FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (12/05)
Contact: Lynn Stewart or Kelsey Johnson, Centenary News Service, 318-841-7265

Center for Theological Studies at Centenary College Announces Spring Course Offerings

	Students from 10-day intensive class held in May 2005 through the Center for Theological Studies (file photo).

SHREVEPORT, LA — The Center for Theological Studies at Centenary College, an ecumenical theology institute serving the Northwest Louisiana region, will offer several graduate-level courses and continuing education opportunities this spring.

Graduate Studies
Two semester-long courses will be taught by professors from St. Paul School of Theology: “Introduction to Systematic Theology” and “Introduction to Worship: Baptism and Conversion.”

"Introduction to Systematic Theology" will meet on Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m. starting Feb. 7. This course is intended to be an orientation and exploration of the discipline of theology. "Introduction to Worship: Baptism and Conversion" will address the basic theology and purpose of worship, including the history of the Sunday service and an overview of the church year and sacraments. Classes will be held on Mondays from 1-4:50 p.m. starting Feb. 6.

The registration deadline for both courses is Tuesday, Jan. 10. For full course descriptions, visit St. Paul School of Theology's web site at www.spst.edu.

In May, a 10-day intensive course called “John Wesley and 19th Century Methodism” will be offered in conjunction with Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. This course will examine the foundational contribution of John Wesley to the history, doctrine and polity of Methodism. For exact meeting times and registration information, contact the Center's director, the Rev. Don Meeks, at 318-869-5024.

Continuing Education
Dr. Donald Webb, president emeritus of Centenary College and retired ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, will teach an eight-week class called “Thy Will Be Done,” examining different philosophers' interpretations of how historical events relate to God’s will. The class will begin meeting in late January or early February.

Starting Feb. 9, a semester-long study of the Psalms, called “Advanced Reading of the Hebrew Language,” will be led by local Jewish scholar Dr. Jana L. Benedetti. Classes will be held each Thursday from 11 a.m.-noon.

For those interested in New Testament epistles, biblical scholar Dr. Frank W. Hughes will teach a six-week study called “A Study of the Corinthian Letters,” which will commence sometime before Lent.

The Center for Theological Studies, founded in 2004, has been made possible through a grant by the Louisiana United Methodist Foundation and private donations. The Center provides continuing education opportunities for lay persons, clergy and other religious professionals and offers graduate theological coursework in partnership with Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill., or St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Kansas.

For more information, contact the Rev. Don Meeks, director, at 318-869-5024 or dmeeks@centenary.edu, or visit the Center's web site at www.theologicalcenter.org.

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