8–19, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
This multi-disciplinary course focuses on understanding faith formation in the life of adults and senior adults. The goal is to explore how congregations can nurture growing faith effectively and authentically all through life.

+ Read more about Marianne Mellinger

Marianne Mellinger, D.Min. in pastoral psychotherapy, is an adjunct professor at Conrad Grebel University College and has a private psychotherapy practice with a specialty in eldercare. Her research has focused on aspects of spirituality and spiritual maturity in senior adults. Marianne also is a research partner with Research Institute for Aging, Kitchener, Ont.

Celtic Spirituality Pilgrimage (CHM517)

Three hours — Marlene Kropf
July 12–29
This pilgrimage offers opportunity to visit significant Celtic sites in Scotland and Northern England, hear lectures from distinguished scholars and presenters, participate in daily prayer experiences shaped by the Celtic tradition, spend time on retreat, and engage in conversation and reflection with fellow pilgrims. This ancient faith heritage offers gifts to contemporary Christians, such as awareness of the presence of God in daily life, appreciation for the sacrament of the natural world, recognition of the gifts of both solitude and community, and commitment to witness and justice.

Supervised Ministry Experience (INT689)

Up to twelve hours — David Miller
By arrangement
This supervised internship in a congregational or other ministry setting allows the student to explore and develop the range of his or her ministering skills and gifts. The period of time will normally be an intensive three-month Summer or an extended seven or eight months, with the option of an entire calendar year. Students will spend approximately 400 hours in this internship for every three credit hours. Ministry in Church and World is strongly recommended as a prerequisite.