Seminary Course Revision

Each year pastors and professors collaborate to revise AMBS courses. Focused on equipping students for ministry, these teams integrate practical skills and experience with theory. Courses are strengthened through creative activities such as on-site study at congregations, guest lectures by pastors and pastor-faculty team teaching. Pastors can be involved at every step of the revision-from conceptual redesign to the nitty-gritty of lecturing and teaching.


To participate

Professors will identify pastors to assist them in revising specific courses. If you want to alert professors to a particular area of expertise or interest you could share, please provide a brief written description of your interests to the Church Leadership Center. Professors will contact pastors on an as-needed basis.


Steve and David

2008-2009 Course Revisions

In 2008-2009, three AMBS courses will be revised in order for pastors to have expanded input in teaching and learning at AMBS. These courses are:

  • From Daniel to Jesus: Early Judaism in the Second Temple Period
  • Human Development & Christian Formation
  • Christian Formation in the Congregation

Learn more about each of these course revisions below.


From Daniel to Jesus: Early Judaism in the Second Temple Period

Steven Schweitzer

The period mentioned in the title of this course, and the Dead Sea Scrolls in particular, offer illuminating evidence for interpreting the New Testament. The content of these various texts and associated events have direct bearing on providing a context for the life, ministry, and message of Jesus and also for the apostle Paul. However, many pastors are neither familiar with nor have they been exposed to this material that informs a more comprehensive reading and assessment of the New Testament.

Steven taught this course previously in the summer of 2007, and received a course revision grant for that incarnation. In that endeavor, he partnered with he pastor, David Hendricks, in addressing the issues of relevancy for pastoral ministry, especially in approaching this mostly extrabiblical material in light of teaching and preaching in the congregation. They had an excellent experience and the students responded strongly to this interaction. Steven and David compiled a list of suggested changes, new ideas, new assignments, and ways to improve the course as a result of that course revision. This time, they will implement those suggestions and test them to see how the course can be further improved.


Human Development & Christian Formation
Christian Formation in the Congregation

Marlene Kropf and Daniel Schipani

Marlene and David have developed a philosophy of Christian formation over the past twenty years, and have taught and otherwise communicated such a vision in many contexts. They have also incorporated their understandings of Christian formation in several seminary courses, especially in Human Development & Christian Formation, and Christian Formation in the Congregation. Together, Mary and Daniel will be using this course revision to further test and incorporate their philosophy more systematically into their teaching in order to enhance students' growth and achievement. Their work will include engaging with a carefully selected group of pastors of Christian formation for the two fold purpose of enhancing their teaching and clarifying their thought with an eye towards publishing a book on Christian formation.