EM011-712 - Mission in the Urban Context

  • 2,784 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 7
    AQF level
  • Category developing unit
    B
  • evangelism missiolUnit Discipline

Corequisites

96cps of study, including 36 cps at AQF level 6

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code EM411.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Functional knowledge and understanding of contemporary urban mission.

B. Be able to

1. Discuss the biblical foundations of urban mission

2. Explain urbanism and urban culture

3. Implement a culturally appropriate approach to contemporary urban mission

4. Present Critical evidence-based perspectives on contemporary urban mission

C. Be in a position to

1. Applying perspectives and skills from ‘Mission in the Urban Context’ to ministry practice as a reflective practitioner

Content

Section A: Biblical Foundations

  1. Biblical views of creation, the city; aspects of the prophetic message; corporate sin and structural evil;
  2. The life, ministry and teaching of Jesus, with special reference to the issues of poverty, wealth, justice and power; the theology of the cross; responses of the early church to gospel ministry and discipleship in urban contexts.
  3. Theological perspectives on concepts such as ‘incarnational’, ‘sign and agent’, and ‘Kingdom of God’ within the context of urban mission.

Section B: Understanding the Urban Context

  1. An overview of the history of urbanisation around the world;
  2. Urbanisation as a cultural phenomenon; the impact of pluralism, mobility and anonymity on church structures in the urban context;
  3. Approaches to mission which have been and are being applied in the urban context;

Section C: Evaluation of Mission Structures in Urban Contexts

  1. Traditional approaches to urban mission and their relevance to different urban contexts today;
  2. Evaluating the necessity of, and approaches to the reformation of church structures; urban church models, including adaptations of parish models; base communities; house churches; cell churches.
  3. Proclaiming the gospel in urban language, symbols and life-style that are appropriate to the specific cultural context.

Set Readings

This unit's indicative bibliography is currently being revised. Students should contact their home college for further details at the time of taking this unit.


Prescribed:

Barker, A. and J. Hayes, Submerge: Living Deep in a Shallow World (Mellbourne: GoAlliance Springvale, 2002).

Bakke, R., A Theology as Big as the City (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1997).

Conn, H. et al, The Urban Face of Mission (Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian & Reformed, 2002).

Conn, H. and M. Ortiz, Urban Ministry: The Kingdom, the City, and the People of God (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2001).

Conn, H. (ed.), Planting and Growing Urban Churches (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1997).

Davey, A., Urban Christianity and the Global Order (Peabody, MA: Hendrikson, 2002).

Fuder, J. (ed.), A Heart for the City (Chicago, IL: Moody, 1999).

Green, L., Urban Ministry and the Kingdom of God (London: SPCK, 2003).

Gornick, M., To Live in Peace: Biblical Faith and the Changing Inner City (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003).

Linthicum, R., Transforming Power: Biblical Strategies for Making a Difference in Your Community (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2003).

 

Recommended:

Murray, S., Church Planting: Laying Foundations (Scottdale, PA: Herald, 2001).

Northcott, M. (ed.), Urban Theology: A Reader (London; Herndon, VA: Cassell, 1998).

 

Classic:

Van Engen, C., and J. Tiersma, God so Loves the City: Seeking A Theology for Urban Mission, (Monrovia: MARC, 1994).