SECTION 1.1: Introduction/Christian Orthodoxy/ Task of Theology – Monday September 27; 7-9:30p
SECTION 1.2:Authority of Scripture – Monday October 25; 7-9:30p
SECTION 1.3: Trinity & End Times – Monday November 29; 7-9:30p
SECTION 1.4: Jesus & Salvation – Monday December 13; 7-9:30p

If you need to miss two or more of the Section Gatherings for this trimester I strongly suggest you spend ample time in discussion with other members of the Incubator on these subjects or just go through it next time it is offered. So much of the value for you AND us in this process is the iron sharpening iron that occurs during discussion.

SECTION 1.1 // Introduction //

1. For personal study read and thoroughly consider the following:

Nicene & Apostles’ Creeds

Lausanne Covenant

task of theology – karl barth

Familiarize yourself with Disciples Church beliefs page http://www.discipleschurch.net/?cat=31

2. Reflection Paper // to be sent no later than Friday Sept. 24

In your reflection paper (200-500 words) please discuss  Nicene, Apostles’ and Lausanne Covenants. How do you see the heart and content of these three documents inside our own Doctrinal Statements for Disciples Church. Paper is to be emailed to each person for further reading and reflection from one another. Email your thoughts  directly to pastorincubator@googlegroups.com this should direct everything we send to each person in the group automatically. If you are not yet part of this Google Group you will need to email Stu@discipleschurch.net first to request admission to the google group…no big pomp and circumstance, I just need to add your email address to the list.

3. Come prepared to discuss the following //

–What similarities are present in each
–What points do you hear most often in the Disciples Church culture?
–Which of these seem to be of lesser value in the Disciples Church culture?
–How would you describe your own regular involvement with theology.
–What are thelogian’s blindspots in theology? Pastors? Professors? congregations?
–Describe your own theological blind spots or areas of least familiarity.

SECTION 1.2 // AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE //

1. For personal study read and thoroughly consider the following:

HOW_CAN_THE_BIBLE_BE_AUTHORITATIVE by N T Wright.

Beyond Foundationalism ch3 Scripture sm (Chapter 3 of Beyond Foundationalism: Shaping Theology in a Postmodern Context, Stanley J. Grenz & Juhn R. Franke)

Take the time to re-read all the scripture references for both documents.

2. Reflection Paper // to be sent no later than Friday Oct 22

In your reflection paper (200-500 words) please discuss  the difference in your own life between what you know & believe to be the Scripture’s authority in your life and it’s practical authority. –meaning where are the gaps for you between what you think/believe and what you actually do. Also discuss how the can/does/will affect your own leadership. Paper is to be emailed to each person for further reading and reflection from one another. Email your thoughts  directly to pastorincubator@googlegroups.com

3. Come prepared to discuss the following:

–Bring a verse or two that have stumped you or others and causing questions about authority of Scripture.
–breakdown in authority of scripture due to denominations, translations and time.

SECTION 1.3 // TRINITY & END TIMES

1. For Personal Study and reflection //

Beyond Foundationalism – Grenz ch 6, trinity part1of3 , Beyond Foundationalism – Grenz ch 6, trinity part 2of3 , Beyond Foundationalism – Grenz ch 6, trinity part 3of3
4. Daniel, Matthew 24 & Revelation

Additional Suggested reading (Not required): How to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit, A.W. Tozer

2. Reflection Paper // to be sent no later than Friday Nov. 26

In your reflection paper (200-500 words) please discuss  Nicene, Apostles’ and Lausanne Covenants. How do you see the heart and content of these three documents inside our own Doctrinal Statements for Disciples Church. Paper is to be emailed to each person for further reading and reflection from one another. Email your thoughts  directly to pastorincubator@googlegroups.com

3. Be prepared to discuss the following //

–Your perspective on the importance and beauty of the Trinity
–Your perspectives on the risks of weak Trinitarian Theology

SECTION 1.4 // JESUS & SALVATION

1. For personal study read and thoroughly consider the following:

–All four gospels in your regular version, and a different version than you normally use.
–Essay #1 in supremacy of Christ in a postmodern world -David Wells . To read the entire collection of essays (not required reading for the Incubator)  in this book take advantage of the free download of the entire book.

2. Reflection Paper // to be sent no later than Friday Dec. 3

In your reflection paper (200-500 words) please discuss  any key takaways from the reading. What struck the most? What did you agree or disagree with and why?  Paper is to be emailed to each person for further reading and reflection from one another. Email your thoughts  directly to pastorincubator@googlegroups.com

3. Be prepared to discuss the following //

–If/How/Why a clear view of Christ as the Head of The Church shapes your practical leadership
–The strategies you see Jesus suggesting for evangelism, discipleship and conflict
–What one must do to be saved & what is the responsibility of The Church in this process