December 2021 Course Descriptions

Christian Theology I
This course provides a biblical, historical, and systematic overview of the following Christian concepts: Revelation, the Bible, God, Creation, Humanity and Sin. The goal of this course is to provide students enrolled on the diaconal track (as well as lay students interested in personal enrichment) with a theological foundation for effective ministry in the world today.
Required Texts    
  • McGrath, Alister. Theology: The Basics, 4th ed. Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • McGrath, Alister. Theology: The Basic Readings, 3rd ed. Wiley Blackwell, 2018.
Your Instructor
  • Dr. Wilburn (Bill) T. Stancil is Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Rockhurst University, Kansas City.  Since 1980, he has taught theology at four different universities and theological seminaries.  Dr. Stancil is a licensed lay preacher in the Episcopal Church and a frequent speaker to civic groups and churches of many denominations in the Kansas City area.

Foundations of Ethics
Christian Ethics is a field of study in which theological reflection is employed to develop a normative account of the moral life of Christians. This course acquaints students with Christian Ethics as a theological discipline and field of study, provides tools to articulate an account of the Christian moral life, and considers the relationship between theology and the practice of ethics in the life of the Church.
Required Texts   
  • Bader-Sate, Scott. Formed by Love (Church’s Teaching Series for a Changing World). Church Publishing, 2017.
  • Blackburn, Simon. Being Good: A Short Introduction to Ethics. (Second Edition) Oxford University Press, 2003.
  • A third title coming soon.
Your Instructor
  • The Venerable Betsy Blake Bennett taught philosophy at Hastings College for sixteen years, and has been an Episcopal deacon since 2004. Along with serving as Archdeacon for the Diocese of Nebraska, she serves at Church of the Resurrection in Omaha. The focus of her diaconal ministry is religious environmental work and its intersection with other justice issues. A 2008 GreenFaith Fellow, she has been active in several religious environmental organizations as well as the Association for Episcopal Deacons. Her M.A. in philosophy is from The Ohio State University; her B.A. is from Earlham College.

Pastoral Theology
This course surveys the many aspects of pastoral care and counseling for the parish priest and deacon. The course examines the biblical and theological foundations of pastoral care and counseling (including its history and the basic models in use today), the placement of this form of ministry in the context of parish life, how pastoral care and counseling fit into the community context of mental health services, legal and ethical issues involved, resources available, and various occasions for care and counsel from the pastor.
Required Texts
  •  Benner, D. G. (2003). Strategic Pastoral Counseling: A Short-Term Structured Model (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker. 149 pp.
  • Vance, J. D. (2016). Hillbilly Elegy. Harper/Collins, 264 pp.
  • Wimberly, E. P. (2006). African-American Pastoral Care and Counseling. Cleveland, OH: Pilgrim, 152 pp.
 Your Instructor
  • The Rev. Dr. James R. Beck is Emeritus Professor of Counseling at Denver Seminary in Littleton, Colorado. In retirement, he lives in rural Clay Center, Kansas and is active at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church there. His teaching career was preceded by clinical work at Valley Psychological Center in Carmichael, California and by a Christian Education staff position at First Baptist Church in Corvallis, Oregon. He earned a Th.M. at Dallas Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. at Rosemead School of Psychology. He and his wife have two children, six grandchildren, and two greats.
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!

December Overview
  • Classes begin on Monday, November 15.  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  December 11-12 , on Saturday from 7:30 am-9:00 pm and on Sunday from 7:30am-12:15pm.
  • The detailed weekend schedule is here.
  • Classes end on Friday, January 7.
  • Grades due January 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 December Courses