DESCRIPTION:

The church in the United States is confronted with an urban crisis that has many expressions: homelessness, addiction, unemployment, family breakdown, violence, and a lack of adequate health care and affordable housing. This course will examine some of the practical and effective ways that churches can address these issues. The theology of contemporary urban ministry will be explored, with the goal of creating solutions that enable the church to set the moral agenda for our society.

Churches can't survive, much less flourish, unless they are prepared to confront the urban culture with thoughtful and relevant ministry that impacts the real problems of real people. Even suburban churches are not immune from the negative effect of a rapidly deteriorating culture that is spreading out from our cities and threatening social progress throughout our nation. On the other hand, our churches can experience revival through empowering the laity, organizing the poor, and making the gospel relevant for the 21st century.

Class time will be spent in lectures and discussions and video presentations. Outside speakers who have created innovative church-based solutions to urban problems will be asked to share their experiences.

Doulos, Bill Lane. Hearts on Fire--The Evolution of an Urban Church. Castle Press, 1995.

Linthicum, Robert C. Empowering the Poor--Community Organizing Among the City's "Rag Tag and Bobtail." World Vision, 1991.

McClendon, Jr., James W. Ethics: Systematic Theology, Vol. 1. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1986.

Wood, Denise. Growing Up in Pasadena--What Are Our Children Telling Us? All Saints Church, 1986.

Selected articles and speeches.

Fuller, Millard. A Simple, Decent Place to Live. Habitat for Humanity, 1995.

Neuhaus, Richard John. Doing Well and Doing Good--The Challenge to the Christian Capitalist. Doubleday, 1992.

Phillips, Kevin. The Politics of Rich and Poor. Random House, 1990.

Reading of the texts, regular attendance and participation in discussion are all required. In addition to an essay style final exam, each student will prepare a 10-page paper outlining a creative solution to a selected urban problem.

None.

Elective.

Yes.