MN576/676: Incarnation and Mission Among the World's Urban Poor (4 units)

Betty Sue Brewster, Associate Professor of Language and Culture Learning
Spring 2008 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

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 sacrifice, joy, 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 will engage in experiences among the poor and become involved with poor people to learn about them, intercede for them, and stay three nights with them.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Sensitivity to issues involved in incarnational living and ministry
2. Compare ministry approaches of agencies working among the poor
3. Prepare to teach a Bible study regarding an aspect of ministry among the poor
4. Awareness of world-wide needs

COURSE FORMAT:

Class meets once each week for 3 hour sessions. Class activities include instruction, discussion of readings, feedback on fieldwork, guest lecturers, 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 instructor.

1. Brewster & Brewster. Bonding and the Missionary Task. Pasadena, CA : Lingua House Ministries, 1984, c1982.
2. Christian Witness to the Urban Poor. Lausanne Occasional Papers, #22.
3. Grigg, Viv. Companion to the Poor. Available through Lingua House.
4. Perkins, John. With Justice for All. Regal 1984.
5. Facts for Life. New York: UNICEF.

RECOMMENDED READING: (Read and report on at least 5 books from the books listed in the syllabus):

1. Adeney, Miriam. God's Foreign Policy. Eerdmans, 1993.
2. Campolo, Anthony & Tony. Let Me Tell You a Story. Word, 2000.
3. Chambers, Robert. Whose Reality Counts: Putting the First Last. Stylus, 1997.
4. Davey, Cyril. Kagawa of Japan. Reproduced by Lingua House.
5. Hayes, John. Submerge. Regal, 2006.

6. Kozol, Jonathan. Rachel and Her Children. NY: Crown Publishers, 1988.
7. Kraybill, Donald. The Upside-Down Kingdom. Herald Press, 1994.
8. Myers, Bryant. The New Context of World Mission. MARC, 1996.
9. _____. Walking with the Poor, Orbis, 1999.

10. O'Brien, Niall. Revolution From the Heart. Oxford University Press, 1997.
11. Perkins, John. Let Justice Roll Down. Regal, 2006.
12. Sider, Ron. Cry Justice. IV Press (o.p.).
13. ____. Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger. World Books, 1997.
14. Sider, Ron, et al. Just Generosity. Baker, 1999.
See syllabus for other books. Note: Various of the books are available on loan from the professor.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Readings and class discussions, a written Bible study, 5 field experiences (including 3 overnights) among the poor, written journal of these experiences, written reports of resources available to these communities.
2. Th.M. Students can choose among extra reading and interaction, extra fieldwork, or an extra Bible study.

PREREQUISITE: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Fulfills MIN8 and GLBL requirements in SOT.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

Note: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design, but is subject to modification. Last Date Edited: 14 January 2008