DESCRIPTION: This course investigates the way the earliest Christian communities were founded, nurtured and governed in cities throughout the ancient world. It will focus especially on the theological convictions and cultural factors that informed this. Attention will be given to key images, gifts and qualities, the role of meals and communal discernment, and their innovative approach to gender, ethnic, and class relations. We will also examine how decision-making took place, the role of Paul and his colleagues, as well as the way all members undertook pastoral, educational, and evangelistic responsibilities. During the course we will relate our findings to the situation of churches in urban centers today.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: This course should provide students with

1. an understanding of how the early churches functioned and multiplied in their urban setting;

2. the basic principles and structures upon which community is built and mutual ministry encouraged in the church;

3. a collegial, servant, and relational model of leadership relevant to mission organizations and local churches.

1. an understanding of key issues and challenges involved in planting and developing the earliest Christian communities;

2. the ability to integrate relevant texts into a wider ecclesiological and missiological framework within a NT theology;

3. the capacity to evaluate recent treatments of the theology and practice of Paul's missional churches.

Banks, R. Paul's Idea of Community. Rev. ed. Hendrickson, 1994.

Best, E. Paul and His Converts. T. & T. Clark, 1988.

Gehring, R. House Churches and Mission: The Importance of Early Household Structures. Hendrickson, 2004.

Caird, G. B. New Testament Theology. Clarendon, 1996 (pp. 1-25 and 213-37).

1. Four 1-2 page assignments responding to questions involved in the exegesis of biblical passages set for weekly discussion (20% of final grade, due at intervals through the course).

2. A 10 page essay on some aspect of Paul's distinctive theological, missional or relational approach to urban church life (50% of final grade, due by August 16).

3. A 6-8 page proposal on how your church could integrate more of a Pauline approach into its life and impact in the city (30% of final grade, due by September 13).