The Hesston College Bible Department is offering a three-weekend course on Psalms and Epistles during the spring 2012 semester. Church leaders, those with an interest in ministry and any other interested people are invited to participate.

The class, taught by Bible and Ministry faculty member Michele Hershberger, focuses on the books of Psalms and 1 Corinthians, and Paul’s letters over three weekends – Jan. 27 to 29, Feb. 17 to 19 and March 16 to 18. Participants can earn three course hours.

“This class is an excellent opportunity for pastors and lay leaders to have an enrichment course and be reenergized,” said Hershberger. “We hope offering the course over three weekends is a more accessible way for interested people to travel from a distance.”

The first weekend, Jan. 27 to 29, will focus on the book of Psalms. The second weekend, Feb. 17 to 19, will center on Paul’s letters to the churches and will explore the biblical themes and epistle genre in general. The third weekend, March 16 to 18, will be a verse-by-verse study of the book of 1 Corinthians, a book that deals heavily with conflict in the church.

Participants will learn the cultural and historical background of the books, and how to identify literary cues for interpretation to glean preaching topics and enhance worship. Hershberger will use a variety of teaching styles to present and explain the course material, including lectures, small group discussions, drama and literary work.

“Psalms and Epistles seem very different, but when you study them together, you begin to see emerging themes,” said Hershberger.

Hershberger teaches a semester-long Psalms and Epistles class every other year for Hesston College students, and is excited to share that course material with the wider community and church.

Hesston College offers a variety of degree and transfer options in Bible and Ministry, including two-year degrees in Bible and Religion, Pastoral Ministries and Youth Ministry.

For more information including pricing for the course, or to register, call the Bible Office at 620-327-8290. An audit option for the course is also available. Scholarships and grants are available for students considering the Pastoral Ministries program.