EM016-512 - The Personal Life of the Missionary

  • 2,784 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 5
    AQF level
  • Category developing unit
    B
  • evangelism missiolUnit Discipline

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code EM216. Unit exclusions: PC076-512

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Foundational knowledge and understanding of the personal life of the missionary.

B. Be able to

1. Describe the calling and identity of the missionary

2. Practise the disciplines of spiritual formation with particular reference to the life of a missionary

3. Present Organised evidence-based perspectives on missionary life and service

C. Be in a position to

1. Relating perspectives and skills from ‘The Personal Life of the Missionary in contemporary Christian life and in mission and ministry contexts

Content

A study of the personal life of the missionary with special emphasis on spiritual formation as well as an introduction to the range of issues relating to missionary life from recruitment to retirement.

Section A: Personal Spiritual Formation (30%)

  • The call to discipleship.
  • Fellowship with God through meditation on the Word of God and prayer.
  • Fellowship and ministry in the Christian community.
  • The Holy Spirit in individual and church life.
  • The life of faith and obedience; living under the cross.
  • Spiritual warfare.
  • Relationships with others: spouse, family, colleagues, nationals.

 

Section B:  Missionary Life and Service (40%)

  • The missionary call and selection processes.
  • Missionary qualifications: training and preparation.
  • Relationships with local church and sponsoring missionary society including finance, prayer, supervision, encouragement.
  • Adjustments in cross-cultural living and lifestyle.
  • The single missionary.
  • The missionary family-roles, priorities, and problems.
  • The “tentmaker” missionary role.
  • The missionary’s relationship with the national church.
  • Furlough and deputation.
  • Retirement and the re-entry process.

 

Section C:  Personal Relations and Development (30%)

  • Developing awareness of the factors involved in personal relationships in cross-cultural context, and building relational skills, e.g. listening, self-disclosure, empathy.
  • Developing resources to cope with the conflict and stress of missionary life.

 

This section requires participation in group work with experienced facilitators.

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.


As well as books listed for PC210, the following may be consulted:

 

Prescribed:

O’Donnell, K. (ed.), Doing Member Care Well (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2002).

Elmer, D., Cross Cultural Conflict: Building Relationships for Effective Ministry (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1994).

Elmer, D., Cross Cultural Connections (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2002).

Fawcett, J., Stress and Trauma Handbook (Monrovia, CA: World Vision, 2003).

Foyle, M., Honourably Wounded (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2001).

Griffiths, M., Lambs Dancing with Wolves: A Manual For Christian Workers Overseas (London: Monarch, 2001).

Hale, T., On Being a Missionary (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2000).

Kraft, M., Frontline Women: Negotiating Crosscultural Issues in Ministry (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2003).

Lingenfelter, S. and M. Mayers, Ministering Cross-Culturally: An Incarnational Model for Personal Relationships (2nd ed.; Grand Rapids: Baker, 2003).

Pascoe, R., A Moveable Marriage: Relocate Your Relationship Without Breaking It (Vancouver: Expatriate, 2003).

Pollock, D., Third Culture Kids (Yarmouth, ME: Nicholas Brealey, 2001).

Roembke, L., Building Credible Multicultural Teams (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2000).

Storti, C., The Art of Crossing Cultures (Yarmouth, ME: Nicholas Brealey, 2001).

Taylor, W. D. (ed.), Too Valuable To Lose: The Causes and Cures of Missionary Attrition (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 1997).