November 2026 Course Descriptions

Contemporary Ethics: The Rev Dr. David Cox    (P, Year Two & Three)
Liturgical Leadership: The Rev. John Spicer

Christian Theology 1
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. Daniel Stramara

Contemporary Ethics

Liturgical Leadership

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,
Your Instructor
  • The Very Rev. Torey Lightcap is Dean of Grace Cathedral in Topeka, Kansas. Prior to 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).
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!

November Overview
  • Classes begin on Monday, October 12.  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  November 14-15, 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, December 11
  • Grades due December 31.

Tuition & Scholarships
  • Tuition is $100 to audit a class in person or online, $282 to take a class for credit in person, which includes  overnight accommodations at Upton Hall &  meals, $165 to take a class for credit on Zoom.
  • Apply for the $100 Jim Upton lay scholarship. Scholarships also available for students on an ordination track.
  • Many hotels are available throughout Topeka. Most are 15 minutes away or less.
Register for November Courses