Winter 2018/Fuller Online
MP523
Fleming Drane
MP523: EMERGING MISSIONAL PRACTICES IN WESTERN SOCIETY (4 units: 160 hours). Olive Fleming Drane.
DESCRIPTION: This course in practical theology offers an opportunity to engage in theological and missiological reflection on contemporary Western culture, with a view to enabling the informed development of new forms of church that can engage effectively with the prevailing culture while remaining faithful to the inherited Christian tradition by integrating with the life of traditional congregations in a way that will be to the mutual benefit of both.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will (1) understand the nature of cultural change in relation to the spiritual search of contemporary culture, utilizing insights from the social sciences as well as theological and historical resources; and the opportunities this presents for a new missional engagement; (2) through reflective analysis of particular case studies, identify models for understanding the relationship between traditional church and new expressions and understand how each may be effective ways of introducing people to faith in Jesus Christ; (3) develop skills in reflective practice and cross-cultural theological reflection through a comparative critical evaluation of specific missional initiatives in the global north; (4) practice transferable skills in strategic planning through the identification and construction of a final project.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours, which is outlined below in the assignment and assessment section. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the professor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.
REQUIRED READING: 1216 pages [75 hours].
Adams, Ian. Cave, Refectory, Road: Monastic Rhythms for Contemporary Living. Liturgical Press, 2012. ISBN: 978-0814634448, Pub. Price $14.95 [97 pp].
Drane, John. After McDonaldization: Mission, Ministry, and Christian Discipleship in an Age of Uncertainty. Darton, Longman & Todd, 2008. ISBN: 978-0232526547, Pub. Price $26.50 [142 pp.].
Hollinghurst, Steve. Mission Shaped Evangelism. Hymns Ancient & Modern Ltd, 2009. ISBN: 978-1853118425, Pub. Price $26.99 [207 pp.].
Hunter, George G III. The Celtic Way of Evangelism. Abingdon Press, 2010. ISBN: 978-1426711374, Pub. Price $17.99 [130 pp.].
Moynagh, Michael. Church for Every Context: An Introduction to Theology and Practice. SCM Press, 2012. ISBN: 978-0334043690, Pub. Price $45.00 [444 pp.].
Roxburgh, Alan J & M Scott Boren. Introducing the Missional Church. Baker Books, 2009. ISBN: 978-0801072123, Pub. Price $17.99 [196 pp.].
Additional reading for particular topics will be prescribed in the course syllabus online and normally made available as eReserves.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
Participation in weekly forums, consisting of an initial post of 300-400 words on the question set for that topic, followed by substantial comments on and interactions with at least two other classmates’ posts (a minimum of 250 words each) (30%). [This assignment relates to learning outcomes #1, #2 & #3]. [40 hours].
1216 pages of reading [75 hours].
Two 1000 word book reviews (20%). [This assignment relates to learning outcomes #2 & #3]. [12 hours].
A final project, on a topic to be identified by the student and exemplifying a practical theology method that demonstrates understanding of both theoretical and practical approaches and including the application of ethnographic skills to reflect on a specific local situation. Amounting to approximately 3750 words or its equivalent (‘equivalent’ because it can incorporate diverse media if that is appropriate to the topic) (50%). [This assignment relates to learning outcomes #1, #3 & #4]. [30-35 hours research and writing].
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet C2 or C3 requirement in the 120 MDiv and 80 MATM Programs (Fall 2015).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.