25-26 Pathways: Polity & Administration

Course Description:

This course will examine the Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order, its underpinnings, and its implication for mission and ministry. As part of the course, participants will review administrative tasks which grow out of the Book of Order (e.g., session meetings, committee meetings, stewardship season, personnel matters and policies, financial matters, presbytery meetings, annual statistical reports).

Meet the Instructor

Rev. H. Carson Rhyne Jr. served as the general presbyter and stated clerk of the Presbytery of the James for over 21 years, retiring in 2019. Known for his visionary leadership, Carson established mentorship programs, stewardship and evangelism ministries, and a mission co-worker in Haiti. He is recognized for his deep knowledge of the Presbyterian Church’s polity and his ability to apply it with grace and humor. Carson’s dedication to the church and community is celebrated by colleagues and congregations alike. He holds degrees from Presbyterian College and Union Theological Seminary and has taught polity and practical theology at Union Presbyterian Seminary since 2005.

Dates: Tuesdays, 7-9pm, August 12 – September 16, 2025

Registration closes 2 days before the first class meeting on August 10, 2025.

Offered by the Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary

If you are in financial need of a discounted registration fee, please contact Deborah Keyes, subject line “PWPA:Financial Aid”.

UPSem faculty, staff, and students can register for this class for free. If you are a UPSem faculty, staff, or student, you can register here using your UPSem email address.