The Mercer School of Theology is excited to announce the release of its Spring 2025 Course Catalogue for the School for Ministry. With a diverse array of online classes taught by esteemed instructors, the program is designed to prepare individuals for 21st-century ministry, whether they are laity or candidates for ordination.
Program Overview
The School for Ministry classes will be conducted online via Zoom, offering students the flexibility of remote learning while maintaining opportunities for meaningful interaction. Courses will meet one Saturday per month from February through June on the following dates: February 15, March 15, April 26, May 17, and June 21.
Class sizes are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
For more information or to register, visit the School for Ministry tab on the Mercer website or contact Canon Ted Gerbracht, Director of Academic Programs, at 516-248-4800, ext. 117, or via email at tgerbracht@dioceseli.org.
Spring 2025 Courses
NT1: Synoptic Gospels
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Instructor: Dr. Ian Kinman
The course introduces the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). The course looks to their structural similarities and to the meaning(s) of various synoptic pericopes with due regard to their geographical, socio-political, and religious contexts to expose and explain themes and issues in the Synoptics. Selected passages from each of the Synoptic Gospels are exegeted in detail.
CH2: Anglican Christianity
Time: 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Instructor: Canon Ted Gerbracht
A broad historical overview of Anglican Christianity. We will briefly look at early British religious history and then gradually widen our scope as the English Church followed British traders, entrepreneurs, adventurers, and missionaries around the globe, planting the seeds of what would become a loose Anglican Communion and a unique American Episcopal Church.
LT2: The Book of Common Prayer—Rubrics, Rites, and Resources
Time: 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Sean Wallace
The first of two courses on the structure, use and theology of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer and all attendant resources. This course will focus on the calendar, lectionary, Daily Offices, Baptism, Holy Week, and Holy Eucharist.
OT2: Prophets
Time: 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Instructor: Dr. Donn Morgan
This course introduces the prophetic books of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, Amos, et al.). Special attention is given to historical, literary, and theological issues pertinent to prophecy. Reading and exegeting scriptural texts for contemporary ministry are of central import.
TH2: Systematic Theology
Time: 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Joshua Samuel
The second of a two-course sequence offering a systematic study of Christian doctrines such as God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Trinity, Church etc. Participants will read and reflect on themes fundamental to the life and witness of the Church. Taking into consideration the realities of religious pluralism and racism in our society, the course will end with discussion on theologies of religious diversity and Black liberation theology.
AS3: Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Instructor: Right Rev. Dr. R. William Franklin
Given the call for greater unity among Christian denominations, we will review the history of the Ecumenical Movement in the Episcopal Church. We will start by looking at unity pioneers William Reed Huntington and Charles Henry Brent, and then we will evaluate some examples of ecumenical successes, including full communion with the Old Catholics, Evangelical Lutherans, and the Moravians. Then we will consider possibilities of full communion with some Methodists, Roman Catholics, and Presbyterians. The class will close with an investigation of the Interfaith strategies of the Episcopal Church.
NT3: Acts and Pauline Epistles
Time: 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Instructor: Dr. Ian Kinman
The course introduces the “Gospel according to Paul” and the Acts of the Apostles. It begins with an exposition of St. Paul as he speaks of himself in his letters and as he is spoken of in Acts within his Jewish and Hellenistic milieu. The focus of the course is an introduction to the thirteen letters of the corpus Paulinum. Selected passages from Paul’s letters and Acts are exegeted in detail.
Post-Pandemic Innovations
Since transitioning to online learning in 2020, Mercer’s School for Ministry has embraced the benefits of virtual classrooms. Students now enjoy reduced travel time and the ability to connect in Gallery mode for dynamic interactions. Looking ahead, the school plans to explore opportunities for in-person gatherings while continuing to offer the convenience of online classes.
Additional Opportunities
The School for Ministry also welcomes suggestions and feedback on its programs. Be on the lookout for the return of the popular “Lunch and Learn” series, offering engaging mid-day short courses.
For complete course details and registration links, visit the Mercer School of Theology website at www.mercerschool.org. Don’t miss this chance to grow in faith, knowledge, and service!