HORIZON COLLEGE AND SEMINARY
M101 INTRODUCTION TO MISSIONS Fall Semester 2010-2011, Term B (Module #2, November 1 – 5) CREDIT HOURS: 3 INSTRUCTOR: Kenneth B. Birch, Adjunct Professor, D.Min, D,D. COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is an introduction to the study of Christian mission as presented in the Bible and practiced by followers of Christ in Church history, particularly over the past two centuries up to the present time. Selected Old and New Testament passages will be studied to understand God’s mandate for His Church. Special attention will be given to the critical importance of culture in human societies and its relevance for communicating the Christian message to other people groups. Basic issues of anthropology and sociology will be discussed in this context. As time allows, current trends and developments in missions will be discussed. COURSE OUTLINE: Biblical Theology of Missions Historical Overview of Modern Missions Cultural and Worldview Considerations Missionary Preparation and Ministry Missionary Principles, Strategies and Trends Contemporary Challenges in Missions LEARNING OUTCOMES/GOALS On completion of the course the students should be able to demonstrate a knowledge and awareness of: the biblical foundation for the Christian missionary mandate
the theological principles that provide the theoretical basis for Christian missions
a basic awareness of different worldview orientations and cultural practices
M101 INTRODUCTION TO MISSIONS Dr. Kenneth B. Birch
what constitutes a call to missions and how to approach a missionary career the process and dynamics of missionary ministry in today’s world and to exemplify what was learned by: o forming personal convictions about the importance of global missions in the Church and in one’s personal life o having a greater appreciation of the role of culture in one’s own life and in the lives of other people groups o engaging in the world of global missions as a central imperative in Christian discipleship
REQUIRED TEXT: Moreau, S., Corwin, G.R., Magee, G.B. Introducing World Missions: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Survey. Baker Academic, 2004 SELECTED RESOURCE BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Carson, D.A. God and Culture. Eerdmans, 1993 Dempster, M.A., Klaus, B.D., Peterson, D. Called and Empowered: Global Mission in Pentecostal Perspective. Hendrickson, 1991. Hasselgrave, D.J. Communicating Christ Cross-Culturally. Zondervan, 1978. Hiebert, P.G. Anthropological Insights for Missionaries. Baker book House, 1985. Jenkins, P. The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity. Oxford University Press, 2002. Lingenfelter, S.G. & Mayers, M.K. Ministering Cross-Culturally: An Incarnational Model for Personal Relationships. Baker 2nd ed. 2003. McGavran, D. The Clash Between Christianity and Cultures. Baker, 1974. Moreau, A.S., H.A. Netland, C.E. Van Engen and D. Burnett. Evangelical Dictionary of World Missions. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2002. Neill, S. A History of Christian Missions. Eerdmans, 1964. Nida, E. Customs and Cultures. William Carey. 1975. Piper, J. Let the Nations Be Glad; The Supremacy of God in Missions. Baker Books, 2003. Steffen, Tom & Lois M. Douglas. Encountering Missionary Life & Work: Preparing for Intercultural Ministry. Baker Academic, 2008. Van Rheenen, G. Missions: Biblical Foundations & Contemporary Strategies. Zondervan, 1996. Winter, R.D. & Hawthorne, S.C. (eds). Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. Pasadena: William Carey, 2002, 3rd ed.
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M101 INTRODUCTION TO MISSIONS Dr. Kenneth B. Birch
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS & EVALUATION: Essay: Due October 28th - value: 10% My Personal Perception of Missions – In not more than 1000 words (4 typed pages) describe your view of “Missions” at this point in your life, how this view has developed and how it is affecting your thinking and decisions about your future. Essay: Due November 3rd – value: 15% Acts 1:8, a command and a strategy for missions then and now – In not more than 1200 words (5 typed pages) explain this statement. Mid-Session exam: November 3rd – value: 15% A quiz based on the material from the first two days of the session Final Exam: November 5th – value: 30% Major Essay: due December 5th – value 30% In not more than 2000 words (8 typed pages) write a research paper on a topic chosen from 2 options to be presented before the end of the course. This paper must show evidence of serious research (at least 2 books to be referenced in addition to the Bible), thoughtful analysis and personal reflection.
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the theological principles that provide the theoretical basis for Christian missions
a basic awareness of different worldview orientations and cultural practices
M101 INTRODUCTION TO MISSIONS Dr. Kenneth B. Birch
what constitutes a call to missions and how to approach a missionary career the process and dynamics of missionary ministry in today’s world and to exemplify what was learned by: o forming personal convictions about the importance of global missions in the Church and in one’s personal life o having a greater appreciation of the role of culture in one’s own life and in the lives of other people groups o engaging in the world of global missions as a central imperative in Christian discipleship
REQUIRED TEXT: Moreau, S., Corwin, G.R., Magee, G.B. Introducing World Missions: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Survey. Baker Academic, 2004 SELECTED RESOURCE BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Carson, D.A. God and Culture. Eerdmans, 1993 Dempster, M.A., Klaus, B.D., Peterson, D. Called and Empowered: Global Mission in Pentecostal Perspective. Hendrickson, 1991. Hasselgrave, D.J. Communicating Christ Cross-Culturally. Zondervan, 1978. Hiebert, P.G. Anthropological Insights for Missionaries. Baker book House, 1985. Jenkins, P. The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity. Oxford University Press, 2002. Lingenfelter, S.G. & Mayers, M.K. Ministering Cross-Culturally: An Incarnational Model for Personal Relationships. Baker 2nd ed. 2003. McGavran, D. The Clash Between Christianity and Cultures. Baker, 1974. Moreau, A.S., H.A. Netland, C.E. Van Engen and D. Burnett. Evangelical Dictionary of World Missions. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2002. Neill, S. A History of Christian Missions. Eerdmans, 1964. Nida, E. Customs and Cultures. William Carey. 1975. Piper, J. Let the Nations Be Glad; The Supremacy of God in Missions. Baker Books, 2003. Steffen, Tom & Lois M. Douglas. Encountering Missionary Life & Work: Preparing for Intercultural Ministry. Baker Academic, 2008. Van Rheenen, G. Missions: Biblical Foundations & Contemporary Strategies. Zondervan, 1996. Winter, R.D. & Hawthorne, S.C. (eds). Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. Pasadena: William Carey, 2002, 3rd ed.
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M101 INTRODUCTION TO MISSIONS Dr. Kenneth B. Birch
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS & EVALUATION: Essay: Due October 28th - value: 10% My Personal Perception of Missions – In not more than 1000 words (4 typed pages) describe your view of “Missions” at this point in your life, how this view has developed and how it is affecting your thinking and decisions about your future. Essay: Due November 3rd – value: 15% Acts 1:8, a command and a strategy for missions then and now – In not more than 1200 words (5 typed pages) explain this statement. Mid-Session exam: November 3rd – value: 15% A quiz based on the material from the first two days of the session Final Exam: November 5th – value: 30% Major Essay: due December 5th – value 30% In not more than 2000 words (8 typed pages) write a research paper on a topic chosen from 2 options to be presented before the end of the course. This paper must show evidence of serious research (at least 2 books to be referenced in addition to the Bible), thoughtful analysis and personal reflection.
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