DESCRIPTION: This course focuses on how the laity and clergy of a congregation
can engage the world missionally. As a faith community being transformed by the
gospel, a church loves, does good, seeks justice, invites and celebrates.
Biblical, theological and practical foundations will be developed to support an
"incarnational" approach for the congregation's missional life. Topics include
relating careers to mission, community organizing, evangelism, linking churches
for policy work, developing collaborations and nonprofit organizations,
relating mission to spirituality, and maintaining a praxis orientation.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Cognitive: conceptual matters related to the praxis
of a missional ecclesiology and changing perspectives on global mission;
Skills: abilities to do theological reflection on ecclesiology and
missiology toward a praxis approach to transformational ministry and leadership
development; Internet research on demographics; Affective: vision for
and commitment to forming congregations that engage their local setting and the
world in transformational mission.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The conceptual work in theology, socio-cultural
studies, and leadership, and the on-the-ground research, provide resources for
a praxis-theory-praxis approach for churches to engage their context in the
name of the gospel.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet weekly for 10 weeks; Class will include
lectures, individual and group exercises, reflective discussions of materials
and experiences, assigned field trips, essays, and training in demographic
research.
REQUIRED READING: