Disciples History & Polity II (IP 670/870)

Prerequesites

Successful completion of one Competency Exercise and 60% of 500 level IP work

Date

Tuesday, June 17th – Thursday, June 19th

Credit

2.0

Block

2

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Course Description

Small evangelical groups such as the Sandemanians and the Haldanes were creating lively conversations in Great Britain even as Thomas Campbell became the settled minister of Ahorey Church in Ireland in 1798. Likewise, reformers such as James O’Kelly were influencing preachers and congregations across the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia and New England at the same time Barton W. Stone became the regular supply preacher at the Cane Ridge and Concord congregations in Kentucky. This course will emphasize the theological and cultural landscape that inaugurated and informed the Stone-Campbell Movement throughout its 200-year history. In addition, because the theological and missiological beliefs of a historical movements have little meaning apart from their embodiment in human lives, students will be asked to explore the value that the Stone-Campbell Movement’s history holds for congregational life and mission today. The course will conclude with an examination and assessment of the current polity and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Professor

Lon Oliver

Coordinator of Mentored Ministry and Chaplain

Education

Master of Divinity, Lexington Theological Seminary

Doctor of Ministry, Lexington Theological Seminary

Graduate Certificate in Appalachian Studies, Appalachian State

Bio

Dr. Lon Oliver serves as the Executive Director of Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center (AMERC) and the Administrator of Disciples Appalachian Scholarship Ministry.  In addition, Lon serves on the Executive Committee of the Rural Network in the United States and Canada and is the Vice President of the Board of Human Economic Appalachian Development, a nonprofit microbusiness and leadership council.  He is the pastor of Nicholasville Christian Church in Nicholasville.

Lon’s special interests include  Appalachian faith and music, the Second Great Awakening in Kentucky and the retelling of history from the perspective of America’s multicultural society. Lon has his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Lexington Theological Seminary.  He is married to Maria Oliver.  Lon and Maria are the parents of their adult child, David.

Course Information

Course Goals & Learning Outcomes

Sectarian reading groups such as the Sandemanians were creating lively conversations in Scotland and England even as Thomas Campbell became the minister of Ahorey Presbyterian Church in Ireland (1798). Likewise, reformers such as James O’Kelly were influencing preachers in Virginia and New England at the same time Barton W. Stone became the regular supply preacher at the Cane Ridge and Concord congregations in Kentucky (1796). This course will emphasize the theological and cultural landscape that inaugurated and informed the Second Great Awakening and Stone-Campbell Movement. In addition, emphasis will be given to structure and polity of the movement from 1959 to the present.  Attention will be given to those who have faced injustice and marginalization in the Movement and the parachurch and organizations that are seeking justice, inclusion, and peace.  

Students will offer their own assessments of the Stone-Campbell Movement naming those beliefs and practices that have advanced the Gospel and those beliefs and practices that have been idolatrous.  Students will also become familiar with the General, Regional, parachurch, and Congregational manifestations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and explore and assess the polity and procedures associated with each.  Students are invited to bring questions regarding the polity and procedures of our movement from their ministry setting.  Students will also be given the opportunity to explore and critique past and current policies and procedures of the General and Regional. We will hold each other accountable to seek out, discern, and share the stories and witness of those individuals and movements that have been marginalized in history and in the contemporary church.

Required Textbooks
  1. Allen, Leonard and Carisse Mickey Berryhill eds. Answered by Fire: The Cane Ridge Revival Reconsidered. Abilene Christian University Press, 2021.
  2. Campbell, Thomas. Declaration and Address of the Christian Association of Washington.  Facsimile of the First Edition. Brown and Sample, at the Office of the Reporter, 1809.
  3. Cummins, D. Duane. A Handbook for Today’s Disciples (Fifth Edition). CBP, 2017.
  4. Jha, Sandhya. Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History. Chalice Press, 2009.

For those students who have not taken an introductory course on the history of the Christian Church our class will be enhanced by reading: Toulouse, Mark G., et al. Renewing Christian Unity: A Concise History of the Christian Church. Abilene Christian University Press, 2011 or Cartwright, Colbert S. People of the Chalice. Chalice Press, 1987.

NOTE: This course is designed to welcome students from various denominational and faith traditions. While we will focus on the history and polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), our time together will be enriched by a diversity of backgrounds.  Moreover, students are invited to consult with the instructor regarding adjusting assignments so that they reflect the student’s faith tradition.  Reading should be completed before the June 17-19 “intensive” portion of the class.  I suggest you read the texts in the following order: Duane Cummins, A Handbook for Today’s Disciples (5th Edition); Leonard Allen, Answered by Fire: The Cane Ridge Revival Reconsidered; Sandya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History; and Thomas Campbell, Declaration and Address.  I have been diligent to limit your assigned reading to 350 pages.  As a result, all your reading is critical to the course.

Is there pre-course work?

Yes. Before you arrive on campus for your time in class, you must complete the pre-class assignments consisting of reading, writing, and lectures. Additionally, there are required pre-intensives synchronous Zoom meetings. The written assignments must be submitted prior to our first class meeting so that we may discuss them.

What technology is required?
Students should bring with them their laptops, tablets, or device with which they use to access the course materials and complete assignments.
What will I need to bring to class?
Laptop, notebook, pens/pencils, jacket or blanket, water bottle, assistive devices, etc. Any assignments or other needed materials will be listed in the course syllabus via Canvas.
Should I bring snacks?
You are welcome to bring snacks or drinks. LTS is equipped with a water filter for refilling water bottles and will have coffee and tea available, as well as an assortment of snacks. If you have a food allergy or sensitivity, please reach out to the Dean’s Office prior to your arrival.
What do I do if I can't join physically?
LTS does offer hybrid intensives options at the discretion of the Dean and course professor. Please contact the Dean’s Office prior to registering for courses to make your hybrid course request.

Other Intensives Course Offerings

IB Block: IB 551 & IB 552
Sermon Preparation (LW 554)
Exegesis for the Church (IS 560)
Cross Cultural Perspectives on Death and Dying (LC 677/877)
LM Block: LM 561 & LM 562
Living Theology in Appalachia: The Works of Fr. Rausch (IB 677/877)
IF Block: IF 556 & IF 558

Questions about registering?

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