Component 1: Orientation Studies
The
Covenant External Orientation Program offers seven Orientation Courses.
These Courses are designed to provide a common educational experience
focusing on the Covenant's heritage, distinctiveness, and mission.
Course
Costs
The cost of the orientation courses is covered by the CEOP tuition. The
cost of course readers, books and other class materials is not covered.
The program tuition does not cover the cost of transportation, lodging
and meals during the time of a given course. When a class is during the
Midwinter conference - not prior to or immediately following it - the
program tuition will cover the conference registration fee. The cost of
the Annual Meeting registration is not covered by your CEOP tuition.
Course
Scheduling and Frequency
The Orientation program is designed for completion in three years. Most
orientation courses will be offered once a year, but some classes may
be offered as many three times yearly. Courses are normally offered before,
during, or immediately following the Midwinter Conference and prior to
the Annual Meeting. Courses may also be held at NPTS during the January
term.
Courses
of Study Summary
Courses of Study Summarys Students
must enroll in either "The History and Theology of the Evangelical Covenant
Church" or "The Theological Distinctives of the Evangelical Covenant Church"
during the first year of Orientation Studies. The other course should
be taken in the second year. Students will benefit in other classes from
understanding the unique Covenant Church historical and theological context.
The History and Theology
of the Evangelical Covenant Church: (3 credits)
answers the question: Where did the Covenant Church come from and how
did we get to where we are today? This course is designed to help the
student understand and interpret the evangelical and pietistic tradition
within which the Covenant Church stands. Attention is given to the Reformation
and to expressions of pietism and its historical and theological development
in Sweden and North America in the 19th and 20th centuries, the history
of ethnic diversity in the Covenant and the history of our hymnody.
The Theological Distinctives
of the Evangelical Covenant Church: (2 credits)
answers the question: What does the Covenant Church believe and how do
we do theology?" This course is designed to look at the key distinctives
of Covenant Church theology. Attention will also be given to topics such
as Women in Ministry, the Atonement, and Sacraments.
The Mission and Ministry
of the Evangelical Covenant Church: (2 credits)
answers the question: How does the Covenant Church both minister to and
minister on behalf of its congregation? This course explores the Covenant
Church's ministry initiatives and institutions, both at home and internationally.
It also explores what resources are available to strengthen and assist
the ministry of the local church, with specific emphasis on matters relating
to worship resources and modeling.
Note: "Mission and
Ministry Overview", The first day and a half of "The Mission and Ministry
of the Evangelical Covenant Church", will serve to fill in gaps for people
who did not take the previous class, "Seeking a Covenant Identity in Worship",
but did take "Covenant Mission", so don't need the entire "Mission and
Ministry of the ECC" class.
The Polity of the Evangelical
Covenant Church: (1 credit)
answers the question: How does the Covenant Church organize and govern
itself?" This course is designed to introduce new pastoral leaders to
the uniqueness and commonality with which the Covenant denomination "does
church" in terms of leading, decision-making, communication, and the like.,
with an emphasis on the conference level of organization.
The Character of the Evangelical
Covenant Church: (1 credit)
answers the question: What distinctive characteristics are there to the
Covenant Church? This course examines topics that are treated in a characteristically
Covenant manner, with case studies in baptism, ethnic commitments and
simultaneous commitment to evangelism and compassion.
The Ordered Ministry of
the Evangelical Covenant Church: (1 credit)
answers the question: What are the ethical and professional expectations
of those who serve vocationally in the Covenant Church?" This course is
designed to explore the meaning of credentialed and endorsed ministry
in the Covenant Church and the responsibilities and competencies of those
called to these positions. Areas of inquiry will include: licensing, commissioning,
ordination, ethical guidelines, formal care and discipline, collegiality,
ministerial health and boundaries.
The Wrap-up: Orienting
Others to the Evangelical Covenant Church: (non-credit)
answers the question: How can I now orient others to the Covenant Church?"
This course is the last class taken in the orientation process. It is
designed to help students discover and utilize resources and methods in
order to competently and confidently communicate the identity and mission
of the Covenant Church to others. It also serves as the venue to recognize
the completion of course attendance in the orientation process.
Please contact the Covenant
External Orientation Program at 1-888-COV-PROG or CEOP@covchurch.org
for the most recent information.
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