Madison Learning Community is offering two seminary-level courses this fall: Introduction to the Old Testament and Making Space for God. Madison Learning Community is an initiative of the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary that launched in January to equip Madison-area pastors, church leaders, and others eager to deepen ministry skills. The learning community is representative of the church in Dane County, with currently registered students from 11 different churches and 9 denominations varying in age, race, and ministry experience.
Students who were part of the spring course have described their experience as “incredibly life-giving,” “energizing,” and “life-changing.” One student exclaimed “to have opportunities of this caliber, the classes, the professors, right here in the university town of Madison, it just makes sense to that the Madison Learning Community is an emerging opportunity for those who are looking to learn and grow through the study of scripture.”
Introduction to the Old Testament will be offered in a hybrid format with Tuesday night in-person gatherings beginning on September 12 in addition to online video lectures. This course will provide an introduction to the content, historical background, canon, and theological and critical issues of the Old Testament. It will be taught by Dr. Matthew Schlimm, a professor of Old Testament at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary (PhD, Hebrew Bible, MDiv, Duke University) and Jesse Pruett (PhD ABD, Hebrew Bible, UW- Madison; MA, Biblical Exegesis, Wheaton College; MA, Jewish Studies, Hebrew Union College).
Making Space for God will be offered primarily online with regular connection points. Beginning September 5, this semester-long online course supports development of Christian discipleship and strategies for self-care through daily, weekly, and seasonal practices. Students will earn about how the brain works in forming strong routines, with special attention to the challenges of technology. In addition to weekly spiritual practices and online discussion, Madison students are invited to weekly dinners and gather for half-day retreats in September and November The class will be taught by Rev. Dr. Susan Forshey, Associate Professor of Christian Discipleship at University of Dubuque Theological Seminary (Associate Pastor, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Dubuque; PhD, Theological Studies: Practical Theology/Spirituality, Boston University; MDiv, Saint John’s University School of Theology, Collegeville).
For those interested in either course, visit www.madisonseminary.org for registration, FAQ and details. You may also contact Lief Erickson for more information at lerickson@dbq.edu or 608/469-2261.
Lief Erickson
Catalyst for Theological Education
University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
608.469.2261 c