A program of the Institute for Applied Theology

Institute Events

Roots and Wings for Ministry Courses

Urban Theology: The Streets in Scripture: July 18-19 and August 1-2, 2008

Summer Seminar in the Smokies: July 20-24, 2008

Principles and Practices of Supervision: July 21-25, 2008

The Equipping Leader: Part 1: July 28 - August 1, 2008

Sixth Annual Preaching Retreat-Seminar: August 4-6, 2008

See United’s calendar for other seminary events

Center for Worship, Preaching, and the Arts

The Center for Worship, Preaching and the Arts at United Theological Seminary offers exciting resources for clergy, students and laypersons in the ministries of Gospel proclamation including preaching, biblical storytelling, media and digital culture, drama, dance, music and the visual liturgical arts.

One of the four Centers of Excellence of the Institute for Applied Theology, the Center for Worship, Preaching and the Arts exists to:

  • Sponsor campus celebrations of intergenerational and multicultural Christian worship.
  • Create for lay and clergy leaders special opportunities for theological reflection and practical training in aspects of worship and spiritual formation for ministry.
  • Offer consultation to congregations for new projects of worship renewal and outreach, especially among young adults and children.

Director: Dr. Richard Eslinger, Professor of Homiletics and Worship, United Theological Seminary

This Holy Mystery Study Guide

bread and cupUnited Theological Seminary’s Center for Worship, Preaching, and the Arts has developed a twenty page study guide for the General Conference-approved statement on Holy Communion.

The study is organized for eight weekly sessions. For each session, the guide provides a summary of the material in This Holy Mystery to be covered along with a series of questions for discussion.

The guide is designed for flexibility with the convener free to select among the questions those that best suit the congregation’s context.

The Study Guide is bundled with a line-numbered copy of the Communion statement (for easy reference) along with an appendix that includes the text of the basic United Methodist eucharistic prayer (again line numbered) and various hymn texts, especially drawing upon the Wesleys’ eucharistic hymns.

The Study Guide packet is available from United’s Center for Worship, Preaching, and the Arts in either three-hole punched hard copy or in a CD. Each is available for $15.00 including shipping or shipped together they cost $20.00. Checks may be payable to UTS-CWPA.

Three ways to order a Study Guide:

Institute Contacts

Elise Eslinger, Director of the Institute for Applied Theology

Dick Eslinger, Director of the Center for Worship, Preaching, and the Arts

Marilyn Evans and Roger Evans, Co-Directors of Pohly Center for Supervision and Leadership Formation

Michael Johnson, Director of the Center for Urban Ministry

Vickie Souvé, Director of Community Services

Lynda Weide, Coordinator of the Heinrich Center for Wellness Ministry and Education