Content

This unit provides students with a perspective on life in the early church, with an emphasis on the development of leadership under the ministry of the Apostle Paul. It will explore the physical and social context of Paul’s ministry with particular attention to his relationships with co-workers, especially Timothy, in the conduct of mission. This unit will also examine recent perspectives on leadership in a Christian context.

Unit code: BN2795B

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2

Unit discipline: New Testament

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Describe the physical and social environment of early churches, as the context in which particular leaders were developed by the Apostle Paul.

2.

Interpret Biblical texts in the light of their canonical and ecclesiastical context.

3.

Assess the influence of personalities and relationships in the formulation of the undisputed Pauline letters and their impact upon the text

4.

Articulate the dynamics involved in written and verbal communication between Paul and particular churches, and their relevance for contemporary church practice.

5.

Examine the Apostle Paul's pastoral practices as an exemplar for expressions of contemporary Christian leadership

Unit sequence

Level 2 – 18 points BN

Pedagogy

Lectures, group work, online forums, videos

Indicative Bibliography

  • Barentsen, Jack. Emerging Leadership in the Pauline Mission: A Social Identity Perspective on Local Leadership Development in Corinth and Ephesus. Eugene: Pickwick Publications, 2011.
  • Capes, David B., Rodney Reeves & E. Randolph Richards. Rediscovering Paul: An Introduction to his World, Letters, Theology. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2007. (recommended for purchase)
  • Gorman, Michael J., Becoming the Gospel: Paul, Participation and Mission. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2015. (recommended for purchase)
  • Hock, Ronald F. The Social Context of Paul's Ministry: Tentmaking and Apostleship. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1980.
  • Malina, Bruce. The New Testament World: Insights from Cultural Anthropology. Third Edition Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001.
  • Murphy-O'Connor, Jerome. Paul the Letter-Writer: His World. His Options, His Skills. Good News Studies 41. Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 1995.
  • Richards, E. Randolph. Paul and First-Century Letter Writing: Secretaries, Composition and Collection. Downers Grove: IVP, 2004.
  • Roberts, Graham. “Paul and Timothy: Developing a Leader.” Diss. M Theol. MCD, Melbourne 2009.
  • Strom, Mark. Reframing Paul: Conversations in Grace and Community. Downers Grove: IVP, 2000.
  • Wright, Nicholas T. The Paul Debate: Critical questions for understanding the Apostle. Waco: Baylor University Press, 2015.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

2,500 word essay

0 50.0
Oral Presentation

750 word online presentation

0 25.0
Oral Presentation

750 word online presentation

0 25.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 1 Nov, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-05 15:57:20 +1100