The Arizona Center for Theological Studies is committed to providing education and faith formation resources for individuals, small church communities and larger congregations/parishes. Our guiding principles are:
1. An understanding of the diversity of the Christian tradition regarding the study and application of scripture, theology and spirituality in the life of the Church
2. An understanding that there is a dynamic and positive relationship between culture, faith and the prophetic character of the Christian tradition
3. An understanding of the need for critical thinking, analysis and constructive correlation between faith and practice for the individual, the local ecclesial community and the larger Church community
4. An understanding that as the Church lives out its faith in the world it must continuously challenge itself to authentically and realistically engage in dialogue with all peoples and religious traditions in the world.
We can accomplish this by establishing a program of education forums, classes, and workshops, accredited study programs, formational retreats, worship, and justice outreach.
The titles below are a sample of courses and programs the Arizona Center of Theological Studies can offer. We are also willing to custom design a course or program for your local congregation. To discuss possible classes at your parish, church or faith community, please call Fr. Vernon Meyer or Jill at 602-944-1704
SCRIPTURE/BIBLE
• Introduction to the Hebrew Scripture/Old Testament
• Introduction to the Christian Scripture/New Testament
• The Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy)
• Introduction to the Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel)
• The Wisdom Literature (Psalms, Proverbs)
• The Gospel of Mark
• The Gospel of Matthew
• The Gospel of Luke
• The Gospel of John
• Acts of the Apostles
• Introduction to the Letters of Paul (Corinthians, Romans)
• The Book of Revelation
• What the Bible Really Says About…? (Critical Issues)
• The Search for the Historical Jesus
• Exodus and the Passover Paradigm: Being a Community of Liberation and Faith
THEOLOGY
• Ecumenical Methods of Theology
• Towards of Theology of Ministry
• Christology: Understanding Jesus through the Ages
• Creeds and Councils: The Formation of Early Christianity
• Theology in Dialogue: Understanding the Reformation and the Post Reformation Church
• Catholic Moral Responsibility
• The Pastoral Letters of the U.S. Catholic Bishops
• Vatican II and the Renewal of the Church
• Basic Teachings of the Church
• Catholic Studies
• Lutheran Studies
• Methodist Studies
• Presbyterian Studies
• Anglican/Episcopalian Studies
• Reformed Studies
• African American Religious Studies
• Hispanic Religious Studies
• Asian Religious Studies
• Islamic Religious Studies
• Judaism Studies
• Native American Religious Studies
PARISH/CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRY
• Church Ministry and Leadership Development
• Volunteers: How to Find Them and How to Keep Them
• Vision and Mission: Developing a Pastoral Plan for Your Community
• Creating a Consensus Model of Decision-Making and Maintaining a Church Ministry Team
• The Challenge and Spirituality of Stewardship
• Communication Training for Church Staff
SPIRITUALITY
• Scripture and Spiritual Growth
• Retreat Experience
• Retreat team Development
• Spiritual Direction
• Spiritual Growth for Church Staff
LITURGY
• Christian Initiation: The Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults
• Belief and Worship: The Way We Pray is the Way We Believe: Understanding the Relationship Between Lex Orandi and Lex Credendi
• What do Liturgy and Justice have to do with Each Other?
• Liturgy in the First 1000 years of the Church
• Reforming the Liturgy: 16th Century Reformers and Their Counterparts in the 20th Century
(Luther, Wesley, Trent, The Book of Common Prayer, Liturgical Renewal Movement, Vatican II)
• Celebrating the Mysteries of Life, Death and Resurrection: The Cycles of Liturgy
JUSTICE/PEACE STUDIES
• The Dignity of Human Life
• Human Rights and Responsibilities
• Peace
• Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
• Solidarity with All God’s People
• Care for God’s Creation
• If You Want Peace, Work for Justice: The Bible and Social Justice
