Course 311 - Theology & Strategies of Urban Missions

Course 311 - Theology & Strategies of Urban Missions (3 credits) 

The urbanization of the world presents the church with the unprecedented opportunity and challenge to recognize and plant “signs of the kingdom” in settings that include great change, extraordinary human diversity, centered power, creativity, heightened temptations and many forms of dysfunctionality, both personal and institutional. This course is a historical and Biblical study of the role of the City in ministry and its insights on understanding God’s purposes for effective and transformative change in the City.

Professor: Fletcher L. Tink

Learning Objectives for this Course

Week One

• To expose the student to the theme of the session, "The Fact and Challenge of Global Urbanization"
• To complete the registration for this City Vision College course
• To introduce the student to this course
• To give the student an opportunity to become acquainted with the instructor and other students who are involved

Week Two

• To expose the student to the theme of the session: "Discovering the Theological Underpinnings of Urban Ministry: Definitions and Details"
• To introduce the student to the distinctives of urban mission as opposed to other forms of mission
• To examine the Biblical basis for urban mission, especially as Biblical cities themselves are discussed

Week Three

• To expose the student to the theme of the session, "Further Biblical Insights for Urban Ministry"
• To further examine the Biblical calling to the City, especially as individuals are called to minister in a variety of ways
• To better understand how we see and identify grace in the City in new and fresh ways

Week Four

• To expose the student to the theme of "Confronting Evil and Grace in the City"
• To give the student an understanding of the various ways by which evil confronts the City
• To expand the student's awareness that confronting "evil" in the City involves a variety of responses
• To show the limitations of an "evil-targeted" agenda for the City, with alternatives based on God's vision of the City, not just an ordered view of it.

Week Five

• To expose the student to today's theme of "Further Insights into Urban Problems and Possibilities"
• To recognize a variety of dysfunctional and destructive elements in the City and to name them
• To give the student an opportunity to discuss his/her own approaches in resolving these needs
• To complete the mid-term exam

Week Six

• To expose the student to the theme of this session, "Challenges and Opportunities in Urban Ministry"
• To identify areas of possible redemptive ministry in the City
• To caution against being sidetracked or seduced by other purposes in the City
• To examine issues and the role of Christianity in healing and reconciliation
• To understand the opportunities and limitations of partnership and collaboration both within the Body of Christ and outside of it

Week Seven

• To expose the student to the theme of "How Best do We Minister in the City?"
• To help the student discern when need-based service is necessary and when it is self-serving
• To identify alternatives to need-based service, with special attention to asset-affirming strategies
• To understand the critical role of community in the City, for survival, for quality of life, for the witness of the Kingdom of God

Week Eight

• To expose the student to expressions and understandings of the "Signs of the Kingdom in the City" context.
• To identify ministries in the City that reflect "Signs of the Kingdom"
• To learn what are the ingredients that make them "Signs of the Kingdom"
• To understand community and leadership principles that identify them to be "Signs of the Kingdom."

Week Nine

• To expose the student to the theme of "Personal Issues of Ministry in the City"
• To avoid the deleterious features of the City where we are most vulnerable
• To help set up strategies that help one "flee" spiritual danger, or set necessary boundaries
• To see the "redemptive" features of the City that help mold and transform the life of a servant to the City, conforming ever more to the image of God
• To celebrate the City, forming new expressions of praise within it

Course Materials & Tuition 

If Jesus Were Mayor	$15.00
The Urban Christian: Effective Ministry in Today's World	$15.00
Digital Media Fee	$50.00
Tuition	$450.00
Total Cost of Course	$530.00

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• Register for this course.
• Enroll now.
• Contact us for more information.