Acquaints the participant with the modern Jewish experience and worldview by exploring the history of Jewish-Christian relations. Special emphasis is given to developing effective tools for disciplining new Jewish believers within the context of the local Christian fellowship. Cross-listed with PTH 548.
Designed for students pursuing the Master of Divinity, MA in Intercultural Studies, MA in Christian Ministries, or Master of Pastoral Leadership. It requires significant research in biblical and contemporary literature in relation to ministry praxis in a local church, parachurch, and/or intercultural context. It leads to the production of an integrative, field-based writing project. See GMD Field Education Research Project Manual. Cross-listed with PTH 556.
Assists in the formation of a developmental framework for whole life discipleship, pastoral counseling, and soul care. Examines development across the life span conceptualizing human development as a framework for understanding human beings created in the image of God. The life cycle will be utilized as a construct for the development of family life ministries and age-appropriate introduction of theological concepts. Family systems thinking, important developmental processes and the major challenges faced at each stage will be examined. Cross-listed with MCC 561.
Studies the necessary interpersonal skills in the counseling, coaching, and mentoring relationship. The helping sequence will be examined and specific skills and interventions for each stage will be studied. Special focus will be given to working with diverse populations and cultural implications. Cross-listed with PTH 565.
Examines God's purpose in creating humans as female and male and allow scriptures to critique one's own cultural gender biases. Students will practice ethnographic research methods that prepare them to discover culture through the lens of gender. They will also develop spiritual disciplines that will enhance their lives and intercultural ministry. Cross-listed with PTH 631 and THE 631.
Studies a specific area of interest in missiology. Cross-listed with MHT 639 and MSS 639.
Examines both the theoretical and practical missiological aspects of theological contextualization as related to the following areas: biblical interpretation, church methodologies/strategies, and leadership development. Theological and missiological contextualization is reviewed and evaluated in terms of its bearing on the communication of the Gospel, the expression of the Christian faith and its spread in various cultural settings. Cross-listed with MHT 642.
Studies the principles of cultural anthropology and intercultural communication from a theological/missiological perspective to facilitate the emergence of a theology which addresses the complexities of ministry in an intercultural setting. Cross-listed with MHT 643 and PTH 643.
Aims to cultivate the leader's appreciation of the church's social mission in society while avoiding historical extremes. It aims to facilitate a constructive Christian response to contemporary issues confronting the church by examining best practice models. Flowing from theological reflection and ethical thinking, this course will examine ways to facilitate community development within a Christian worldview on a personal, local, regional and global level. Cross-listed with PTH 564.
A critical-historical evaluation of the impact of the Christian faith upon the major spheres of society. Christian contributions to the arts, education, intellectual inquiry, science, political thought and social justice will be delineated. The 2000-year narrative of Christian history is filed with progress and regress, but the overall portrait reveals a resilient faith able to influence positive change. Cross-listed with HIS 659 and PTH 659.
