Deacon School for Ministry

Theology Competencies

Goal: This introduction to the Theology Competencies for Candidates for diaconal ministry will inform and prepare the Candidate to demonstrate knowledge and application of Anglican theology according to the Canons of our church, the rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer and other theological texts.

The Candidate will demonstrate:

The ability to articulate how scripture, reason, and tradition form the foundation of Anglican theology

A basic knowledge of the theological positions taken in the Catechism of the Book of Common Prayer

The ability to articulate the nature of Jesus Christ specific to the theology of Christology

An understanding of the historical development and theological meaning of the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds

A basic knowledge of the traditional areas of systematic theology

The ability to articulate how contemporary theology has been affected by feminist, liberation, gay and lesbian, and/or creation theologies

The ability to articulate a personal theology including personal preferences and biases

Methodology: Candidates will read, reflect, discuss, and write on topics given by the examining chaplain (or have conversation with the examining chaplain)

Requirements: To successfully complete this part of deacon formation, the Candidate will

Read theological texts both assigned and chosen

Be familiar with the material in EfM Year 4

Write papers, answer questions, and/or have conversation(s) with the examining chaplain

Required Reading:

Christian Theology: An Introduction, Alister McGrath

The Creed, Luke Timothy Johnson

Catechism, Book of Common Prayer