Content

The unit examines, evaluates and engages models of church and mission from theological, missiological and practical perspectives. Specific attention is given to the relationship of the church to the mission of God, the reign of God, and the world the church is called to serve and engage. Students will explore and analyse various aspects of the church’s mission and ministry from a biblical, theological and practical perspective, including some:

  • church leadership,
  • baptism and communion,
  • worship
  • pastoral care
  • church discipline
  • the ministry gifts of its members,
  • the churches growth and mission in the world
  • the church as community
  • and the church in its Australian context.

An important component of the unit requires the student to reflect on and analyse their church in its current mission and ministry context.

Unit code: CT3023S

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Stirling College

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate an understanding of the nature of the church and its relationship to the mission and reign of God

2.

Identify and apply principles of mission to select aspects of church life (leadership, worship, sacraments, pastoral care, etc.).

3.

Articulate a reflective response to selected case studies in mission and ministry

4.

Evaluate and critique models of church and illustrate contemporary issues of mission

Unit sequence

45 points in foundational units, including 15 points in Systematic Theology.

Pedagogy

Teaching strategies include lectures; tutorials; research; cross-cultural visits, class discussion and debates; presentation of instructional material in the form of printed documentation, DVD, video and audio.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bosch, David J. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2011.
  • Cox, Harvey. The Future of Faith. New York: HarperOne, 2010.
  • Driver, John. Images of the Church in Mission. Scottdale, PE: Herald Press, 1997.
  • Goheen, Michael W. A Light to the Nations: The Missional Church and the Biblical Story. Grand Rapids,MI: Baker Academic, 2011.
  • Harper, Brad and Paul Louis Metzger. Exploring Ecclesiology: An Evangelical and Ecumenical Introduction. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press. 2009.
  • Kärkainen, Veli-Matti. An Introduction to Ecclesiology: Ecumenical, Historical and Global Perspectives. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002.
  • Kirk, J. Andrew. The Church and the World: Understanding the Relevance of Mission. Milton Keynes: Paternoster, 2014.
  • Moltmann, Jürgen, The Church in the Power of the Spirit: A Contribution to Messianic Ecclesiology. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1993.
  • Sider , Ronald J. and Philip Olson. Churches that Make a Difference: Reaching Your Community with Good News and Good Works. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2002.
  • Van Gelder, Craig and Dwight Zechelle (Eds). The Missional Church in Perspective: Mapping Trends and Shaping the Conversation. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2011.
  • Wright, Christopher J. H. The Mission of God’s People: A Biblical Theology of the Church’s Mission. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Case Study

Case Studies (2 x 500 words)

1000 25.0
Essay

Minor Essay

1500 25.0
Essay

Major Essay

3000 50.0
Essay 0.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 4 Feb, 2016

Unit record last updated: 2021-09-22 16:50:53 +1000