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 Intro to the New Testament; Gospel of Mark Gospels of Matthew and Luke; Acts of the Apostles The Gospel of John Paul and 'Deutero-Paul' The Canon, Concluding Letters, Revelation |
Year Two
First Semester - Ancient & Medieval History The Early Church The Imperial Church The Medieval Church Continental Reformation |
Second Semester – Anglican Studies English Reformation The 18th & 19th Century English Church Christianity in the Modern World The American Episcopal Church Overview of Theology, Ethics and Apologetics |
Year Three
First Semester – Dogmatic Theology Doctrines of God & Christ Nature and the Basis of Salvation Trinity, Human Nature and Sin Church & Sacrament Theology on the Outside |
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 Ministries Clergy Vesture Cultural Competency Disciplinary Canons Familiarity with the BCP History & Theology of BCP Holy Eucharist & Prayers of the People Homiletics Listening as a Spiritual Discipline Intro to Liturgical Theology Role of Worship Leader (L) |
Intro to Lay Ministry and the Baptismal Covenant (L) Intro to Pastoral Care Intro to Poverty Intro to the Daily Office Intro to the Holy Eucharist Ministry of Worship Leader (L) Missional Ministry Parish Polity Rule of Life Spiritual Autobiographies The Church and Race in Texas |
Year Two
Burials Christian Formation Christian Initiation Diakonia (D) Fieldwork Review and Spiritual Check-In Healthy and Unhealthy Conflict Healthy Small Congregations (P) History & Theology of the Diaconate (D) Hospital Visits Leading as Steward Restorative Justice Hispanic Ministries |
Leading Change Liturgical Planning (P) Parish Administration (P) Responding to Conflict Rite of Reconciliation Weddings Preaching Lap (L) Refugee and Immigration Ministries Anglican Spirituality Essentials and Scope (L) Homiletics End of Life Engaging the Laos in Shared Ministry |
Year Three
Preaching as a Lay Person (L) Fieldwork Review and Spiritual Check-In Pastoral Theology Preaching Lab Weddings Liturgies of the Church Year Role of the Lay Catechist (L) Theological Reflection Speaking of Vision Music for Small Churches |
Healing Ministries Restorative Justice Homiletics Practicums Leading Small Groups (L) Refugee and Immigration Ministries Hispanic Ministries Spirituality of the Ordained Rite of Christian Initiation Anglican Spirituality Essentials and Scope |
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.
