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![Page 1: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 2: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
![Page 3: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
3
the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
![Page 4: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
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free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
![Page 5: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
5
Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
![Page 6: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
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*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
![Page 7: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
7
Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org
![Page 8: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 9: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
![Page 10: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
3
the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
![Page 11: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
4
free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
![Page 12: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
5
Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
![Page 13: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
6
*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
![Page 14: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
7
Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org
![Page 15: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 16: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
![Page 17: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
3
the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
![Page 18: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
4
free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
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5
Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
![Page 20: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
6
*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
![Page 21: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
7
Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org
![Page 22: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 23: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
![Page 24: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
3
the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
![Page 25: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
4
free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
![Page 26: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
5
Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
![Page 27: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
6
*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
![Page 28: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
7
Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org
![Page 29: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 30: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
![Page 31: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
3
the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
![Page 32: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
4
free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
![Page 33: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
5
Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
![Page 34: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
6
*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
![Page 35: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
7
Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org
![Page 36: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 37: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
![Page 38: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
3
the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
![Page 39: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
4
free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
![Page 40: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
5
Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
![Page 41: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
6
*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
![Page 42: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
7
Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org
![Page 43: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 44: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
![Page 45: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
3
the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
![Page 46: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
4
free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
![Page 47: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
5
Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
![Page 48: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
6
*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
![Page 49: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
7
Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org
![Page 50: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 51: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/51.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
![Page 52: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/52.jpg)
3
the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
![Page 53: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/53.jpg)
4
free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
![Page 54: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/54.jpg)
5
Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
![Page 55: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/55.jpg)
6
*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
![Page 56: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/56.jpg)
7
Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org
![Page 57: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/57.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 58: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/58.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
![Page 59: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/59.jpg)
3
the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
![Page 60: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/60.jpg)
4
free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
![Page 61: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/61.jpg)
5
Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
![Page 62: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/62.jpg)
6
*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
![Page 63: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/63.jpg)
7
Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org
![Page 64: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/64.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 65: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/65.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
![Page 66: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/66.jpg)
3
the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
![Page 67: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/67.jpg)
4
free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
![Page 68: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/68.jpg)
5
Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
![Page 69: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/69.jpg)
6
*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
![Page 70: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/70.jpg)
7
Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org
![Page 71: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/71.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 72: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/72.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
![Page 73: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/73.jpg)
3
the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
![Page 74: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/74.jpg)
4
free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
![Page 75: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/75.jpg)
5
Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
![Page 76: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/76.jpg)
6
*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
![Page 77: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/77.jpg)
7
Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org
![Page 78: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/78.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 79: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/79.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
![Page 80: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/80.jpg)
3
the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
![Page 81: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/81.jpg)
4
free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
![Page 82: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/82.jpg)
5
Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
![Page 83: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/83.jpg)
6
*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
![Page 84: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/84.jpg)
7
Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org
![Page 85: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/85.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 86: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/86.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
![Page 87: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/87.jpg)
3
the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
![Page 88: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/88.jpg)
4
free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
![Page 89: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/89.jpg)
5
Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
![Page 90: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/90.jpg)
6
*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
![Page 91: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/91.jpg)
7
Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org
![Page 92: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/92.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 93: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/93.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
![Page 94: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/94.jpg)
3
the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
![Page 95: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/95.jpg)
4
free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
![Page 96: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/96.jpg)
5
Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
![Page 97: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/97.jpg)
6
*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
![Page 98: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/98.jpg)
7
Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org
![Page 99: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/99.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 100: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/100.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
![Page 101: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/101.jpg)
3
the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
![Page 102: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/102.jpg)
4
free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
![Page 103: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/103.jpg)
5
Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
![Page 104: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/104.jpg)
6
*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
![Page 105: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/105.jpg)
7
Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org
![Page 106: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/106.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 107: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/107.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
![Page 108: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/108.jpg)
3
the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
![Page 109: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/109.jpg)
4
free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
![Page 110: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/110.jpg)
5
Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
![Page 111: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/111.jpg)
6
*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
![Page 112: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/112.jpg)
7
Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org
![Page 113: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/113.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 114: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/114.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
![Page 115: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/115.jpg)
3
the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
![Page 116: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/116.jpg)
4
free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
![Page 117: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/117.jpg)
5
Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
![Page 118: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/118.jpg)
6
*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
![Page 119: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/119.jpg)
7
Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org
![Page 120: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/120.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 121: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/121.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
![Page 122: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/122.jpg)
3
the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
![Page 123: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/123.jpg)
4
free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
![Page 124: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/124.jpg)
5
Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
![Page 125: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/125.jpg)
6
*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
![Page 126: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/126.jpg)
7
Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org
![Page 127: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/127.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 128: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/128.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
![Page 129: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/129.jpg)
3
the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
![Page 130: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/130.jpg)
4
free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
![Page 131: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/131.jpg)
5
Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
![Page 132: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/132.jpg)
6
*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
![Page 133: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/133.jpg)
7
Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org
![Page 134: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/134.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 135: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/135.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
![Page 136: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/136.jpg)
3
the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
![Page 137: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/137.jpg)
4
free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
![Page 138: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/138.jpg)
5
Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
![Page 139: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/139.jpg)
6
*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
![Page 140: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/140.jpg)
7
Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org
![Page 141: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/141.jpg)
1
M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Christian Theological Seminary
Fall, 2011
Contact Information
Instructor: Scott D. Seay, M.Div., Ph.D.Office: Room 235Office Hours: Please speak with Joyce Krauser to schedule an appointment. Her office
is Room 216; her phone number is (317) 931-2350; and her e-mail [email protected].
Office Phone: (317) 931-2347E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description
This course explores the origins, growth, and present status of the Stone-Campbell Movementin North America, especially as it developed into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Some attention will be paid also to the global expressions of the Movement, not just asproducts of mission work, but also as fully autonomous and indigenized communities of faith.The course will focus especially on the most important principles as articulated by the foundinggenerations and re-interpreted by subsequent generations in different contexts: the essentialunity of the Church, the centrality of the Bible as the norm for faith and practice, therestoration of apostolic Christianity, and ecumenism. Finally, the course explores thecontemporary identity, ethos, and structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in itscongregational, regional, and general expressions in North America.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Objective Measure
Master some of the most important factsabout the history of the Disciples
Reading secondary sources; timeline quizzes;class lectures and discussions
Read and analyze some founding documentsof the Disciples in their historical contexts
Reading primary sources; class lectures anddiscussions
Understand how the central principles of theDisciples have been embodied in its polity Class lectures and discussions;
![Page 142: M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church ... · M-607A: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Theological Seminary Fall, 2011 Contact](https://reader033.vdocument.in/reader033/viewer/2022050103/5f425d122fb6c0093c053079/html5/thumbnails/142.jpg)
2
Understand the contemporary identity, ethos,and structure of the Disciples of Christ and itsrelevance for ministry and leadership
Class lectures and discussions;
Course Requirements
1. Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (20%): Your consistent preparation,attendance, and participation is critical to the success of this class. This means that I expectyou to:
Read the assigned materials carefully and completely prior to coming to class; Arrive on time for class and remain for the entire class session; Inform the instructor ahead of time if missing class is absolutely necessary; Remain attentive during all classroom activities; Listen closely and respond respectfully to both the instructor and fellow
students; Submit all work for the course on time as required by the due dates; and Contribute substantively and insightfully to class discussions.
You should expect this portion of your grade to be reduced significantly if you miss or areregularly late to class, appear not to have completed the readings, or fail to contribute tothe class discussion. Consistent with Seminary attendance policies, students who missthree or more class sessions – for whatever reason – will not receive credit for the course.
2. Historical Research Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a historical research paper(10-12 pp. in length) on some aspect of the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Inthis paper you will be asked to demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular issue inthe history of the Disciples, reflect critically on that issue from your perspective, and explainhow understanding this historical issue remains relevant for your identity as a member ofthe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The paper is due no later than December 12.
3. Personal Theology Paper (20%): You will be expected to write a paper (10-12 pp. in length)on your personal theology, paying particular attention to the nature and purpose of thechurch. Your paper should demonstrate an understanding of the historic commitments ofthe Disciples, and an awareness of how your personal theology is consistent with anddiverges from them. This paper should satisfy one of the writing requirements of theCommission on Ministry in your Region. The paper is due no later than December 12.
4. Timeline Quizzes (20%): You will be provided with a timeline of events important to thehistory of the Disciples. On the dates marked with an asterisk (*), a brief quiz will be givendrawing from the events on that timeline. You will select one of two or three events givenand will write a brief essay to identify the event and explain its significance for the history of
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the Disciples.
5. Final Conversation (20%): You will be expected to participate in a final conversation aboutthe course on December 12, during examination week. A detailed description of this classsession and suggestions on how to prepare will be provided well in advance. Generallyspeaking, this final conversation will be designed to assess the degree to which you havemastered the learning outcomes listed above. Please do not miss this class session; thisrequirement cannot be made up.
Please note that the deadlines for all work in this course are firm, and incompletes will begranted only under the most extraordinary circumstances.
If you have a certified learning disability or physical or emotional challenges, you are requiredto inform us within the first week of the course concerning any special accommodations thatyou require. All efforts, consistent with the overall learning objectives of the course will bemade to meet these learning needs.
Also, you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty inall of your work for this course. Accordingly, no plagiarism, fabrication, or cheating of any kindwill be tolerated. We will report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the Dean of theSeminary, who will follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the academic catalog. In caseswhere it has been proven that you have plagiarized, fabricated, or cheated in any way, you willfail this course.
An Important Note about Grades
You should know that I am stridently opposed to all forms of grade inflation. If you completethe basic requirements of the course satisfactorily, you can expect to receive an average finalgrade (C-range). If you fail to meet the basic requirements in some way, you can expect yourfinal grade to be lower than that (D-range). Because it is not an entitlement, an above averagegrade (B-range) must be earned by consistent effort and solid performance on all assigned workin the course. An exceptional grade (A-range) is just that: an exception to the rule. You will earnan exceptional grade only if you consistently perform above and beyond in all aspects of thecourse. We invite students who wish to earn above average or exceptional grades to consultwith us about strategies for doing so. This is the grading scale that we will use in this course:
A 94-100% B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A- 90-93% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66%
B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%F Below 60%
Freedom of Expression in the Classroom
In this course we will make every effort to cultivate a learning environment that encourages
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free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Your performance will be evaluated solely on anacademic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. Accordingly, youshould feel free to take reasoned exception to viewpoints and opinions offered by anyone in theclass, including our own.
When engaged in this free discussion, inquiry, and expression, however, all of us are expectedto adhere to commonly accepted standards of civility and respect. You should know that wewill not tolerate expressions that are insulting, embarrassing, or otherwise hostile to specificindividuals on account of their race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexualorientation, or gender identity. If such problems arise, we will deal with them in ways that areconsistent with Seminary policies on student discipline.
Required Textbooks
The following books are required reading in this course:
1. Duane Cummins, The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation (Chalice, 2009)2. Doug Foster, et al., The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eerdmans,
2004)3. Richard Hamm, 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Christian
Board of Publication, 2002)4. Richard Hamm, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post-Modern Age (Chalice,
2007)5. William Chris Hobgood, Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism
(Chalice, 2009)6. Sandhya Jha, Room at the Table: Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciples History
(Chalice, 2009)7. Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn, Disciples: Reclaiming of Identity, Reforming our
Practice (Chalice, 2009)8. The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (handout; if you prefer to have a
Spanish-language version, please ask for one)
Each of these books may be purchased in the Seminary bookstore, and copies have been placedon reserve in the Seminary library for the duration of the semester. Additional readings will beprovided in handout form.
Course Calendar
Date Readings Topics
Aug 29 Course Introduction The Historiography of the Stone-
Campbell Movement
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Sep 5 Labor Day—No Class
Origins and Founding Values (1801-1865)
Sep 12 Cummins, 1-37Design, Preamble and ¶ 1-13
Founding Values of the Movement The Congregation: The “Primary
Expression” of the Church
Sep 19
Cummins, 38-79Campbell, Declaration and Address(handout)Design, ¶ 14-36
The Tension Between Unity andRestoration
The Region: “Mutual Commitment”
*Sep 26Cummins, 80-123Jha, 5-15Design, ¶ 37-88
The Movement’s Earliest Diversities The General Assembly: “Representative
Body”
Growing Pains and Global Expansion through Missions (1865-1929)
Oct 3 Jha, 16-27Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 1-44
Varying Interpretations of the “Plea” “Modern” and “Post-Modern”
Institutions
Oct 10 Ames, The New Orthodoxy (handout) “Classical Liberalism” among the
Disciples Discussion of Primary Source
Oct 17 Hobgood, 1-115
The Movement’s Development amongAfrican Americans
Disciples and Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Efforts
*Oct 24 Hamm, Re-creating the Church, 45-126 The Movement’s Early Missiology Leading Congregations through
Adaptive Change
Toward a Mainline Denomination (1929-1968)
Oct 31 Cummins, 155-193Jha, pp. 43-65
Disciples in the Heyday of CulturalProtestantism
The Church Ecumenical
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*Nov 7 Cummins, 194-247Jha, 66-77
Restructuring the Church Contemporary Diversities and Issues of
Polity
Post-Modernity, Globalization, and Renewal (1968—Present)
Nov 14 Hamm, 2020 Vision, 1-135 The Disciples in a Post-Modern, Anti-
Institutional Age The Disciples 2020 Vision
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Nov 28
“General Principles and Policies of theDivision of Overseas Ministries”(handout)Cummins, 248-272Jha, 78-98
Disciples and the Missio Dei Case Study in Globalization: Disciples in
the Congo
*Dec 5 Kinnamon and Linn, 1-140
Challenges and Signs of Renewal AmongDisciples
Search and Call and the Order ofMinistry
Dec 12 Final Conversation
Online Resources
You may find the following online resources helpful as you complete your work in this course.Some of them contain primary sources and other readings related to the Stone-CampbellMovement historically speaking. Others are home pages of different organizations affiliatedwith the three major branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Restoration Movement Homepagehttp://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html
Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Resourceshttp://www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell/index.html
Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian Universityhttp://150.252.220/5/crs
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Disciples of Christ Historical Societyhttp://www.dishistsoc.org
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Homepagehttp://www.disciples.org
World Convention – Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christhttp://www.worldconvention.org
North American Christian Conventionhttp://www.nacctheconnectingplace.org
European Evangelistic Societyhttp://www.eesatlanta.org
Institute for the Study of Christian Originshttp://www.institut-urchristentum.org