M7110A The Evangelising Mission of the Church

⇒ Back Course Disciplines

This course unit equips the student to understand how the practice of mission has evolved throughout the centuries in response to the changing needs of the world. It introduces students to contemporary theological perspectives and entry points for mission. 

Background
For many, mission is synonymous with proclamation or evangelism. While proclamation has remained constant and urgent throughout the history of the Church’s mission, the demands, trends and insights into mission have changed over the centuries as the needs of world have changed. It is critical to realise this, to map the changes and to discern the new missionary activities needed today. 

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit, students will be able to:

• explain the biblical and theological basis of selected historical approaches to the task of world mission; 
• analyse specific theological concepts that underpin the practice of mission; 
• critique from a theological and biblical perspective selected models of mission and their influence on Church ministry practice; 
• reflect upon and assess the key understandings of mission in selected contemporary Church documents and practice
• apply a specific model of mission to the student’s own ministry context. 

Weekly Topics

1. Biblical foundations for mission
2. A history of mission
3. Contemporary Church teaching on mission
4. Trinitarian basis of mission and Missio Dei
5. The Holy Spirit, Jesus, the reign of God and the Church
6. Proclamation/witness and evangelism in mission
7. Other aspects of mission: e.g. prayer, justice, ecology, inculturation, dialogue and reconciliation
8. Contemporary entry points and strategies for mission