Date: Mon, 25 Mar 1996 15:46:05 -0800 From: crosswix@ix.netcom.com (camille ) Subject: The Anglican Institute for Affirmaive Christian Studies ******* ******* THE ANGLICAN INSTITUTE FOR ******* ******* AFFIRMATIVE CHRISTIAN STUDIES The Theological Seminary of the Evangelical Anglican Church in America Michael Brubaker, M.A., Director of Studies 2401 Artesia Boulevard, Ste.#106-213 Redondo Beach, California USA 90278 TELEPHONE: (310) 978-6720 E-MAIL: EACAOBIS1@aol.com EACA2AIACS@aol.com (I) STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The Anglican Institute for Affirmative Christian Studies prepares students for ordained service and lay leadership within the Evangelical Anglican Church in America (EACA). Students of other denominations/faith traditions are also welcomed to employ the Institute's facilities to meet their own needs for spiritual growth and professional theological education. All students are warmly received into our family of scholars, without regard given to an individual's gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, ethnicity, nationality, physical challenge and/or social status. To this end, AIACS strives to prepare students to meet the many challenges of serving diverse communities with compassion, understanding and pastoral competence. In 1992, the need for theological and spiritual education and formation for persons disenfranchised and marginalized by traditional Christendom was realized; EACA clergy took the lead in this endeavor by designing and instructing courses of of spiritual formation/education for all persons. Today, AIACS offers a wide range of courses for those interested in self improvement and spiritual growth as well as for those who have been called to the ordained ministry of the diaconate and priesthood. Course areas include scripture, Christology, evangelism, liturgy, pastoral practice and counseling, social justice, theology, Church history, Anglican studies, etc., inter alia. New courses are continuing to be devised and offered to students on a regular basis. All coursework is offered on the basis of external study, giving students the unique advantage of completing coursework at an individualized pace. In addition, students have an opportunity to meet their educational needs on a course-by-course basis, or to complete the entire program which meets the academic portion of the requirements for ordination to the priesthood within the Evangelical Anglican Church in America. Upon completion of the entire program of studies (which has recently been re-designed to comprise 20 individual courses) there is awarded to the successful student a Certificate in Theology by Saint Alban's Theological Seminary of San Diego, California, with which AIACs maintains a consortium relationship and which has extended itself to provide instruction for approximately one-quarter of the courses required for completion of the Certificate in Theology program. (II) COSTS OF INSTRUCTION: Since its founding, the Institute has never funded fully, nor sought to fund, its operation through tuition fees. Moreover, faculty and staff members have donated their time to the development and instruction of courses on an unpaid and voluntary basis, enabling the extremely nominal and modest tuition to continue to exist. Effective February 1, 1996 tuition is US$45.00 per course (for EACA Registered Students/Clergy Candidates; a slightly higher tuition is charged for those students entering the Institute from without the jurisdiction). This tuition is payable on a course-by-course basis, and totals $900.00 for the entire 20-course Certificate in Theology program. Tuition fees include the costs of required texts. (III) PROGRAM STRUCTURE: The time alloted for the completion of any one course is three (3) months. If a course is not completed by the expiry of that time, the student will automatically be dropped from the program, thus having to re-apply (and be consequently subject to new application fees). The need for such a time-structure exists on account of the Institute's committment to furthering the student's educational goals in an ordered fashion and to insure a continuing committment to and observance of the program's academic standards, as well as assuring a "continuity of learning" consonant with the process of psiritual formation. Note that the 3-month course time allottment is a maximum; while course-work might be completed in a briefer period depending upon the student's schedule, taking such maximum time alloted entails completion of all Certificate of Theology required courses within 5 (five) years. (IV) COURSES OF INSTRUCTION: KEY: BI = Scripture CH = Christology EV = Evangelism HO = Homiletics LT = Liturgy PC = Pastoral Counseling PP = Pastoral Praxis SJ = Social Justice Theory TH = Theology BI-100 A BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF SCRIPTURE An introductory overview of the Bible allowing the student to acquire an understanding of how the Bible was written, the historical timeline represented in the compilation of the Bible and the osciological, political and cultural climates in which each book of scripture was written; in addition, the student will learn which "specific communities of peoples" each book of scripture was originally written for and by. BI-101 INSIGHTS INTO BIBLICAL TRUTH A deeper exploration of scripture examining how wrongful interpretations have been employed to distort true meanings as well as to produce injurious effects. The student will understand the methods by which the Bible was written, gathered and presented as a unified work as well as understand the divergence between a literal approach to scripture and alternative methods of scholarship. CH-100 MEETING JESUS AGAIN: THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS Provides a framework for Christological examination based on experience and scholarship, allowing the student to reflect upon and explore her/his past and present spiritual journey. Familiarizes the student with the Gospels and their points of departure from one another as well as those between the "Christ of the Church" and the "historical Jesus." The student will evaluate his/her understanding of Jesus and develope a Christological statement. EV-100 REINVENTING THE CHURCH FOR THE 21st CENTURY Provides insights into the student's own calling to a particular sphere of ministerial activity, preparing the student for active ministry in the Diaconate utilizing her/his own talents and gifts. The student will understand the essential steps to ministering and given specific outreach strategies to grow a Church or specific field of ministry by the creation of an operating plan for the establishment of a Church in one's own community. HO-100 HOMILETICS: THE ART OF PREACHING Assists the student in developing and displaying good organizational skills by orally presenting two different sermons. The student will develope an homiletical style in a non-judgemental reference to other faith traditions, develope skills of organizations, expression, eye-and-body language and illustrations, being enabled to preach in a simple style that allows for the use of a "single concept." LT-100 INTRODUCTION TO LITURGY & WORSHIP Provides for an understanding of liturgical worship prior to the course on the Book of Common Prayer, a starting point in worship planning. Introduces the student to three different points of view regarding liturgical worship. The student will gain familiarity with liturgical formats of worship, and understanding of the history and use of symbol upon which liturgical worship is based, and the basic nomenclature of liturgics and liturgiology. LT-101 THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER IN THE LIFE OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCH Increases the student's level of familiarity with the official prayer-book of the Anglican tradition and developes an understanding/appreciation of the Prayer Book as a living and evolving form as well as a historical document. The student will become familiar with the vast resources available with the use of the BCP as well as worship preparation in general, and will develope an understanding of the uniqueness of the BCP in the development of Christian worship and expression. LT-102 A LITURGY FOR GAY, LESBIAN & BISEXUAL CHRISTIANS Demonstrates the mechanisms of one's psiritual formation and integrates these to illustrate the need for lesbigay-positive liturgy in Christian worship. Uncovers the masking and destruction of historical gay-positive forms of liturgy throughout the centuries, and instructs the student on the employment of correct formats for the creation of lesbigay expression in liturgy. The student will learn how sacramental liturgies of heterocentric Church culture can be transformed into inclusive, affirming lesbigay formats and develope new skills through the creation of correct and well-formatted lesbigay expressions in liturgy. PC-100 CRISIS COUNSELING: TREATMENT OF A DIVERSE POPULATION Provides the student with a theoretical framework in order to lend pastoral aid to those in crises. Explores the therapeutic and pastoral interventions utilized in treating those in cirtical situations. The student will develope her/his own style of counseling as well as understand issues specific to the lesbian/gay/bisexual pastoral client/counselee. PC-101 BEING CLERGY, STAYING HUMAN Enables the student to view their ministry and their calling in relation to friends, family and community; special emphasis is placed on an open-minded, non-judgemental model of character as a clerical model. PP-101 LEGAL & ETHICAL ISSUES IN MINISTRY Defines the legal responsibility of ministry within the context of local and state laws. Helps the student to develope a counseling policy as a means of prevention as well as recognition of one's own competence in specific areas. The student will learn legal obligations, boundaries in ministry, litigation prevention, client confidence, support policy and referral resources within the counseling, social work, psychiatirc and clinical psychological professions. SJ-100 CHRISTIANITY & HOMOSEXUALITY Provides an understanding of how one can be gay, lesbian or bisexual and remain Christian. Assists the student in helping others understand the lesbigay person's place in God's plan as well as offering defense to the position of homosexual Christians. Explores how Boswell's research findings have given way to a new era of acceptance for gay, lesbian and bisexual Christians. Helps to form an awareness of how cultural prejudices have given way to official Christian dogma being developed against lesbigay and bisexual Christians. Provides an understanding of the historical timeline of Christianity determining when/how homosexual Christians began to be excluded by organized religion. Challenges the student to offer a strong defense for the inclusivity of gay, lesbian and bisexual persons within the Christian community. SJ-101 AIDS: A PASTORAL RESPONSE Provides the student with an understanding of the issues of an individual effected by HIV/AIDS in relation to community, society and need. Introduces the student to actively pursuing ministry within the HIV/AIDS community. Provides counseling strategies for bereavement, anger, stress and hope. The student will gain an awareness of her/his own prejudices, lack of understanding/information and tolerance levels. TH-100 THE GOSPEL & THE CATHOLIC CHURCH Provides for an appreciation of all four Gospels and their individual accounts of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Developes an understanding of the significance of the historical three-fold ministry of bishop, priest and deacon and their relation to the mission of the Church - the extensions of the apostolic tradition founded by Jesus Christ. The student will develope an awareness of how Jesus' life, death and resurrection have fulfilled Old Testament prophecies by tracing the historical ministry of His life. TH-101 THE NICENE CREED Provides an understanding of the historical content of the creed and its role as the first statement of Christian doctrine as well as an overview of the need for inclusive language in credal formulations and liturgy. The student will understand the historical development and significance of the creed as it relates to the Great Christian Schism of 1054. TH-102 ANGLICANISM IN HISTORY Explores how Anglicanism is the middle ground ("via media") for all of Christendom. Portrays the influences that shaped Anglicanism's doctrine, worship and discipline. The student will gain a new awareness surrounding Anglicanism's universality, thus developing an emerging sense of the different denominations which have contributed to Anglicanism's practices and tradition as well as the means by which Anglicanism has contributed to other traditions. TH-103 SAINT ALBANS I: CATHOLIC IDENTITY Provides for understanding basic definitions of Catholic heritage, tradition and identity as well as the basic tools required to think and reason in theological terms. The student will gain familiarity with his/her role and calling as a Catholic and of the Catholic Church as a whole. TH-104 SAINT ALBANS II: PRAYER & MEDITATION Provides for an understanding of the definitions and functions of prayer and meditation. Offers proofs of the utility of prayer an meditation to the student as an important part of her/his spiritual life. The student will gain familiarity with differing forms and styles of prayer and meditation as well as an appreciation of their effects. TH-105 SAINT ALBANS III: MEANS OF GRACE A basic overview of the traditional seven sacraments of Catholic worship as ordained by Jesus Christ. Provides backgrounds on the sacraments as they are perceived by Catholics, Anglicans and Protestants alike. Defines the sacraments as "means of Grace." The student will gain familiarity with the forms and matters of the sacraments as well as develope an understanding of the history upon which sacramental worship is based. TH-106 SAINT ALBANS IV: HISTORY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH Explores the complete history of the Catholic Church by tracing the trials and tribulations of the Christian Church from the time of its founder, Jesus Christ, until the present day. Provides a sense of the early Church's background and development and the subsequent problems attendant upon its growth and survival. The student will gain a comfortable knowledge of the Christian Church understanding the meaning and historical rationale which underscores the current state and position of the Church today. The student will also gain a new awareness of historical data shedding light on current debates. TH-107 SAINT ALBANS V: THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS Familiarizes the student with basic doctrine regarding the Communion of Saints as well as an understnading of the Saints' lives, roles and teachings. The student will be readily able to identify the Saints' roles within the formation and evolution of the Holy Mother Church and understand the gifts, teachings and legacy of the Saints. The student will develope devotion to the Communion of Saints as a means of finding and securing additional Grace, thus further enhancing his/her spiritual development. NOTE: COURSES MAY CHANGE OR COURSE MATERIALS AMENDED DUE TO THE AVAILABILITY OF SUITABLE TEXTS. REPLACEMENT COURSES WILL BE DESIGNED TO ACCOMODATE WHEN NECESSARY. COURSES PRESENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT: 1.) CHRISTIAN ETHICS 2.) CANON LAW ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** For further and more detailed information, or for admissions materials, please write to, telephone or e-mail: THE ANGLICAN INSTITUTE OF AFFIRMATIVE CHRISTIAN STUDIES Attn: The Director of Studies 2401 Artesia Boulevard, Ste. #106-213 Redondo Beach, California USA 90278 TELEPHONE: (310)798-6720 E-MAIL: EACAOBIS1@aol.com E-MAIL: EACA2AIACS@aol.com WE LOOK FORWARD TO ENABLING PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS TO COMMENCE OR CONTINUE THEIR THEOLOGICAL EDUCATIONS, WHETHER AS A PREPARATION FOR THE PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE OF PASTORAL MINISTRY OR AS A MEANS OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT. ************ For further information on the Evangelical Anglican Church in America, please visit our World Wide Web site at: THE DENOMINATIONAL HOMEPAGE: http://www.uea.ac.uk/~u9301291/evangeli.htm