Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson is offering a new course to equip Christian leaders for ministry in ethnically and culturally diverse contexts. Hermeneutics for Contextualized Ministry will be a two-credit course taught by Dr. Jarvis Williams, Associate Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Classes take place on the campus of RTS Jackson in a one-week intensive formate on January 19-23 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The press release from RTS Jackson describes the content of the course.

“How does our ethnic background affect how we read the Bible? What can modern Christians learn from ancient Christians about race, ethnicity, and culture? How does our culture affect how we read the Bible?

Designed to help prepare those who will be doing ministry in African American, multiethnic, or urban contexts, Hermeneutics for Contextualized Ministry will answer these questions and many more. This course is a study of the history of the English bible, the goal of biblical interpretation, the presuppositions involved in interpretation, the means of arriving at the meaning of ancient texts along with present day implications and applications, and the formation of the New Testament canon. The course will also discuss the reality of, the benefits of, and the disadvantages of various Ethno-centric readings of the bible.”

The course is open to full-time and part-time RTS students as well as non-RTS students who wish to audit the class ($50/credit hour). Find out more information here or e-mail Registrar Kim Lee (klee@rts.edu).

Other Resources

African American Leadership Initiative at RTS Jackson (AALI)

Talking Ethno-Racial Identity with Dr. Jarvis Williams– Podcast interview on Pass the Mic

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