The following Standards and Learning Outcomes provide direction and guidance for all involved in the assessment of theological education in preparation for ordained ministry in The Episcopal Church, including students, instructors, Bishops, Commissions on Ministry, examining chaplains (GBEC and local), exam Evaluators and others. These standards and learning outcomes describe clearly what types of content, method and application to expect in each of the canonical areas (The Holy Scriptures, History of the Christian Church, Christian Theology, Christian Worship, Practice of Ministry, and Christian Ethics and Moral Theology).

All GOE answers should show a balance of:

  • Perception and analysis of the issues
  • Application of resources and training
  • Demonstration of knowledge and pastoral sensitivity
  • Articulation of the Candidate’s view

GOE answers should be clear, concise and accurate, with appropriate extrapolation and coherent argument. The following are considered weaknesses:

  • Factual error
  • Irrelevant information
  • Fallacious reasoning
  • Unfounded opinion

 The Holy Scriptures

  1. To reflect a knowledge and understanding of the content of the Bible.
  2. To identify and analyze the literary, historical and theological characteristics of biblical texts.
  3. To apply and evaluate the Bible's message in relationship to contemporary issues and challenges, with special attention to its place in Anglican tradition.

 

 History of the Christian Church

  1. To identify and describe major events and movements within the history of Christianity and to explain their importance for the development of Christianity in general and the Anglican Communion/Episcopal Church in particular.
  2. To explain or analyze the subject, content, historical context, and importance of major events and movements through study of a primary text.
  3. To evaluate and assess the impact and influence of a major event or movement on Christianity and/or the Anglican/Episcopal Church.

 

Christian Theology 

  1. To display an accurate knowledge of the basic theological concepts and doctrines of the Christian faith.
  2. To demonstrate an understanding of the historical, conceptual, methodological and doctrinal issues behind the formation of basic theological ideas in the history of Christian thought.
  3. To illustrate how theological ideas can make a difference in living out the Church’s mission in the contemporary world.

 

Christian Ethics and Moral Theology

  1. To demonstrate an informed awareness of the principal spheres of ethics (subject, object, context) and moral theology.
  2. To describe and illustrate the principal categories of ethics and moral theology (major approaches and basic terminology).
  3. To demonstrate an informed awareness about how Christian ethics and moral theology apply the structure and content of faith (Christian or other) to intentional preparation for, and reflection upon, individual and communal living.

 

Christian Worship

  1. To identify, distinguish and articulate the major characteristics of the history and praxis of Jewish and Christian worship in general and of Anglican and United States Episcopal liturgy in particular, especially with regard to the contents and use of the Book of Common Prayer and the various hymnals and authorized supplemental texts.
  2. To examine and analyze the ways in which liturgy, church music and theology have been brought together in addressing ancient and contemporary worship praxis.
  3. To observe and analyze liturgical history and praxis and apply them to contemporary situations in ways that are pastorally and musically sensitive and ritually effective.

 

The Practice of Ministry 

  1. To demonstrate leadership and knowledge of the ministries of evangelism, stewardship, ecumenism, interfaith relations, mission theology, and the historical and contemporary experience of racial and minority groups.
  2. To understand and describe how contemporary cultures affect the practice of ministry in particular situations.
  3. To identify the theological, pastoral, and practical issues and methods pertinent to the contemporary practice of ministry in specified situations.
  4. To illustrate and analyze the issues and challenges for ministry, applying them in a response to a contemporary situation.