Leadership

ES 7860    Social and Cultural Exegesis

Course Description

This course seeks to equip the student in the critical task of understanding the mission field of today's church - its surrounding culture and society. Special attention will be given to the historical development of secularization, modernization, urbanization, multiculturalism and postmodernism. These social phenomena will be evaluated with a view towards various change-producing ministries in the local church and in the broader Christian community ranging from evangelism to political involvement. The course will utilize both lecture and small group discussion formats.

Course Objectives

This course will help you to learn how to "exegete" today's socio-cultural context of ministry, to learn to analyze our surrounding cultures and society, using a number of theological and sociological methods and tools.

This course will help you to gain a deeper understanding of some of the major socio-cultural phenomena we experience today, examining not only "what" is happening but also "why" it's happening

This course will also examine the complex relationship between the church and its surrounding cultures/societies. We will examine how surrounding cultures shape the internal culture/practice and mission of the church while also identifying some of the ways through which the church can impact its surrounding world in a prophetic manner.

Course Texts

1. Berger, Peter. The Sacred Canopy. New York: Doubleday & Company, 1967.

2. Emerson, Michael, and Christian Smith. Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000.

3. Gundry-Volf, Judith, and Miroslav Volf. A Spacious Heart: Essays on Identity and Belonging. Harrisburg, PA: Trinity Press International, 1997.

4. Long, Jimmy. Generating Hope. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997.

5. Wilson, William Julius. When Work Disappears: The World of the New Urban Poor. New York: Vintage Books, 1996.

ES 7815    Change, Power, and Conflict

Course Description

A study of the process of change, power, and conflict management particularly as it pertains to Christian contexts in ministry. Three hours.

Course Objectives

At the conclusion of the this course, the student will:

1. Identify biblical principles and methods of the change process and in the management of conflict

2. Demonstrate an ability to connect personal change with organizational change

3. Identify the various forms of power in ministry and deal with them in a biblically responsible manner

4. Identify the key variables in conflict situations and provide appropriate responses

5. Increase sensitivity in bringing about personal and organizational growth in response to change and conflict

6. Expand his/her skill set in managing change

Course Texts

1. Quinn. Deep Change. Jossey Bass, 1996

2. Schaller. Strategies for Change. Abingdon, 1993

3. Shelly. Leading Your Church Through Conflict and Reconciliation. Bethany, 1997

EM 7265    Assessing Church Health

Course Description

Theological factors of church health and growth will be identified and assessment instruments designed to evaluate the health of a local church. Students will conduct an on-site evaluation of an area church through surveys, observation, interviews, and critical thinking. The final project will be a report to the governing body of the local church concerning the findings of the assessment and proposals for improving church health. Two or three hours.

Course Objectives

Not available

Course Texts

Not available

Updated to 2008-09 Catalog