NS545
Banks
NS545: FIRST URBAN CHURCHES. Robert Banks.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course aims to reconstruct the way in which new Christian
communities were founded, nurtured and governed in urban centers throughout the
ancient world. Consideration will be given to the place of cultural as well as
theological factors in their formation as well as to the corporate activities
and individual qualities or gifts that create community and develop leadership.
The role of Paul, his colleagues and core members in these churches, as well as
the way all members undertook pastoral, teaching, counseling and evangelistic,
responsibility will be examined. We will also relate our findings to the
situation of churches in the city today.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- This course should provide students with:
- an understanding of how the early Pauline churches functioned and
multiplied in the first century urban setting;
- the basic principles and structures upon which community is built and
mutual ministry encouraged in the church;
- a collegial, servant and relational model of leadership relevant to mission
organizations and local churches.
COURSE FORMAT:
- Each week's session will contain lecture presentations, class
panels, and small groups, as well as time for general discussion. The class
will meet weekly on Mondays from 3:00-5:50 p.m. and for a workshop session on
Saturday, February 7, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
REQUIRED READING:
- Banks, R. Paul's Idea of Community. Hendrickson, 1994.
- Banks, R. and J. The Church Comes Home. Hendrickson, 1997. OR
(if already read)
- Barrett, Lois. Building the House Church.
Herald, 1986.
- Best, E. Paul and His Converts. T. & T. Clark, 1988.
- Branick, V. The House Church in the Writings of Paul. Glazier,
1989.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Four 1-2 page assignments responding to questions to be investigated in the
exegesis of the Scripture passages set for weekly reading..
- A 10 page essay on some aspect of Paul's pastoral, missionary or
theological approach to the first urban churches.
- A 6-8 page proposal on how your church could move more fully towards a
Pauline approach to church life and impact in the city.
PREREQUISITES:
- NS501 or NS502.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament Theology (NTT);
recommended course for M.A.C.L.
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- A simulation of an early church meeting.