MS621.306 Biblical Theology of Mission
None.
On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:
Critically analyse and evaluate a key principle or idea in Paul’s missional theology and practice.
Critically analyse and evaluate an issue and problem related to establishing of a new church community from a Pauline perspective.
Plan a strategy for developing a key aspect of the life of a new church community from a Pauline perspective.
Apply aspects of Paul’s theology and mission practice to a contemporary context.
Summarise and critique key texts in the area of Pauline theology and mission practice.
This unit focuses on the basic approach, principles and assumptions of Paul’s mission theology as they relate to the churches that are the product of mission in the majority world and the contemporary western world.
Paul’s experience of conversion and its impact on his mission are considered. Particular emphasis is given to the new life of the convert and how that new life is worked out in the context of every day life. The role of the Holy Spirit in the process of conversion and bringing of believers to maturity is also reflected upon.
Paul’s call and missionary motivation is reflected upon focusing on Paul’s sense of concern, responsibility and gratitude. Paul’s apostolic self-consciousness, his relationships with both his colleagues and opponents are also considered. The nature of Paul’s Gospel and his understanding of it in a variety of contextual settings is deliberated upon.
Specific issues and problems are reflected on from a study of Acts and the Pauline Epistles. Principles relating to the foundations of the new church community are considered and issues of leadership, worship, discipline, witness, finances and pastoral care within the growing community are considered. Paul’s missionary credentials and ministry are outlined. Emphasis is placed on Paul’s role as an apostle, teacher, preacher and contextualiser of the gospel, and his missionary strategy is discussed.
The principles and ideas developed are applied to contemporary mission situations in both the majority world and the western world. Modern mission theology is evaluated in the light of Paul’s first century theologising.
Teaching strategies include lectures, tutorials, weekend schools and presentation of instructional material in the form of printed documentation, OHP, DVD, video and audio tape and on-line interaction. Students also learn by class discussion, personal study, preparation of assignments and assessment comments on their work.
The Unit Offerings listed above are a guide only and the timetable for any year is the final authority. The College may vary offerings based on demand, regulatory requirements, continual improvement processes or other conditions.
This unit may be available in different modes of delivery i.e. online and face-to-face as listed above. The unit content will not differ between these modes of delivery. There will possibly be a difference in the schedule and/or the prescribed assessment tasks, however both will cover and assess the same content.