• Survey of the Old Testament (Tuesdays, 6:30 – 9:30 pm)
• Hermeneutics (Biblical Interpretation) (Wednesdays, 9 am – 12 noon)
• Genesis (Thursdays, 9am – 12 noon)

Classes begin on Tuesday, September 14th.  If you are interested in any (or all) of these classes, contact the Registrar [registrar(at)westernchristian.ca] to enroll.

BTW, there are plans to offer Survey of the New Testament as a distance learning class in the Winter 2011 semester (January – April 2011).  I will post further details when they are available.

They are providing regular updates at their LST Gambia 2010 blog and it appears that they are having a great time while sharing the story of Jesus with the residents of Bakau.

In that regard, the video below is Dr. Joel Hunter’s musings on the question as to why social justice has become such a hot topic among Christians. Hunter, Senior Pastor of Northland Church in Orlando, Florida, has been named by Grist Magazine as one of the top 15 religious environmental leaders in the world, along with the Pope and the Dali Lama.

Catalyst Voices – Dr. Joel Hunter, “Social Justice” from Catalyst on Vimeo.

I’ve encouraged my students to do the same.

Get it for your own desktop from the great collection of free wallpapers, themes, and icons at InterfaceLIFT.

BIB 143 A Survey of the New Testament
The New Testament documents were written to address concerns and challenges that the earliest Christians faced. Because the texts answered those questions so well, they have continued to serve as the basic point of reference for successive generations of Christians who faced the same or new challenges. A Survey of the New Testament considers how the texts continue to give Christians their identity, vision, mission, and hope. Time: Mondays 9am – Noon

BIB 303 New Testament Elective: The Gospel of Mark
Although it is the shortest Gospel, the Gospel of Mark has a unique point of view. It also has a powerful message: Mark calls the church to radical, self-sacrificing discipleship that conforms to the pattern of the suffering, self-giving Christ. This study covers the message of Mark from its meaning in its own time to the way modern readers can go about making the message their own. Time: Thursdays, 9am – Noon

TEO 143 Thinking Theologically
Theology is not an option. It is a vital, practical skill by which people can make sense of real life situations and fulfill their intellectual callings as Christians. Thinking Theologically will help you to explore your own theological roots and advance to a greater appreciation and wider application of your theological convictions. Time: Wednesdays, 9am – Noon

Other Winter 2010 Courses:
COM 113 Introduction to Communication
MIS 203 Introduction to Anthropology & Cross Cultural Communication
REL 103 Self Care in Ministry
REL 123 Beyond the Walls: Ministry Among the Marginalized
REL 133 Christian Ministry
TEO 253 Theology of Peace

Download and view Course Descriptions (PDF) and the Semester Timetable (PDF)

Bill is currently completing his Th.D. in pastoral theology at the Toronto School of Theology where he is focusing on pastoral self-care. His M.T.S. thesis at Conrad Grebel University-College was entitled “Beautiful are the Feet of Those Who Bring Good News” and Bill has also presented papers on “The Psychological effects of Ministry as experienced by Children of Clergy” and “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph: Pastors’ Perceptions of Well-functioning Families.”

Bill was born and raised in Edmonton but comes to Regina via Ontario. This prompted the following email from an Ontario friend: “So you guys hired another Ontario guy.  What’s the exodus going out West for?” You can read Bill’s reasons for coming West in a recent Messenger profile that I’ve attached to this post (see below).

I appreciate Bill’s energy, his dedication to excellence, and his sense of humour.  These will serve him well in a very demanding position. I look forward to a long and fruitful working relationship.

Welcome, Bill!

BIB 113 — A Survey of the OT

An introduction to the history, culture, literature, and theology of the Old Testament. In addition to understanding the Old Testament within its original setting, we will also give attention to how the message of the Old Testament engages us today. This is a Core Course.

Mondays, 9 am to Noon, beginning September 14th

TEO 213 — Hermeneutics

The Bible contains diverse kinds of literature. Hermeneutics is the skill of reading and understanding these different types of biblical literature in a responsible manner. This course of study will introduce principles and practices of good biblical interpretation and the skills that are necessary to interpret and apply the Bible.

Wednesdays, 9 am to Noon, beginning September 2nd.

BIB 273 OT Special Topics – Beginnings: A Study of Genesis

This study of the foundational book of the Bible focuses on its themes, structure, literary artistry, and message. Attention will also be given to ancient Near Eastern parallels, critical issues and methods, and the history of interpretation.

Thursdays, 9 am to Noon, beginning September 3rd.

For all the courses offered this fall, see Fall 2009 College Courses.pdf

If you want to enrol in a course, check out “Admission/Registration Procedures” in the College section of the website.

I first met Stan in the mid-80′s when we were both students at Preston Road School of Preaching in Dallas (R.I.P.). He was in the class that began six months after me. Returning to Canada in 1985, it was hard to stay in contact with even my own classmates, never mind those such as Stan who were from other classes

In 2003, Stan called me because he was considering moving to Regina, Saskatchewan from Chicago to teach at WCC. We had a chance to visit face-to-face about his plans a short time later at the Pepperdine University Lectureship.

Several years later we had an unplanned meeting when, unbeknown to each other, we were both at Rochester College’s Sermon Seminar (R.I.P.). There, Stan mentioned that WCC might need a Bible prof and asked if I was interested. (Full disclosure: Stan asked the same of several whom he met).

I wasn’t.

Ten months or so later, Darlene and I were planning a vacation that would take us to New Orleans for the wedding of her nephew. I emailed Stan to find out what we should see and do in NOLA and, out of courtesy more than curiosity, asked if he had found a Bible prof. He hadn’t and Stan asked if I was interested.

I was.

Over the course of the next few months application was made, interviews were conducted, and I signed on for the adventure.

One of the things that I have appreciated about Stan is his constant reminder that I am at WCC to teach. His reminder has kept me focused in the midst of a multitude of distractions characteristic of a small college. Yet, Stan has also demonstrated in word and deed the importance of keeping the focus on the student.

Stan, Pat, and Rachel are heading back to the New Orleans area where he will serve as senior minister at the Tammany Oaks Church of Christ.

Blessings my brother.

And thanks for the offer of a place to stay when we come down to visit!