Overview
St. David’s Scriptural Foundations is a two-year certificate program that provides an in-depth exploration of the Old and New Testaments considering their historical contexts, literary characteristics, and relevance for today.
Upon completion of the program, you will have knowledge of the whole Bible – an essential part of Christian faith and discipleship.
About Scriptural Foundations
- 10 four-week courses
- Offered Fall 2024-Spring 2026
- Faculty hold advanced degrees in either divinity or biblical studies
- Wednesday nights at St. David’s, 6-7:15 p.m.
- Starts Wednesday, Aug. 21
Register for Introduction to the Old Testament
Registration is required.
This aids faculty with course preparations,
weekly reading assignments, and attendance tracking for certification.
What to Expect
- Time commitment: two hours per week. This includes recommended weekly reading and class time.
- While advanced reading is not required, it is highly recommended to maximize your understanding of the classroom presentation. Reading assignments from the recommended textbooks will be sent via email.
- Each class will follow a basic lecture style format with opportunity for some discussion.
- Everyone is encouraged to complete the Introduction to the Old Testament course as a prerequisite for the other two Old Testament courses offered this fall. The intro course provides the background for more in-depth courses.
- Similarly, the Introduction to the New Testament course, offered Spring 2025, is a recommended prerequisite course for future New Testament courses.
Course Textbooks
While there is no fee to take the courses, participants are encouraged to purchase three foundational textbooks:
- The New Oxford Annotated Bible: New Revised Standard Version with the Apocrypha, 5th edition
- The Old Testament: Canon, History, and Literature, Richard Nelson
- The New Testament: A Contemporary Introduction, Colleen M. Conway
Year One Course Descriptions
Fall 2024 Courses
- Introduction to the Old Testament (Aug. 21, 28, Sept. 4, 11)
Faculty: Fr. Chuck Treadwell and Dr. Mona West
A general overview of the history, geography, and literature of the books of the Old Testament. - The Torah (Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16)
Faculty: Fr. Chuck Treadwell and Dr. Mona West
An exploration of the first five books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) with emphasis on the covenants God makes with creation, Abraham, Moses, and the people of Israel. - The Historical Books (Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20)
Faculty: Dr. Steve Bishop
Also known as the Former Prophets, this class focuses on the unfolding history of Israel as found in Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings, with a look at the beginnings of the ministry of Old Testament prophets.
Spring 2025 Courses
- Introduction to the New Testament (Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29)
A general overview of the history, geography, and literature of the books of the New Testament. - The Gospels (Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26)
The major themes of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—the four gospels of the New Testament--will be examined in their presentation of the life of Jesus. Attention will also be given to the ways in which John is different from the other three gospels. - The Book of Acts (Mar 26, Apr 2,9,16)
This class will explore the ways in which the Book of Acts chronicles the spread of Christianity after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Emphasis will be given to the inclusive nature of the Christian message, and the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul.
Year Two Courses (Dates TBD)
Fall 2025
Introduction to Old Testament*
- The Prophets
- Wisdom Books
Spring 2026
Introduction to New Testament*
- Pauline Epistles
- General Epistles/Book of Revelation
* Everyone is encouraged to complete the Introduction to the Old Testament and Introduction to the New Testament courses as a prerequisite for the other semester courses. The intro courses provide background for more in-depth courses.
Faculty for Year One
The Rev. Chuck Treadwell, DMin
Rector of St. David’s Episcopal Church
Fr. Chuck brings years of experience as a teacher and priest to the study of the Bible, especially in a parish setting.
Mona West, PhD
Mona holds a doctoral degree in Old Testament Studies and is the director of Adult Formation at St. David’s. She also teaches as adjunct faculty for Seminary of the Southwest and Iona School for Ministry.
Steve Bishop, PhD
Associate Professor of Old Testament, Seminary of the Southwest
Steve is a sought-after teacher and is on the steering committee of the Anglican Association of Biblical Scholars.
The Rev. Andrew Benko, PhD
Andrew holds a doctoral degree in New Testament Studies and is the Dean of Formation for Iona School for Ministry. He is passionate about equipping lay leaders for ministry through the study of scripture.
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