Mission Studies

• STH TM 801: Christian Mission in a Religiously Plural World
  This course is focused on constructing a theology of mission that is appropriate, adequate, and relevant for the 21st century's religious plurality. The aim of the course is to enable students to 1) recall a quick critical survey of the history of Christian mission, 2) grapple with the varied biblical understandings of mission, and 3) begin to frame and articulate a theology of mission that addresses the challenges posed by the religiously plural world
• STH TM 808: Three Missionary Faiths (Buddhism, Christianity, Islam) and Their Importance for Global Development
  The terms "missionary" and "development" often prompt images of Western Christians working away from home. Much has been written about European colonial era missionaries and Western-led interventions around the world. But Christianity is not the only missionary world religion nor do modern development efforts fall within the sole purview of Western powers. This course will examine the missionary nature of Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam and consider the ways in which all three faiths think about engagement with the world in an era of climate change, resource wars, and global economic inequity. Using an inter-disciplinary approach that examines religious adherents' worldviews the course will concentrate on how the thinking patterns of followers of these three faith traditions translate into actions. We will also reflect on the ways in which the modern development enterprise itself exhibits missionary characteristics. Particular attention will go towards contexts in which interactions among the religious traditions and secular development interventions are taking place. Guest speakers, site visits, and multimedia presentations will complement reading assignments and classroom discussions.
• STH TM 815: Christian Mission
  Exploration of biblical, historical, theological, political, and cultural perspectives on the world mission of the church. This course is a requirement for United Methodist MDiv students pursuing ordination in the United Methodist Church.
• STH TM 853: NGOs & FBOs
  Explores theoretical and practical issues related to cross-cultural non-governmental and faith-based service work.
• STH TM 856: Women in Mission and World Christianity
  History of Christian women in diakonia and mission outreach, including gender issues in mission and non- western Christianity today.
• STH TM 857: Mission and Development
  An inter-disciplinary exploration of Christian mission and development studies in light of 21st century challenges. Includes policy development.
• STH TM 858: Creating Resilience Amidst Resource Scarcity
  Since the mid-1980s, humans have been consuming more of earth's resources than the planet can replenish; the United States alone uses one quarter of the world's energy. This situation, known as "overshoot," has largely arisen from hyper-development. If nothing is done, in several decades there will be vast species extinction, food and fuel shortages, and social unrest. Today's young children could also expect to grow old in a catastrophically degraded world. Many analysts say a cultural and spiritual awakening, including a major rethink of humanity's mission and purpose, is needed to alter this future scenario. So the purpose of this course is to prepare students who can help bring about such an awakening. We will engage Christian theological viewpoints with those of concerned economists, philosophers, and organizational behaviorists. And we will experiment with practical applications of key concepts necessary to positive change.
• STH TM 859: The Future of Ecumenism
  This course focuses on "The Future of Ecumenism and the Transformation of World Christianity in the 21stCentury: Tracking the WCC General Assembly Theme; 'God of Life, lead us to Justice and Peace.'" As such, it juxtaposes the interests of the ecumenical movement even as it verges with evangelical and interfaith interests together with the Just Peace initiatives as defined at the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation in Jamaica (2011). This course is also a part of the World Council of Churches' Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI) as facilitated internationally and at Busan, Republic of Korea, location of the 10th General Assembly of the WCC. Participants in this course will have immediate or digital connection with this assembly.
• STH TM 909: Mission and Outreach: Foundations for Transformation
  Online Course: This course surveys the biblical, historical, theological, and contextual foundations of transformational Christian mission, and introduces contemporary missional issues and practices. Participants will analyze the mission potential of their ministry site and community. The final project of the course is the development of a leadership plan for mission and outreach.
• STH TM 910: History of Christian Mission
  A seminar in the history of Christian missions, from the early church to the present. Issues of historiography, method, and the emergence of non-western church history. Required course for doctoral students in mission studies.
• STH TM 930: History of Missiology
  Seminar on the classic Protestant mission theorists of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Required for doctoral students in mission studies.
• STH TM 931: Readings in Contemporary Missiology
  Readings and discussions of important works in missiology from the 1960's to the present. This course begins where TM 930 ends. Required for doctoral students in mission studies
• STH TM 935: Global Development & Faith
  The academic study of development often overlaps with the practical application of mission and outreach activities (Churches may participate in efforts to reduce malaria mortality, for example.). Along the way, though, keen theological analysis and critical cultural perspectives may get lost, resulting in misunderstandings and missed opportunities. This course aims to equip reflective practitioners with background and insights they will need to effect more holistic social transformation.
• STH TM 959: The Future of Ecumenism and the Transformation of World
  This course focuses on "The Future of Ecumenism and the Transformation of World Christianity in the 21stCentury: Tracking the WCC General Assembly Theme; 'God of Life, lead us to Justice and Peace.'" As such, it juxtaposes the interests of the ecumenical movement even as it verges with evangelical and interfaith interests together with the Just Peace initiatives as defined at the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation in Jamaica (2011). This course is also a part of the World Council of Churches' Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI) as facilitated internationally and at Busan, Republic of Korea, location of the 10th General Assembly of the WCC. Participants in this course will have immediate or digital connection with this assembly.

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