April 2021 Course Descriptions
Christian History Survey (D)
Christian History is an overview of the 2000 years of the faith. Topics include Jesus and early Christianity, transition from Jewish sect to separate religion, encounters with the pagan Greco-Roman world, the end of persecution, status as a state church, definitions of belief about Jesus Christ and the Trinity, expansion into Northern Europe, the Reformation and Catholic-Protestant struggles, expansion of Christianity around the world, faith wrestling with the Enlightenment, what “Christendom” was and how it is disappearing, and the meaning of modernity. We will pay attention to Christians’ engagement with the world and service to the world.
Required Texts  
  • Mullin, Robert Bruce. A Short World History of Christianity. Revised Edition. Louisville: Westminister John Knox Press, 2014.
Your Instructor 
  • The Rev. Canon Dr. George Wiley taught religion at Baker University for 35 years and has been serving the Diocese of Kansas as canon pastor since 2014. He holds a Ph.D. in historical theology from Emory University. As a teacher, he is known for engaging with students and creating an inviting classroom atmosphere

Preaching I
This course is designed as an introductory view to the world of preaching and as an “on-ramp” to designing and delivering sermons rich in content that articulate the lived and scriptural experience of the word of God.  Objectives are to:
  • Explore constitutive elements of preaching and types of sermons.
  • Establish a trustworthy hermeneutical and exegetical process for sermon design.
  • Elicit your own homiletical voice and style.
  • Prepare and preach a sermon on an assigned text.
  • Practice giving and receiving feedback on sermons from a generous community.
Required Texts
  • Cressman, Lisa Kraske. Backstory Preaching: Integrating Life, Spirituality, and Craft. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2018,
  • Taylor, Barbara Brown. The Preaching Life. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc., 1993.
Your Instructor
  • The Very Rev. Torey Lightcap is Dean of Grace Cathedral in Topeka, Kansas. Prior this recent appointment he served as Canon to the Ordinary for the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas for five years. He is an alumnus of the Seminary of the Southwest (M.Div, ’04), Oklahoma State University (M.S., ’96), and Oklahoma Baptist University (B.A., 1994).

Tasks of Theology
Most Christians are not content to simply experience their faith.  They seek to understand it. One classic definition of theology is “faith seeking understanding.” This course will provide a foundation for thinking about one’s faith. As such, the course will explore basic questions such as; What is theology? What is its relationship to other disciplines (philosophy, Scripture studies, history, preaching, etc.)?; What approaches to theological thinking are available?; and others. At the end of this course, students should be prepared to think theologically about the Christian faith.  
Required Texts
  • McGrath, Alister.  Christian Theology: An Introduction, 6th edition. Wiley Blackwell, 2016.
  • Markey, John J. Making Sense of Mystery: A Primer on Theological Thinking. Anselm Academic, 2018.
Your Instructor
  • Dr. Wilburn (Bill) T. Stancil is Professor Emeritus of Theology and Religious Studies at Rockhurst University, Kansas City. From 1980 to 2020, he taught theology at four different universities and theological seminaries. Dr. Stancil is a licensed lay preacher in the Episcopal Church and a frequent speaker in churches of many denominations in the Kansas City area.
BKSM welcomes you to take courses with us for personal enrichment or continuing education. Classes are richer with occasional students around the table.  We encourage you to experience this remarkable, uplifting community of learning, worship and fellowship for yourself!

April Overview
  • Classes begin on Monday, March 14.  You will receive an email and syllabus directly from your instructor. If you have  not received anything from your instructor by Tuesday, please contact us.
  • The in-person Focus Weekend meets  April 2-3 , on Saturday from 7:30 am-9:00 pm and on Sunday from 7:30am-12:15pm. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A WEEK EARLY TO AVOID HOLY WEEK
  • The detailed weekend schedule is here.
  • Classes end on Friday, May 13.
  • Grades due May 31.
  • Tuition is $100 to audit, $210 for credit, which includes your overnight stay at Upton Hall & all meals.
  • Zoom options available for students taking class for personal enrichment and for certificate-track students with special permission.
  • Apply for the $100 Jim Upton lay scholarship.

  • If you prefer a nearby hotel, the  Senate Luxury Suites (walking distance), Capitol Plaza, and the Cyrus are options. Many other hotels are available throughout Topeka.
Register for April Courses