MD540: The Gospel and
Holistic Ministry (4 units)
DESCRIPTION:
This
course equips students to examine and to articulate the Christian doctrines
that undergird ministry to the spiritual, social, economic, relational,
physical, and political needs of the people whom they serve. Rather than
focusing upon methods of crosscultural proclamation, this course
examines the content of our proclamation and how this content, i.e. theology,
helps us to understand and face the challenges of crosscultural service. It
lays a vital foundation for those who will be working with children at risk,
international development, racial reconciliation, or urban missions. We will
reflect theologically upon numerous issues and case studies including poverty,
HIV/AIDS, racial/ethnic reconciliation, economic and political powers,
pluralism, violence, and social relations.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Gain a
theological basis for ministering to whole persons and communities.
Learn to reflect on holistic issues and case
studies from a distinctly Christian perspective.
Discern and critique gospels that truncate human
physicality, relationality, or spirituality.
Articulate your own philosophy of holistic
ministry.
COURSE FORMAT: This
course meets two evenings per week for five weeks. Class time will include
lectures, case studies, and discussions.
REQUIRED READING:
Volf,
Miroslav. Exclusion and Embrace. Abington Press, 1996. 160 pgs.
Hanks, Thomas. God So Loved the Third World. Wipf
& Stock Publishers, 2001. 168 pgs.
Reader including essays and articles by N.T. Wright, Karl Barth, Bryant Myers,
John Paul II, Newbigin, Guitierrez, and others.
RECOMMENDED READING:
None.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Reading,
1200 pgs total.
Two reading reflections, 4 pgs in length
(1000-1200 words).
Annotated Bibliography of Syllabus Readings, 1-2
paragraphs each.
Three short essays, 6-8 pgs in length (1800-2200
words).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATION TO
CURRICULUM: Elective. Fulfills Holistic Theology requirement for MBA program
with Hope International University.
FINAL EXAM: None.