Core Theological Curriculum
All three tracks, priests, deacons and lay, follow the curriculum noted below, except that students in the Lay Preacher Track will take Dogmatic Theology in their third semester. Click below to see a list of topics covered in each year.
Year One
First Semester – Old Testament Criticism, Sources, History of Ancient Near East Pentateuch Historical Books Prophetic Books & Ministry The Writings |
Second Semester – New Testament Historical Context/Mark Matthew; Luke Paul & Acts The Gospel of John Revelation, Ephesians, Hebrews |
Year Two
First Semester - Ancient & Medieval History The Early Church The Imperial Church The Medieval Church Pre-Reformation Christianity in England Continental Reformation |
Second Semester – Anglican Studies English Reformation The 18th&19thCentury English Church Christianity in the Modern World The American Episcopal Church Intro to Theology & Ethics |
Year Three
First Semester – Dogmatic Theology Doctrine of God & the Trinity Christology Human Nature & Sin Church & Sacrament Ethics |
Second Semester – Ethics & Moral Theology Narrative & Choices Living Eschatologically Charity & Prudence The Other Cardinal Virtues Contemporary Society |
Practical Curriculum
The Iona School core curriculum is supplemented with specific classes pertaining to matters unique to those serving as priest, deacons, and lay ministers. Students in all three tracks attend most classes together. Fields of study include Theory and Practice of Ministry, Spirituality, and Liturgy. Courses designed for a particular track are noted with P (priests) D (deacons) or an L (lay).
Year One
Addiction & Recovery Clergy Vesture Cultural Competency Disciplinary Canons Empowered Laity Familiarity with the BCP History & Theology of BCP Holy Currencies Holy Eucharist & Prayers of the People Homiletics Images of God |
Intro to the Daily Office Intro to the Holy Eucharist Ministry of Worship Leader (L) Missional Ministry Overview of Lay Track & Lay Ministries (L) Parish Polity Planning Creative Liturgies (L) Rule of Life Spiritual Autobiographies The Church and Race in Texas |
Year Two
Burials Christian Formation Christian Initiation Church Year Diakonia (D) Fieldwork Review Healthy and Unhealthy Conflict Healthy Small Congregations (P) History & Theology of the Diaconate (D) Hospital Visits Leading as Steward |
Leading Change Liturgical Planning (P) Liturgical Theology Music for Little Churches (P) Parish Administration (P) Prophetic Voice of the Deacon (D) Responding to Conflict Sacrament of Reconciliation Sacramentality and Justice (D) Servant in the Liturgy Weddings |
Year Three
Church: Established or Intentional? Conflict: Resolution & Reconciliation Congregational Seasons & Cycles Grief & Loss Pastoral Leadership: A Trinitarian Approach Pastoral Relationship with the Congregation |
Post Christendom World Practicums Restorative Justice Sacramentality & Justice Servant Leadership Self Care |
Cultural Competency
This three-part course is designed to help students gain a deeper understanding of their personal and society’s perspective of and feelings toward cultures different from our own. Students will be challenged to discover ways to improve their communication skills when interacting with people from different cultures. This series satisfies the national church’s requirement for training in anti-racism.
Worship & Prayer
Worship and prayer are an integral part of student life at the Iona School. Students officiate and preach at Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer. Compline is offered both evenings of the school session. Eucharist is celebrated Sunday morning with students for the priesthood responsible for planning the Sunday Eucharist, designing parts, creating and printing an order of service, arranging for the music, and presenting a homily.
