Introduction to the Theology of Mission (DM1330Y)

Undergraduate, 18.0 points

Content

This unit explores the nature and historical development of mission while exploring current definitions and perspectives within missiology; claims for the importance and practice of mission within the contemporary context; and the historical and contemporary aspects of mission by examining key Catholic mission documents.

Unit code: DM1330Y

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: Missiology

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: Yarra Theological Union

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Learning outcomes

1.

Reflect on the nature and importance of mission
2.

Identify the biblical foundations of mission
3.

Illustrate the missionary nature of Christian vocation in the contemporary context
4.

Examine the impact of colonialism on mission

Pedagogy

Synchronous and asynchronous lectures and tutorials

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bauckham, Richard. Bible and Mission: Christian Witness in a Postmodern World. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2003.
  • Bevans, Stephen B., and Roger Schroeder. Constants in Context. A Theology of Mission for Today. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2004.
  • Blackburn, W. Ross. The God who Makes Himself Known: The Missionary Heart of the Book of Exodus. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2012.
  • Bosch, David. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in the Theology of Mission. New Ed. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2011.
  • Flett, John G. The Witness of God: The Trinity, Missio De, Karl Barth, and the Nature of Christian Community. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2010.
  • Kim, Kirsteen. Joining in with the Spirit: Connecting World Church and Local Mission. London: SCM Press, 2012.
  • Ott, Craig, Stephen J. Strauss, and Timothy C. Tennent. Encountering Theology of Mission: Biblical Foundation, Historical Developments, and Contemporary Issues. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2010.
  • Schroeder, Roger. What is the Mission of the Church? A Guide for Catholics. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2008.
  • Skreslet, Stanley H. Comprehending Mission: The Questions, Methods, Themes, Problems and Prospects of Missiology. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2012.
  • Wright, Christopher J. H. The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative. Downers Gove, IL: IVP Academic, 2006.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Oral Presentation

Tutorial presentation and discussion of a case study in Mission

 1500 40.0
Essay - Critical Essay

Critical essay describing the missionary nature of the church and critically examining how it can be practised in contemporary Australia

 2500 60.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Naomi Wolfe on 21 Oct, 2026

Unit record last updated: 2026-10-21 09:25:10 +1100