Welcome to the On-line version of the Systematic Theology Bible Study Course presented by the Minnesota State Conference. These lessons are adapted from the book, "Systematic Theology," by Alva G. Huffer. We hope that these lessons can provide you with a better understanding of the Scripture and a closer walk with God.
When we sort out GDPR, you will again be able to register to have the optional questions for that lesson reviewed by a minister of the Church of God associated with the Church of God General Conference.
History:
For many years, Pastor Alva Huffer worked tirelessly putting together Systematic Theology. Originally prepared in mimeographed syllabus form, it was used as a textbook at Oregon Bible College. Since its publication, Systematic Theology has traveled and been taught literally around the world, still being used as a foundation in churches and ministries today. In 2010 we celebrated 50 years since it was published in book form, and we are inspired by a portion of the story shared by Dr. Huffer at the 90th Annual Church of God General Conference. Listen below as we look closer behind the work, preparation, and eventual publication of the Systematic Theology. Presentation given at Church of God General Conference 2010 in celebration of 50 years of book publication
The Systematic Theology Lessons online, started as an idea by Vivian P. Kirkpatrick. It was discussed with Gaylene Kirkpatrick more than a year and a half before work started on it in 1998. The idea was discussed also with Pastor V. E. Kirkpatrick II and Elder Lee Moore, of the Hector Church of God, as Vivian and Gaylene tried to decide how to best implement a page of this type and if their skills were up to this task. After some of the major revisions to the Hector Church of God Web page as well as Vivian's graduation from college allowing him more free time, Vivian and Gaylene thought the time was right to begin this work.
Gaylene and Vivian took a week and created a prototype of the first lesson and the questions to go with it. After getting the bugs out of it, it was demonstrated to Pastor V. E. Kirkpatrick II. Then permission was sought from the General Conference. After adding the copyrights, a link was added from the main page with a warning that this was still in testing.
Gaylene and Vivian then scanned and rewrote the lessons and formatted them with HTML. Next the scripting was written for the CGI Bin. Due to errors that creep in with scanning software and the coders' inability to spell, a proofreader was definitely needed. At this point editing started. Then the test question pages were written (no scanning) by Vivian with the CGI written by Gaylene. The proofreaders that helped with this page were Marjorie Bolhous, Frances Johnson, and Paula Kirkpatrick.
Besides proofreading, these people also helped iron out the usability issues. Vivian and Gaylene appreciated all of the hard work these proofreaders did to put the final touches on this project.
We had a major revision in April of 2001. The Hector Church of God page was discontinued and a new home was needed for the Systematic Theology Lessons. A new church plant was being started in Hutchinson, MN. Vivian P. and Gaylene were asked to be the web-masters of this new site. The decision was made that the Hutchinson Church of God would be able to host these lessons. With the new location, we gave the site a small graphical face-lift.
Gaylene Kirkpatrick died on May 15th, 2008. This web page could not have been created at this level of functionality without her. Though we miss her, we await the day when we will be reunited with her.
1 Thessalonians 4: 13, 16 NASB. "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first."
Another major revision started November 2014 when we migrated to a new web site host. The questions had to be re-created from the source again due to the host differences. This time proofreading was done by Paula Kirkpatrick, Linda Sandifer, Philip Kirkpatrick, and Denise Kirkpatrick.
Yet another revision happened August 2018 when the Hutchinson Church of God website was discontinued, so Systematic Theology moved to the MN Churches of God Conference web site. Around this time we also had to temporarily remove the ability to submit answers to questions while we wait for a GDPR policy to be written.