MISSIONARY CHURCH HISTORY AND POLITY
An Independent Study Course for New Pastors in the Missionary Church

Required Course Materials
Internet Downloads:  

“The Missionary Church: From Radical Outcasts to the Wild Child of Anabaptism,”  Erdel, Dr. Timothy Paul, Illinois Mennonite Heritage, September 1997

“Marriage, Memory, and Mission: Reflections on the 25th Anniversary of the MCA/UMC Merger,” Erdel, Dr. Timothy Paul and Engbrecht, Dr. Dennis

“Merging and Diverging Streams: The Colorful and Complex History of the Missionary Church,” Engbrecht, Dennis, Ph.D.

“1883-1983, One Hundred Years of Historical Distinctives,” Engbrecht, Dennis D.

Video:  The Word, Revival and Evangelism: Historical Origins of the Missionary Church, 2005 - You may be able to borrow the video from your district office. You may purchase the video for $10 (including shipping) by contacting Terri Maucher at 260-747-2027.

Course Description

This course is designed to provide a brief overview of the historical development of the Missionary Church from the time of the Reformation to the present.  The course deals with various themes, major religious movements in Europe and America, and key personalities who have influenced the development of the Missionary Church.

Course Objective

As a result of this course the student should:

• Have a general appreciation for the historical roots of the Missionary Church.
• Be knowledgeable of the primary elements in the development of the Missionary Church.
• Be able to identify the major leaders in the history of the Missionary Church.
• Understand the distinctives of the Missionary Church (what makes it unique as a denomination).
• Complete a significant step toward PLI certification (for PLI students) and Missionary Church licensing eligibility.  

Course Procedure

Complete this course by taking the following steps:

• Read the required articles which can be downloaded using the links provided above. Printed versions are also available if requested (see contact information below).  
• Complete or download the exam by clicking here or request a printed version (see contact information below). You may use the exam as a study guide for your reading and reviewing.
• View the required video, The Word, Revival and Evangelism: Historical Origins of the Missionary Church. You may be able to borrow a copy from your district office. You may purchase the video for $10 (including shipping) by contacting Terri Maucher at 260-747-2027.  
• Complete the exam. If possible, use your word processor to type the answers so that your completed exam can be submitted electronically.
• Submit completed exam online (preferred) or a printed version via US Postal Service (see instructions below). Please note: The grading fee is $35, and your exam will not be processed until the grading fee payment is received.
  • Electronic Method
    • Complete the online course exam.
    • Use your credit card to pay the $35 grading fee online through PayPal OR mail a personal check to H&P Course, PO Box 9127, Fort Wayne, IN 46899-9127.  
  • Hardcopy (printed) Method
    • Mail the completed exam to the designated contact (see information below).   
    • Mail a $35 (USD) check payable to Missionary Church, Inc., to H&P Course, PO Box 9127, Fort Wayne, IN 46899-9127.  

Results of your exam will be sent to you, your district superintendent and, for PLI students, the Pastoral Leadership Institute.

Optional Reading

For additional reading the following list has been compiled.  This is not required reading.  It is simply intended to assist in the search for information regarding the Missionary Church.

Constitution of the Missionary Church  

Who We Are  

Gerber, Dr. Wayne, ed., Foundations: Teacher’s Manual, 2002 (scroll down the Web page)

Lageer, Eileen, Merging Streams, Elkhart, Indiana: Bethel Publishing Company, 1979.

Lugibihl, Walter H. and Jared F. Gerig.  The Missionary Church Association.  Berne, Indiana:  Economy Printing Center, 1950.

Storms, Everek R.  History of the United Missionary Church.  Elkhart, Indiana:  Bethel Publishing Co., 1958.

Designated Contact Information

Diana Boyer
5006 Walnut Hills Drive
Kingwood, TX 77345
281-361-6956
dianaboyer@mcusa.org

HistoryPolity/Syllabus
Revised 10/04/2006