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, shares hospitality, and
celebrates. Biblical, theological, and practical frameworks will be developed
to support an "incarnational" approach for the congregation's missional life.
Topics include neighborhood engagement and partnerships, community organizing,
evangelism, church planting, vocational discernment, relating mission to
spirituality, and maintaining a praxis orientation.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Conceptual work in theology,
socio-cultural studies, and leadership as well as training in on-the-ground
research will provide resources for a praxis-theory-praxis approach to churches
engaging their contexts as witness to the gospel.
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; neighborhood exegesis including demographic research;
Conation: vision for and commitment to forming congregations that engage
their local setting and the world in transformational mission.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet for 10 three-hour sessions. Class will
include lectures, individual and group exercises, neighborhood research,
reflective discussions of materials and experiences, and guest speakers.
REQUIRED READING: