DESCRIPTION:

This course accepts the judgment of Benjamin Tonna that urbanization is a "locus theologicus in view of mission today." I agree with Tonna and others that this urbanization process, involving as it does so many millions of people worldwide, is no accident. Indeed, it is "a sign of the time," and as such, can no longer be ignored by the Church. The process carries the weight of a mandate.

We will attempt to understand this phenomenon in historical and contemporary perspective. We will also seek perspective from Scripture, and argue that the Bible is an urban text, especially since Pentecost. We will also look at various strategies in urban evangelism and will visit local ministries which embody significant strategies for mission in cities.

You should expect to receive help in the following areas as a result of this class:

1. A new appreciation for the role of cities in the life of the believing community from a biblical perspective.

2. A new perspective on the role the city has played in American cultural life.

3. A sharper ability to "exegete" the city, to examine its parts, see how they fit and how that "fit" affects the lives of its citizens and how this affects communication.

4. A heightened ability to examine the process of networking within an urban setting by exposure to that process in Pasadena and environs.

5. A heightened ability to mobilize a congregation for mission in the city.

The student can expect the following from this course:

1. The course is taught from a ministry bias.

2. An understanding of the city as both environment and structure.

3. An understanding of how the city affects people and how they "hear" news--good and bad.

4. An exposure to the way culture affects urban life and response to the Gospel.

5. An exposure to specific urban settings via field trips, and from selected urban ministry leaders.

6. A clearer understanding of the role that denominational traditions play in helping congregations come to terms with a new urban setting.

The course will meet daily four hours each session and will be developed around the lecture-discussion format.

Chandler, Russell. Moving Toward 2000. Harper Collins, 1992.

Conn, Harvey. The American City and the Evangelical Church. Baker Press, 1994.

Garreau, Joel. Edge City, Life on the New Frontier. Doubleday, 1991.

Katlowitz, Alex. There Are No Children Here. Anchor, 1991.

1. Reading assignments are to be completed prior to class.

2. A project paper is expected reflecting the student's design for an evangelism strategy adequate to the challenge of the city, which will take seriously the urban situation, a theology of urban ministry, the contribution of the social sciences, and the realistic possibilities within the student's denominational or para-denominational frame of reference.

3. A paper which will critically interact with the four texts is also due. It should be 10 pages in length and guidelines will be given for this in class.

4. A mid-term exam will be given.

None.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Evangelism (MIN 3).