DESCRIPTION: A congregation needs to understand its social and cultural
context and its own character and identity in relationship to its surrounding
community. Any urban environment can be described in terms of demographics,
organizations, present-day activities, historical events, networks, economics,
political structures, and how churches embody certain characteristics and
engage their community. Research tools and resources will be explored and
implemented by students in selected geographic settings. Special attention will
be given to congregational involvement in homeless prevention.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing the class will (1) become familiar with
public and private sources of data that provide demographic information about
cities and neighborhoods; (2) learn how to compile data in order to
provide profiles of communities and neighborhoods; (3) become skilled at
integrating their research with spiritual practices; and (4) learn how to train
and mobilize a congregation to serve its neighbors and community.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Concepts: ecclesiology and missiology regarding
church interface with the world, and theory concerning quantitative and
qualitative research. Skills: quantitative and qualitative research in
congregations and nearby communities and report development and use.
Conation: commitment and habits accentuating church development and
redevelopment, and congregational outreach to a community.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet weekly for three-hour sessions, for ten
weeks. Class times will include lectures, individual and group exercises,
modeling, web demonstrations, and reflective discussions of materials and
experiences. Students will also work individually and in groups outside of
class.
REQUIRED READING: