Content

This unit examines the cultural and ethnic diversity of contemporary Australia and explores the implications of that complexity for mission. Students will explore the development of a contextual theology, which will support a culturally and ethnically diverse church. The unit will consider biblical, theological, pastoral and sociological frameworks for effective mission in this evolving context, noting critical issues for mission. Models of ministry that have been used by the church in ministry across cultures will be critically examined.

Unit code: DM2118B

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2

Unit discipline: Missiology

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Examine and articulate an understanding of the ethnic and cultural diversity that is present in contemporary Australia and the implications of this diversity for mission and ministry.

2.

Assess the challenges faced by people who are from an ethnically and culturally diverse heritage as they adapt to the Australian context.

3.

Critically evaluate existing models of how the church has responded to mission among such diversity.

4.

Identify critical biblical, theological and pastoral issues relevant to ministry with people from ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds.

Unit sequence

15 points in Field D

Pedagogy

Lectures, Workshops, Tutorials, Field Visits, Guest lecturers from congregations successfully engaging with ethnic and cultural diversity will be used in workshop settings to assist in delivery of classes.

Indicative Bibliography

  • DeYmaz, Mark. Building a healthy multi-ethnic church: Mandate, commitments and practices of a diverse congregation. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2007 (recommended for purchase)
  • Foster, Charles R. Embracing diversity: Leadership in multicultural congregations. New York: The Alban Institute, 1997
  • Hughes, Philip and Sharon Bond. A handbook for cross-cultural ministry. Adelaide: Openbook, 2005
  • Law, Eric H.F. The wolf shall dwell with the lamb: A spirituality for leadership in a multicultural community. St Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 1993
  • Lopez, Mark. The origins of multiculturalism in Australian politics, 1945-1975. Carlton Sth, Vic: Melbourne University Press, 2000
  • Rhoads, David M. The challenge of diversity: The witness of Paul and the Gospels. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1996
  • Richmond, Helen and Myong Duk Yang, eds. Crossing Borders: Shaping faith, ministry and identity in multicultural Australia. Sydney: Multicultural and Cross-Cultural Ministry, The National Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia, 2006
  • Russell, Letty M. Just hospitality: God’s welcome in a world of difference. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2009
  • Smith, David I. Learning from the stranger: Christian faith and cultural diversity. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2009
  • Woo, Rodney M. The color of church: The biblical and practical paradigm for multiracial churches. Nashville: B & H Academic, 2009

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

2,500 word essay on mission to an ethnically and diverse Australia.

2500 60.0
Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper

1,500 word tutorial Paper on topic chosen from a set list of topics connected to mission to an ethnically and culturally diverse Australia.

1500 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 19 Oct, 2014

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-05 15:58:02 +1100