ACADEMY OF BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
(Click here for Spanish) To enroll in the ABATS program, you must submit an application and 3 letters of reference. To download the application and forms for references, click here. The Spanish and Portuguese language ABATS is designed for people who wish to critically engage ethical and theological reflection, enhance their knowledge of Scripture, and learn practical skills for serving their church and community. The program is also designed to provide education for laity who wish to become commissioned lay pastors/commissioned pastors. Although the program is designed with a view toward academic and theological integrity, participants should communicate with the appropriate ecclesial judicatory bodies to ensure that it meets their educational components for commissioning pastors.
ABATS participants may take the courses individually without seeking certification. Nevertheless, if participants seek Advance Certification they must complete all the tests and written requirements. Classes are offered in Spanish and Portuguese. All participants must complete the course requirements in order to receive certification. COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: Introduction to the Bible This course will explore the following questions: a) How did we get the Bible?
b) How do we interpret the Bible? c) How does God speak to us through the Bible?
d) How is the Bible a living text? e) How can one teach the Bible effectively? and
f) What are the major themes in the Old and New Testaments?
Dates: November 22, December 6, 13, 20, 2008
Times: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Place: Stuart Hall Room 18
This course will be taught in Spanish by the Rev. Milton Nuñez-Coba. To enroll in the ABATS program, you must submit an application and 3 letters of reference. To download the application and forms for references, click here. Reformed Theology
This course will examine the following areas: a) background of the Protestant Reformation; b) key elements of the Reformed tradition; c) Relationship of context, Hispanic and multicultural, with the Reformed tradition. Worship and Sacraments
This course will examine the following areas: a) the Directory for Worship; b) what makes for powerful and transformative worship ; c) resources for worship in different traditions, d) the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper; and e) the dynamics of the church as a worshiping community. Church History and Contemporary Society
This course will examine the following areas: a) history of the Hispanic church in the United States, especially those in the Reformed traditions; b) analysis of present and future trends of the church ministering in the Hispanic context. Introduction to Pastoral Care
This course will examine the following areas: a) differentiating pastoral care and pastoral counseling; b) recognizing several behavioral patterns in situations of depression, anger, suicide, etc.; c) acknowledging elements of being an agent of hope; d) pastoral care to the ill; e) understanding the phases of grief. Church Administration:
This course will examine among other things the following areas: a) developing a leadership team; b) the art of moderating a meeting; c) the dynamics of volunteerism; d) crisis management Presbyterian Polity:
This course will approach polity through “conversations” with Book of Order foundations, case studies of congregational situations, and church legal and procedural rules. The course will demonstrate that polity is not so much about rules and church organization as it is the expression of key theological tenets of the Reformed tradition. It is a foundation for shared ministry, in the local congregation and among the governing bodies of the church. Preaching:
The course will focus on the form and style, the delivery and content, and the structure of sermons. Participants will have opportunities to: a) explore the use of scripture in preaching; b) prepare sermons, and examine the use of resources; c) the use of illustrations. Teaching Ministry of the Church
This course examines the role of education in the context of congregations, with particular attention to theological basis, educational theory and methodology, and available resources. Participants will have opportunities to prepare educational programs and examine available curricular materials used in several churches. OTHER COURSES WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE FUTURE. | 
