MN576: Incarnation & Mission Among World's Urban Poor (4 units)

Betty Sue Brewster, Associate Professor of Language and Culture Learning
Spring 2005 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

This course is based on the assumption that the incarnation of Christ provides a Biblical model for ministry and that His teaching and example have particular relevance for those who seek to be His servants among the unreached poor. We will seek to gain a Scriptural and experiential perspective for ministry among the world's urban poor. Course research will include resources from Biblical, community, and historical sources. We will discuss principles of self-denial and service in order to bring justice and principles of the Kingdom of God to the poor, and to gain intimacy with our Lord. Participants engage in practical experiences among the poor and become involved with poor individuals or families to learn about them, to intercede for them, and to stay overnight three nights with them.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Experience and evalutate various ministries among the poor
• Gain an understanding of Scriptural teaching regarding aspects of poverty and ministry.
• Interact with people in poverty and learn from them.

COURSE FORMAT:

Class activities include instruction, discussion of readings, feedback on fieldwork, guest lectures, intercession, and class member presentations.

REQUIRED READING: (If you have previously read any of the required texts, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a book approved by the faculty member.)

Adeney, Miriam. God's Foreign Policy. Eerdmans, 1993.
Brewster & Brewster. Bonding and the Missionary Task. Lingua House.
Christian Witness to the Urban Poor. Lausanne Occasional Papers #22.
Grigg, Viv. Companion to the Poor. MARC
Perkins, John. With Justice for All. Regal.
Facts for Life. New York: UNICEF.

RECOMMENDED READING: (Read & report at least 5 books from these or other selections in the syllabus):

Campolo, Anthony & Tony. Let Me Tell You a Story. Word, 2000.
Chambers, Robert. Whose Reality Counts: Putting the First Last. Stylus, 1997.
Davey, Cyril. Kagawa of Japan. Reproduced by Lingua House.
Kozol, Jonathan. Rachel and Her Children. NY: Crown Publishers, 1988.
Kraybill, Donald. The Upside-Down Kingdom. Herald Press, 1994.
Myers, Bryant. The New Context of World Mission. MARC, 1996.
Perkins, John. Let Justice Roll Down. Regal.
Sider, Ron. Cry Justice. IV Press.
______. Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger. World Books, 1997.
Sider, Ron, et al. Just Generosity. Baker, 1999.
See the syllabus for other book selections. Note: Various of the books are available on loan from the professor.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. In addition to readings, class discussions, and a Bible study, each participant will engage in 5 field experiences (including 3 overnights) among the poor, will keep a written journal of these experiences, and will prepare a report of resources available to these communities.
2. Th.M. Students can choose among extra reading & interaction, extra fieldwork, or extra Bible study.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets Globalization requirement in MAT program and MIN8 requirement in the M.Div. program

FINAL EXAM: None.

Last Date Edited: December 14, 2004