DESCRIPTION: We are made for relationship from the moment of birth onward. We
text and twitter incessantly and yet find it all but impossible to actually be
present to people today. Christian formation happens primarily in the context
of community. Like it or not, we are born into a family with God as Father. A
community of believers is essential to discipleship. Today "natural networks"
of community like marriage, family, and the neighborhood are experiencing
crisis and dissolution. This course focuses on the place of relational
experiences among Christians as God's design for survival and growth in the
faith, as a place we can come home to, and as a "Houston" connection that
allows us to carry out missional discipleship together. Theological design,
social learning contributions, practical and vocational settings structure the
course as participants become involved in relational praxis and opportunities
to experience transformation in head, heart, skills, and purpose
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The experiencing of relational community
is at the heart of becoming the church as God envisioned it. Being "in Christ"
means becoming a part of his family. Learning how to get along in that family
and how to enrich and empower others because of who we are as a reflection of
Christ is inherent in being God's family. Such relational connection is
attractive to persons in today's world who want to experience belonging before
believing. Ministering in the name of Jesus means enabling persons to connect
with each other and with him as the venue for showing not-yet-believers what it
means to be kingdom people and as believers, to know the King is present
wherever two or three are gathered in the name of Christ.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Learners will become cognizant of the biblical framework for
relational community and be aware of what reveals the development of such in
real life occasions. They will be more committed to nurturing these conditions
for community-building in committees, groups, and the gatherings of Christians,
prizing their heritage as members of the Body of Christ and valuing others who
share that connection. Learners will actively seek to live out the concept and
principles of relational community with a missional purpose in today's world.
Existentially, learners will become persons who recognize, rejoice in, and
practice relational community as foundational to ministry in the name of
Jesus.
COURSE FORMAT: Class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions with
lectures, discussion, and group interactions in class. Small group development
requires some additional time commitment.
REQUIRED READING: