DESCRIPTION: This course explores how the gospel might be contextualized in postmodern culture through the renewal of personal spirituality and church life. and includes practical exploration of ways to facilitate this, grounded in the emerging culture as well as in the Bible and the wider Christian tradition. It takes account of current debates on creation-centered spirituality, the arts, and the impact of the emerging church on traditional Christian communities.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will (1) understand the nature of contemporary Western culture; (2) gain familiarity with current debates about worship and evangelism; (3) explore creative ways of expressing and communicating faith; (4) learn a praxis-reflection way of doing theology.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The course models culturally relevant ways of worship and evangelism while providing a safe environment in which students can work with their own personal issues.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for three-hour sessions. Classes will include plenaries, small groups, and experiential exploration of personal spirituality and creativity, using a variety of formats and a strong emphasis on learning by doing.

REQUIRED READING:

Atkins, Martyn. Resourcing Renewal: Shaping Churches for the Emerging Future. London: Epworth Press, 2010. 268 pp. ISBN: 9780716206682, $23.60.

Church of England General Synod, Mission-Shaped Church. 2nd ed. Harrisburg: Seabury, 2010. 176 pp. ISBN: 9781596271265, $20.

Croft, Steven. Mission-shaped Questions: Defining Issues for Today's Church. Harrisburg: Seabury, 2010. 228 pp. ISBN: 9781596271272, $22.

Drane, John. The McDonaldization of the Church. Macon: Smyth & Helwys, 2001. 215 pp. ISBN: 978-1573123747, $22.

Fleming Drane, Olive M. Spirituality to Go: Rituals and Reflections for Everyday Living. London: DLT, 2005. 149 pp. ISBN: 978023252663X, $17.99.

Hollinghurst, Steve. Mission-shaped Evangelism. Norwich: Canterbury Press, 2010. 192pp. ISBN: 9781853118425, $30.

Simpson, Ray. High Street Monasteries: Fresh Expressions of Committed Christianity. Stowmarket: Kevin Mayhew, 2009. 150 pp. ISBN: 9781848671683, $17.30.

Bosch, David J. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission. Maryknoll: Orbis, 1991. 587 pp. ISBN: 978-0883447192, $32.

Anderson, Ray S. An Emergent Theology of Emerging Churches. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. 236 pp. ISBN: 9780830833917, $17.

Baker, Jonny. Curating Worship. London: SPCK, 2010. 175 pp. ISBN: 9780281062355, $17.35.

Croft, Steven. Transforming Communities: Re-imagining the Church for the 21st Century. London: DLT, 2002. 226 pp. ISBN: 9780232524567, $20.35.

John Drane, After McDonaldization: Mission, Ministry, and Christian Discipleship in an Age of Uncertainty. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2008. 166 pp. ISBN: 9780801036118, $22.99.

Fleming Drane, Olive M. Clowns, Storytellers, Disciples. Philadelphia: Augsburg, 2004. 224 pp. ISBN: 978-0806649498, $13.99.

Hagberg, Janet, and Robert Guelich. The Critical Journey. Salem: Sheffield Publishing, 2004. 268 pp. ISBN: 978-1879215498, $23.95.

1. Attendance: Students should aim to attend all classes for the entire time and to participate in experiential processes. Students who miss more than three classes will not receive a passing grade.

2. Written work:
   (a) a personal journal with an entry for each meeting of the class, showing evidence of reflective theological practice;
   (b) a piece of work in a medium chosen by the student and given advance approval in writing by the professors, deemed to be the equivalent to approximately twelve pages of written work.
   Each piece counts for 50% of the final course grade, and both pieces must be submitted to gain a grade.