This in-depth analysis of the connection between United Methodist polity and theology addresses ways in which historical developments have shaped–and continue to shape–the organization of the church. The book discusses continuing reforms of the church’s plan for baptism and church membership, as well as the emergence of deacon’s orders and other changes to ordained ministry procedures.

The text is  cross-referenced to the Book of Discipline including the revised order of disciplinary chapters and paragraph numbering. Denominational statistics are updated, along with references to recent works on The United Methodist Church and American religious life.

NOTE: This course is approved for a Recertified Lay Servant Credit or to become a Certified Lay Servant after completing the Basic Course. This study is also a credit toward the Lay Speaker track.

Instructor: CLS David Gross

Required Text: Polity, Practice, and the Mission of The United Methodist Church, ISBN 9780687335312

Cost: $85.00 online registration, $90.00 paper registration [ download the form (PDF) ]

Schedule: 

Friday: Check-in beginning at 6 p.m., course runs 7 to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Registration Deadline: October 28, 2016

Register Online