The Doctrine of the Church

Taught by Dr. James Cassidy, this course introduces the Reformed doctrine of the church—its nature, power, and government—and equips believers to live as citizens of heaven.

Format

Online
Course

Duration

4 hours

Subtitles Included

English

Price

$97
Free

Course Overview

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Taught by Dr. James J. Cassidy, this course introduces students to the biblical and Reformed doctrine of the church. Across seven lessons, students will consider the church’s identity, attributes, and marks; the source and nature of its power and authority; and the biblical structure of its government. Special attention is given to the church as both visible and invisible, militant and triumphant, and catholic and apostolic. Students will learn how Christ governs his church by his word and Spirit by means of ordained offices, and how the church carries out its mission to gather and perfect the saints. Grounded upon this theological foundation, believers will be equipped to participate faithfully in the church’s worship, discipline, and government as citizens of heaven.


Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Define the essential attributes and marks of the church according to Scripture and the Reformed confessions.
Explain the nature and limits of church power and authority in contrast to Roman Catholic and other traditions.
Analyze the biblical foundation and practical implications of Presbyterian church government, including the offices of minister, elder, and deacon.
Apply the doctrine of the church to contemporary challenges in worship, discipline, and Christian life within the visible body of Christ.

Resources and Information

Accreditation
Course Materials
Certification

Reformed Forum is an approved provider of Continuing Education Units through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). This course has not yet been approved for CEU credit. If you are interested in receiving ACSI credit for this course, contact us to let us know.

Course Handouts (English)

Each lesson concludes with a brief quiz, which will assist you in assessing your progress. The questions are multiple choice or true/false. Each question is designed to reinforce basic points of the lectures and to provide a means of self-assessment.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will have the option to download a certificate of completion on the main course page.

Course Lessons

Your Teacher

Patrick Jones - Course author

James J. Cassidy

Dr. James J. Cassidy is the pastor of South Austin Presbyterian Church. He graduated in 2014 from Westminster Theological Seminary with the Ph.D in systematic theology, writing on the theology of Karl Barth. He is the author of God’s Time For Us: Barth on the Reconciliation of Eternity and Time in Jesus Christ (Lexham Press), Introducing the Faith: A Study of the Westminster Shorter Catechism (Reformed Forum), and The Book of Job: Suffering unto Glory (Reformed Forum).

The Doctrine of the Church

Taught by Dr. James Cassidy, this course introduces the Reformed doctrine of the church—its nature, power, and government—and equips believers to live as citizens of heaven.

Format

Online
Course

Duration

4 hours

Subtitles Included

English

Price

$97
Free