ICS/Mission Course Schedule

*Please note that the following schedule is tentative.

Spring 2007

ME 523 Foundations of Christian Mission, Jim Plueddemann

Survey of the theology, history, culture, politics, and methods of the Christian mission, with special emphasis on recent developments, crucial issues, and future trends, ending with a careful study of missions in the local church. Two hours.

ME 524 Foundations of Evangelism, Richard Cook

This course will provide the graduate student with the content and the context for developing a biblical and theological understanding of evangelism. Through lecture, open discussion, small group interaction, and field experience, the student will develop convictions, skills, and confidence in communicating the gospel while learning how to reproduce these in a local setting, whether it be church, a university or high school campus, or in a multicultural context. Additionally, there will be a strong emphasis on encouraging the student to develop a biblical philosophy of ministry that reflects a balance of both the theoretical and practical perspectives of evangelism. Two hours.

ME 540 Encountering Mormon Culture, Rev. Scott McKinney
Generally a spring break onsite experience in Provo, Utah, enabling intensive engagement with Mormon thought and culture. The course combines readings on Mormonism; visits to the Temple in Salt Lake City, Brigham Young University, and other sites; and instruction from Christian leaders involved in ministry among Mormons. The course seeks to understand Mormon worldview and doctrinal teachings, and challenges for Christian Ministry among Mormons. Two hours.

ME 617 Evangelistic Bible Study: Mark, John Nyquist

This course anticipates the desire of many Christians who want to share Christ with friends or neighbors in an informal setting. Whether the student sees the prospect of planting a church, holding a Bible discussion in a university resident facility, or simply getting friends and acquaintances together to focus on contemporary issues, this course will fill those expectations. Using the inductive method of investigating the biblical text, the student will be enriched with the truth and relevance of Gospel narratives, as well as experience the joy of discovering the freshness of the gospel in the context of group interaction. Credit students only, no auditors. Cross-list as NT 617. Three hours.

ME 620 Theology of Mission and Evangelism^*, Tite Tiénou

The many Old and New Testament texts that provide theological foundations for the global mission of the church are examined. Basic issues that confront the missionary will be investigated, as well as the more complex and contemporary issues. The course provides the student with various perspectives and strategies for dealing with the Trinity, the Great Commission, the call and motivation for ministry, and the problems of dialogue, syncretism, universalism, and ecumenism. Cross-list as ST 620. Three hours.

ME 720 Principles of Discipleship*, John Nyquist

A practicum with attention given to the way Christian disciples are developed, with practical guidelines for implementing discipleship, both as a personal lifestyle and within the context of the local church. Prerequisite: must have completed at least six semester hours. Cross-list as EM 720. Three hours.

ME 732 World Religions*, Harold Netland

Historical survey of the origin and growth of the major world religions, beliefs, practices, and worldviews of the major traditions will be examined, with special attention given to comparison and contrast with Christian beliefs and practices. Cross-list as CC 732, PR 732, DME 732. Three hours.

ME 733 Spiritual Warfare, Robert Priest

An examination of the spiritual warfare that servants of God face in Christian ministry. Attention is given to studies in biblical, historical, and contemporary perspectives of spiritual conflict. Cross-list as DME 733. Three hours.

ME 748 Christianity in the Non-Western World Since 1700, Richard Cook

A broad overview of the significant shift of the center of Christianity from the West to Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The social, cultural, and political context of Western missions, sending nations, and the receiving nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America will be examined. Consideration will be given to: the rise and fall of Western imperialism, the world wards, the interaction between the missionaries and the indigenous churches, nationalism in newly independent nations, the emergence of independent and indigenous church movements, the rise of Pentecostalism. Cross-list as CH 748. Three hours.

ME 813 Global Church Planting*, Craig Ott

An examination of the theological foundations, models, methods, and strategies of planting indigenous churches in a wide range of cultural contexts. Factors for establishing and promoting healthy church planting movements are also considered. Special attention is given to cultural factors, the role of the missionary, evangelism, development, multiplication and avoidance of dependency. Offered annually. Cross-list as DME 813. Three hours.

ME 849 Christ’n Encounter with World Religions, Harold Netland

An examination of some historical, theological, and intercultural issues in the Christian encounter with other major religions. Historical approaches by Christian missionaries to Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism will be examined, with special emphasis on implications for such encounters today. Three hours.

^Required courses for the MA/ICS degree
*Optional courses for the MDiv Cross-Cultural Ministry Focus
*Courses with low student enrollment are subject to cancellation.