This course exploring the history, heritage, beliefs, mission and culture of the United Methodist Church is for anyone – newcomer or longtime member – who wants to know what’s distinctive about being a United Methodist Christian. Learners will explore the special gifts of theology and witness that the Wesleyan tradition brings to the Church universal, how the United Methodist denomination arrived where it is today and how these distinctive emphases are still needed in the 21st century church.
This class is one of the core Lay Servant Ministries classes, but everyone is welcome. Participants must obtain the book Living Our Beliefs: The United Methodist Way by Bishop Kenneth Carder (it is not included in the course fee). Other materials will be downloaded.
Learners should be prepared to read assignments and post their written reflections on the discussion boards daily, but there is no set time to be online. This is an intense course. Learners are strongly urged to get the book and read it before the course starts, to make it more relaxed and fun. This course session will be led by instructor, Rev. Nan Nelson.
This class has been approved by Discipleship Ministries as an advanced course in Lay Servant Ministries. It is the “heritage” class required for Lay Speaker certification.
This course is eligible for 1.0 CEU.
Quick Info:
Number of weeks: 3
Price: $85
CEUs: 1.0
Required books: Yes
Blackboard: Yes
Zoom: No
Certification or Series: Yes (Lay Servant Ministries)
Read course description for details.
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Price: $85
Past Learners Said…
“Being part of this class has been a great revelation to me. I’ve been a member of the Methodist church for 12 years, not because I knew a lot about Methodist doctrine, but because I felt at home among people who love God and seem to be doing His work every day. Imagine my delight when throughout this two-week class, I came to realize that I’m not just a member of my neighborhood church but am truly a Methodist in my heart and in my beliefs.”
“This class asked deeper more thoughtful questions than I think I’ve ever had to consider in any class which really required us to prayerfully consider any number of aspects before we answered. This is by far one of the best, most thoughtful courses I’ve ever taken regardless of venue.”
“This class was excellent. The ability to access the assignments and respond at any time – day or night – fit my lifestyle perfectly and allowed for deeper reading and thoughts. … I have learned a lot about the denomination and more about my own church’s beginnings and where we are going. My church is at a point where we have huge decisions to make and the ability to share our discipline and focus may make all the difference in missions and service to a changing population.”
“I can’t express how much I have enjoyed this class. I am not someone who does a lot of computer work, but I found the homework and discussion with my fellow classmates to be wonderful. The subject matter was covered in a way that made a difficult subject easier to understand.”
“The class allowed me to gain a greater appreciation for the views across the Methodist spectrum of progressives and tradionalists that remain as the Denomonation is going through mitosis of the Global Methodist Movement. It also reminded me that we have a lot of work to do in the area of Doing Good and to be the Heart, Hands and Legs of God to those in our communities.”
“The diversity of perspectives from people of different backgrounds, church sizes and conferences makes for an awesome learning environment. It’s an intense class; not for the faint of heart, but definitely worth it and one of the best learning experiences I’ve had in a long time.”
“The class was very good. The material stretched my views and understanding of religion and Methodism. … Kudos on providing opportunities for us to grapple with contemporary issues in ways that were constructive.”
“I found it helpful to write my responses to the discussions before I read what anyone else wrote, in this way I found that I was true to my own answer on the topic and not influenced by others. Again, I thought this was a huge advantage over a live class where I might not have had the chance to voice my thoughts either due to time or due to the personalities or opinions of others in the class.”
Meet the Instructors
Andrew Finch
Rev. Andrew Finch is an ordained elder in the Great Plains Conference and has served in the local church for over 12 years. Situated in Urban Ministry, Pastor Finch has seen the long-lasting effects of racial trauma that social institutions have plagued and sadly religious institutions. Determined to make a difference in how majority and minority individuals interact on a social and religious level, Rev. Finch has created courses and programs on shaping racial reconciliation opportunities within the church.
Jerra Jenrette
With a Ph.D. in history and an M.A. in religious studies, Jerra Jenrette has taught a wide range of courses during her 34-year academic career. These have included History of Christianity (at both the undergraduate and graduate levels), US and European Women’s history, Salem Witch Trials, and various domestic and study abroad trips. During her work for her religious studies degree, she took multiple courses that focused on Hebrew Bible and Judaisms. She has taught causes for her church on “Herstory: Women in the Bible” and “Herstory II: Bad Women of the Bible.” In addition, courses completed through her local Lay Ministry School and beadisciple.com have allowed Jerra to earn her Lay Servant, Lay Speaker, and Lay Minister (CLM) certifications. Jerra is an avid reader of theology and history and has a deep interest in examining Scripture through multiple lenses.
Nan Nelson
Nan Nelson is a retired elder in full connection with the United Methodist Church. Nan has experienced teaching and preaching about living our United Methodist beliefs through serving: as a mentor of clergy and of candidates for ministry, as a circuit elder, and as a member of the District Committee on Ordained Ministry. She was district director of Lay Servant Ministry (LSM) and taught LSM courses in her district before joining BeADisciple. Nan also taught effective communication for more than a decade at the college level.
Nan has a heart for ministry of the laity and continues to support LSM in her Conference. She understands the connection not only between churches, but also the connections between pastor and congregation and the special connections churches have with their communities. She believes that churches in concert with caring communities spread God’s love and grace.
