The Lay Academy of Theology offers non-credit evening classes and other study opportunities led by Beeson faculty for interested laity as well as ministers desiring continuing education.
Evening Courses
The Preacher and the Poet: John and Charles Wesley on the Christian Life
Join Dr. Mike Pasquarello, Beeson Professor of Methodist Divinity, for a topic that is on the minds of many folks in the Wesleyan tradition these days. What do Methodists believe and how do they live what they believe? Dr. Pasquarello will address these pressing questions with a class on John and Charles Wesley, the brothers God used to begin the Methodist movement in 18th century England. He will focus on John's sermons and Charles' hymns which, taken together, present a beautiful picture of being Christian in the Wesleyan way.
Michael Pasquarello, III (BA, The Masters College; MDiv, Duke Divinity School; MA, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; PhD, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is Beeson’s Methodist Chair of Divinity and Director of the Robert Smith, Jr. Preaching Institute and teaches in the school’s Masters and Doctor of Ministry degree programs. Dr. Pasquarello teaches in the areas of biblical preaching and Wesleyan theology.
Schedule
Six Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. beginning on Feb. 28, 2024.
Cost
$89 if attending on campus; $69 if participating virtually. Discounted rates expire on Feb. 21 - $115/$95 thereafter
The Letter to the Hebrews
Have you ever wondered what precisely are the blessings of Jesus' once-for-all sacrifice on the cross? Does it really eliminate our sins? A simple question might point to our struggle with the claim that all our sins are effectively addressed on the cross: Do we continue to sin even after our conversion? Dr. Sydney Park will be explaining how this New Testament letter uniquely portrays Jesus as our High Priest, who addresses the human dilemma of sin, especially in light of all previous ineffective methods of atonement. Come and find the eternal blessings of salvation in Jesus Christ, which provide power and strength not only against our sin nature, but for our lives in the presence of a Holy God.
Sydney Park (BA, University of Chicago; MDiv, Fuller Theological Seminary; ThM, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; PhD, University of Aberdeen) joined the Beeson Divinity School faculty in 2006 and teaches Biblical Interpretation, New Testament Theology and Greek.
Schedule
Six Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. beginning on Feb. 29, 2024.
Cost
$89 if attending on campus; $69 if participating virtually. Discounted rates expire on Feb. 22 - $115/$95 thereafter
Weekday Seminars
Interpreting Key Biblical Texts
This course, under the leadership of Dr. Gerald Bray, will look in depth at key Biblical texts and examine how they have been interpreted in the past, how they are usually read now and what principles ought to guide us in our understanding of them. Some of the areas to be studied include Genesis 1-3, Song of Solomon, the Synoptic Gospels, Romans 5-8 and Revelation. This will be a rich class and one that you will certainly want to join!
Gerald Bray (BA, McGill University; MLitt, DLitt, University de Paris – Sorbonne) is Director of Research with The Latimer Trust in London. He also serves as Research Professor at Beeson Divinity School and teaches in the areas of Church History, Historical Theology and Latin.
Schedule
Six Tuesdays from 2-4 p.m. beginning on Jan. 23, 2024.
Cost
$89 if attending on campus; $69 if participating virtually. Discounted rates expire on Jan. 16 - $115/$95 thereafter
A Pastoral Approach to the Book of Revelation in Six Lessons
The apostle John's gospel purpose for writing the Book of Revelation was not to stimulate curiosity, but to strengthen the church against cultural assimilation and spiritual idolatry. He wanted to deepen spirituality, not heighten speculation about the end times. His objective was not more information about the religious life, but critical holistic engagement in the Kingdom of God. He wrote not to explain a futuristic epic but to inspire daily Christ-centered obedience. The Revelation is a manifesto on living faithfully to the end. John, the apostle, was a pastor and poet with a prophetic focus on living the Christian life, not predicting the future. Dr. Doug Webster returns to lead this study seeking to discern the truth and wisdom of God’s Word canonical crescendo.
Schedule
Six Wednesdays from 3-5 p.m., beginning on Feb. 28, 2024
Cost
$89 if attending on campus; $69 if participating virtuallly. Discounted rates expire on Feb. 21; $115/$95 thereafter
Registration Options
There are three ways to register:
- Register Online (with Visa, Master Card, or Discover)
- Register by Mail (with credit card or check)
- Call (205) 726-2338 or (800) 888-8266 ext. 2338