The Class
This seven-session course will be taught at various churches in the Sacramento region. Partnering with five churches in seven sessions allows people from all over the capital region to have this experience in their own backyard. Anyone can register for one, two, or all seven sessions!
Gospel-centered transformation is the aim of our ministry at Western Seminary. That's why we put professors like Dr. David Nystrom in the classroom with students who long to bring spirital renewal to churches and neighborhoods like yours. We hope you will join us this Summer for a unique opportunity to take a Western Seminary class at a location possibly closer to you.
Its design is twofold:
- A for-credit course to educate ministry, Bible, and Theology students as part of their ministry degrees. (geared primarily for students and auditors who want to follow along with the entire course).
- An opportunity for guests to sit-in on a seminary course to enhance their biblical knowledge and ministry skills.
Course Description
This course will seek to discern the ministry aims and methods of Jesus and Paul. What were their aims? How were these aims formed? By what means did they seek to accomplish them? The first portion of the course is devoted a study of the text of the NT with the aim of coming to understand how Jesus and Paul thought, first about the nature of how we are to "put on Christ," and then about theology and human society. The second portion of the course is devoted to the practical matter of how we ought to think about, live into and execute such an approach in our own lives and ministry.
Discipleship, observed the great Oxford NT scholar G.B. Caird, is about learning from Jesus, patterns of thought, patterns of heart, and thus patterns of action. He artfully captured Jesus' understanding of the need to be transformed, from thorn bushes to fig trees. And fig trees, after all, actually bear fruit! It is the aim of this course to think deeply about transformation, spiritual growth, ethical decision making and real-world ministry decisions in such a way that we can live more into the image and model of Jesus and his great follower the Apostle Paul.
The Schedule
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Making Decisions Like JesusMay 7, 2019, 5:30 - 9:30PM
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The Teaching and Ministry of JesusMay 14, 2019 - 5:30 - 9:30PM
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Capturing Central Themes of Jesus' TeachingMay 21, 2019, 5:30 - 9:30PM
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Christian Choices in This Complex CultureJune 1, 2019, 8:30AM-1:30PM
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Prioritizing Ministry Like PaulJune 4, 2019 - 5:30 - 9:30PM
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Strategic Planning and Execution Like PaulJune 11, 2019, 5:30 - 9:30PM
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Post-Postmodernity: Now How We Should LiveJune 15, 2019, 8:30AM-1:30PM
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Registration
There are two options for registration:
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Register for one or two sessions
If you like a location, topic, or have that day free, this is a great option. Cost: $15 for one session; $25 for two sessions.
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Audit the entire course
This is the perfect option if you want to attend three or more of the sessions. Don't worry, you don't have to do the homework! Cost: $240
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When you click the link below, you are registering as a "student" at Western and need to set up an account with us. It can be a bit confusing for some, so if you run into trouble, please call 916-488-3720 x312 or x307. We would love to walk you through the process. You will know you are registered once you receive an invitation to the Online Classroom (which will post on April 29). Step by step instructions are also available.
Course Syllabus
Download Thinking With Jesus and Paul Syllabus (geared primarily for students and auditors who want to follow along with the entire course).
About David Nystrom
David Nystrom is a faculty member at Western Seminary Sacramento Campus, located just north of Sacramento in Rocklin, CA. As a native son of Northern California, Dr. Nystrom is no stranger to the Sacramento community. He lives in Auburn with his wife and daughter, in proximity to relatives, friends, and a network of churches who have been touched by his influence.
His experience in real-world ministry is part of what makes Dr. Nystrom such a valuable asset to the Church. He spent his formative ministry years serving in youth and college pastor roles with local churches, during which time he was ordained by the Evangelical Covenant Church. His role within that denomination grew in scope and influence over the years, as an ex officio member of the Executive Council of the Covenant Denomination, a consultant on matters pertaining to Christian Education, church planting and spiritual formation, and as Theologian in Residence for the Pacific Southwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant church (preaching and teaching at local churches and mentoring their pastors).
Read more about Dr. Nystrom, hear him speak, and learn how to leverage him for your ministry.