Albany School of Ministry
The School of Ministry (SoM) is in the process of offering six courses over the span two years; beginning in the Fall of 2025 through Spring 2027 (pending the continuation of the program by the Middle Assemblies formed by Albany Synod). Courses that have been offered and will be offered include: Old Testament Introduction & History, RCA Doctrinal Standards, New Testament Introduction and History, Biblical Exegesis, Preaching and Sermon Preparation, Systematic Theology
Fall 2026
Biblical Exegesis & Interpretation
Rev. Dr. Johan Bosman, Instructor
Classes will be held on Mondays beginning September 21, 2026 and ending November 9, 2026.
This course will introduce preaching elders to the theory and practice of biblical interpretation. There are various complexities in reading old, sacred texts, written in ancient languages, and within different cultures. We will address these complexities and look at methods to address them. We will learn from other disciplines on how they read and interpret ancient texts. We will look at various ways to “interrogate” the texts. We will also read and interpret the biblical texts as inspired, and sacred texts for communities of faith. Students will have opportunities to practice new skills to interpret Biblical texts and share their interpretations with the class. The main purpose of this course is to help us to listen to the text, hear what it says, decide what it means, interpret, and apply the meaning of the text to our context.
Rev. Dr. Johan Bosman is one of the ministers at Christ Community Reformed Church in Clifton Park, NY.
Questions? email Elizabeth Moses, SOM Administrator,
Details about the School of Ministry...
These, and other courses, will cover the subjects that the RCA Book of Church Order requires potential preaching elders to study, prior to their commissioning. All SoM classes will all be taught primarily online, making it possible for students from the farthest flung corners of Albany Synod to participate by videoconferencing.
There will be eight 3-hour evening sessions per subject. A central gathering may be requested by the instructor on occasion and will be announced prior to registration.
The School of Ministry classes will cost $300 due at the time of registration. Students are encouraged to seek scholarship assistance from their local church and classis.
The School of Ministry is sponsored by the Albany Synod Ministries Board.
Who should sign up for SoM classes?
● those in training to be preaching elders (PE)
● those in training to become Commissioned Pastors (CP)
● Anybody else who is interested in the subjects offered! Church leaders, elders, deacons, Christian educators, pastors etc.
Potential PEs and CPs should be aware that their classes may require additional work in these subject areas beyond completing the SoM class. Classes also will conduct their own examinations of PE and CP candidates, to explore their mastery of the subject matter. PE and CP candidates who are under care of their classes must submit a written classis endorsement as they register for SoM classes. Classes will be updated by the School of Ministry administrator of the student’s performance and course completion.
A note to potential Commissioned Pastors and their classes:
In addition to the six courses listed above, CPs must also be examined in church history, the constitution (including polity, sacraments and liturgy), practices of ministry and pastoral ethics. If classes and candidates express sufficient interest and need for courses in these subjects, the SoM board will undertake to provide them.
These courses will cover the subjects that the RCA Book of Church Order requires potential preaching elders to study, prior to their commissioning. All SoM classes will all be taught primarily online, making it possible for students from the farthest flung corners of Albany Synod to participate by videoconferencing. There will be eight 3-hour evening sessions per subject. A central gathering may be requested by the instructor on occasion and will be announced prior to registration
Interested in taking one or all of these classes?
Or, would you like more information?
Enter your information below!