Home » News » Spanz Magazine » All Issues » February 2003 » Presbyterian Studies Online

Presbyterian Studies Online

The Ecumenical Institute of Distance Theological Studies has set up its first web-based course - in Presbyterian Studies.

The new course has been developed by tutor Rev Dr John Roxborogh, who also co-ordinates lay leadership training at the Presbyterian School of Ministry in Dunedin. Dr Roxborogh has published widely and has specialised interests in missiology, church history and third world theology.

He hopes up to twelve people (from anywhere in the country) will enrol in the 20-week course on Reformed history, theology and practice, which will be taught entirely via the Internet. It will focus on interesting people and movements, and include the church's more recent involvement in Asia and the Pacific.

"The Internet gives access to numerous resources world-wide," says Dr Roxborogh. "It also enables students in different places to collaborate with the tutor and with each other by e-mail."

The course is open to people of all denominations and traditions, but it is expected that many who enrol will be involved in the church and interested in lay leadership. "I hope the course will help equip lay leadership with an understanding of their heritage so they can better understand the times we live in."

EIDTS was established in 1993 to provide papers towards the Licentiate in Theology or Scholar in Theology diplomas. It offers courses in theology, Biblical studies, church history, ministry and mission. Other web-based courses are expected to follow, says the director, the Very Rev Bruce Hansen.

For fees and further information contact freephone 0800 667 969, or visit web-site www.eidts.ac.nz.