TH 521: Missional Theology 1 God and Creation Spring 2018

Page 1 of 12 TH 521: Missional Theology 1 God and Creation Spring 2018 Last revised: 12/18/17 CLASS DATES AND TIMES January 9 March 6, 2018 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm; Location: Joy in the City, Rm: TBD PROFESSOR Name: Duane A. Belgrave, Sr. Ph.D. Email: brsg.db@gmail.com BIBLICAL S MISSION To prepare missional leaders who incarnate the story of Jesus with humility and authenticity and who communicate the story with fidelity to Scripture, appreciation of the Christian tradition, and sensitivity to the needs and aspirations of postmodern culture. COURSE DESCRIPTION Get to know God. There is no higher aspiration. Marvel in the mystery of the Creator who reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Ferret out sound methodologies for getting to know God better in community with other faithful pursuers of God. See how and why our understanding of God has developed through human history right up to the present day. Improve understanding and life in concert with God even still. PERSONAL NOTE FROM THE PROFESSOR This course gives feet to theology. In the era of movements, some people suspect that missional may be just another phase or program. But, in truth, missional represents far more than a movement. Missional theology seeks to help the church achieve its purpose, to be the full expression of who Christ is and what we are called to be and do. At its core, missional represents a revolutionary shift in mindset, at once a call to greater humility before God and greater courage to do the work of God in the world. Missional theology involves continual imaginative reflection on the interaction between the Gospel and culture, creatively outworking the purposes of God in socially embodied forms of communal life. To that end, this course provides an introduction to theology and the sources, methods, and models employed in doing missional theology in the context of contemporary culture. The course aims to assist Christian leaders to approach ministry theologically, to reflect on how they fulfill their calling in the light of the teaching of the Bible, the history of Christian tradition,

Page 2 of 12 and the specific opportunities and challenges presented by contemporary culture. The course examines the nature and task of theology, its significance for Christian faith, the relationship between theology and culture, and belief and practice. PROGRAM GOALS AND COURSE OBJECTIVES PROGRAM GOALS Demonstrate effective missional leadership based on biblical values and individual gifting, personality, call, context & relational skills. Critically, constructively & creatively engage our postmodern culture with the hope of the gospel. COURSE OBJECTIVES 1. Explain the trustworthiness of the Scriptures as the Word of God. 2. Articulate and demonstrate the value and significance of theology for ministry. 3. Articulate a general summary and some practical implications of the doctrine of God and the doctrine of creation, in biblical teaching and from historical and contemporary perspectives. 4. Think and reason well, specifically in regard to formulation of theological conclusions and in regard to biblical interpretation and application. 5. Develop and articulate an approach to theology that is biblically sustained, historically informed, and culturally engaged. 6. Demonstrate the ability to formulate effective strategies for ministering within our contemporary cultural context with depth and relevance. COURSE ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENTS ASSIGNMENT OR ASSESSMENT RELATED OBJECTIVES PERCENT OF GRADE ESTIMATED TIME IN HOURS 1. Completion of Assigned Readings (& Viewing of/listening to Assigned Audiovisual Resources: 1-6 N/A 44.5 see below) 2. Class Participation 1-6 10% N/A 3. Reading Response Papers 1-6 45% 15 4. Group Project: Presentations & Papers 1-6 15% 20.5 Online Discussion Forum (see below) 1-6 30% See below Total estimated time for the above assignments. 80

Page 3 of 12 INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITY IN ADDITION TO CLASS SESSIONS* RELATED OBJECTIVES PERCENT OF GRADE ESTIMATED TIME IN HOURS Viewing of/listening to Audiovisual Resources All N/A 4.5 hrs Online Discussion Forum All 30% 12 hrs Total 16.5 hrs *These required assignments involve instruction comparable to what occurs in the classroom (lectures, presentations, and instructor-led activities such as discussions, debates, and collaborative work. They should be completed on the due dates listed in this syllabus. Note: All assignments must be submitted by the due date listed in the syllabus and no later than the final due date for the course listed in this syllabus by permission of the instructor. After the final due date, faculty cannot grant students permission to submit late work. See Completion of Course Work below. REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS Orlando E. Costas (2005). Christ Outside the Gate: Mission Beyond Christendom. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers. OR (1982) by Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books. Crystal L. Downing (2006). How Postmodernism Serves (My) Faith. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press Academic. John Franke (2009). Manifold Witness: The Plurality of Truth. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press Books. Selected additional readings and audio-visual resources to be provided by the instructor RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND MATERIALS Other Recommended Texts: Introduction to or Basic Overview of Theology; Missional Theology Stephen B. Bevans & Roger Schroeder, Constants in Context: A Theology of Mission for Today (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2005). David J. Bosch, Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1991). Ellen Charry, By the Renewing of Your Minds: The Pastoral Function of Christian Doctrine (New York: Oxford University Press, 1997). Stanley J. Grenz and Roger E. Olson, Who Needs Theology?: An invitation to the study of God (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1996).

Page 4 of 12 Trevor Hart, Faith Thinking: The Dynamics of Christian Theology (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1995). C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York, NY: Collier, 1944). Scot McKnight, The Jesus Creed (Brewster, MA: Paraclete Press, 2004). Daniel Migliore, Faith Seeking Understanding: An Introduction to Christian Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2004). Missional Hermeneutics Christopher J.H. Wright, The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible s Grand Narrative (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2006. Theology and Culture Lesslie J. Newbigin, The Gospel in a Pluralist Society (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1989). Robert J. Schreiter, Constructing Local Theologies (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1985). Robert Webber, The Younger Evangelicals: Facing the Challenges of the New World (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2002). Understanding What Postmodernism Is Terry Eagleton, The Illusions of Postmodernism (Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers, 1996). Stanley J. Grenz, A Primer on Postmodernism (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996). Nancey Murphey, Anglo-American Postmodernity: Philosophical Perspectives on Science, Religion, and Ethics (Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1997). Engaging Postmodern Culture as Christians Robert C. Greer, Mapping Postmodernism: A Survey of Christian Options (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2003). Stanley J. Grenz and John R. Franke, Beyond Foundationalism: Shaping Theology in a Postmodern Context (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001). Myron B. Penner (ed.), Christianity and the Postmodern Turn (Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2005).

Page 5 of 12 James K.A. Smith, Who s Afraid of Postmodernism?: Taking Derrida, Lyotard, and Foucault to Church (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2006). Leonard Sweet, Postmodern Pilgrims: First Generation Passion for the 21 st Century World (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 2000). Merold Westphal (ed.), Postmodern Philosophy and Christian Thought (Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press, 1999). Glossaries, Reference Tools for Understanding Theological Terms Alan Cairns, Dictionary of Theological Terms (Greenville, SC: Emerald House, 2002). Justo L. Gonzalez, Essential Theological Terms (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2005). Stanley J. Grenz, David Guretzki and Cherith Fee Nordling, Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1999). Donald K. McKim, Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 1996). Richard A. Muller, Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms: Drawn Principally from Protestant Scholastic Theology (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1996). Helpful websites Allelon: http://www.allelon.org/main.cfm Friends of Missional: http://www.friendofmissional.org Missional Church Network: http://www.missionalchurchnetwork.com The Gospel and Our Culture Network: http://www.gocn.org/main.cfm The Church and Postmodern Culture: Conversation: http://churchandpomo.typepad.com/ Open Source Theology (note: not open theism ); On-going theological conversation from around the world (truly diverse cross-cultural representation!) for, with and about emerging church leaders: http://opensourcetheology.net/ Missio Alliance: http://www.missioalliance.org Jesus Creed website/scot McKnight s blog: http://www.jesuscreed.org/ The Ooze (Spencer Burke, soularize, etc.): http://www.theooze.com/main.cfm Emergent Village: http://www.emergentvillage.com/ Tall Skinny Kiwi (Andrew Jones blog and website): http://tallskinnykiwi.typepad.com/tallskinnykiwi/ Redeemer Church; Manhattan, NY (Tim Keller, pastor): http://www.redeemer.com Lifeway Resources, Ed Stetzer (Missional Southern Baptists): http://www.edstetzer.com Mark Driscoll (missional, somewhat anti-emergent...): http://www.theresurgence.com

Page 6 of 12 Note: Each of these websites cross-references various other blog and websites, giving the serious web surfer access to an abundance of helpful information and stimulating conversation. ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTIONS AND GRADING 1. Reading & Class Participation (10%): Students will complete the three (3) required readings by the due date listed in the Course Schedule. In addition to the required texts, the instructor will also introduce/provide additional required resources (including audiovisual resources) to students that are germane to the course. This is a dialogue-driven course: this means that you are expected to be in class and be prepared to discuss the reading assignments and the ideas in them. Make sure you read all the material for each unit. Make every effort to demonstrate in your assignments and in your in-class participation that you have worked your way through the assigned units of course material and have completed the readings as outlined on the Course Schedule. It should be evident in reflections and papers that you are proficient in the themes and concepts and can intellectually and practically engage the issues. If you cannot come to class, be sure to contact me in advance, if possible and check with your classmates and/or me afterwards to learn about what you ve missed. More than two (2) absences will be considered excessive. 2. Reading Response Papers (45%): Students will submit via E-Campus three (3) reading response papers. Each paper is to be 4-5 pages in length, 12 pt. font and double-spaced. Please note that a cover page does not count in calculation of the papers total page length. Consider the following requirements for the papers content: a) From your own emerging or developed missional perspective, respond to/engage the author s argument/position of how the Gospel, theology and culture combine and interact to inform what the author deems to be proper Christian witness and ministry praxis in and for the world. The following query may prove helpful in focusing your critical reflection paper: In what ways does the author inform, support and/or critique/challenge a missional perspective? b) Of course, in your paper, you must demonstrate your comprehension of the author s argument/position however so briefly. - The first paper is due: Tuesday, Jan 30 th @ 5:30pm EST [Franke text] - The second paper is due: Tuesday, Feb 13 th @ 5:30pm EST [Downing text] - The third paper is due: Tuesday, Feb 27 th @ 5:30pm EST [Costas text] Points will be deducted each day the paper is late. Each paper is worth 15%.

Page 7 of 12 3. Missional Issues Online Discussion Forum (30%): There will be online discussions conducted on E-Campus focusing on missional issues. Students will be divided into discussion groups for this purpose. All discussions will run for 6 days, from Wednesday evening (by approx. 6pm EST-or before) through Monday night (11:59pm EST). Students should expect to spend 3-4 hours per week in online discussion, and should expect to log on for discussion at least 2-4 times per week. On the scheduled weeks (see schedule below) of the Missional Issues Discussion Forum, the instructor will post a missionally focused discussion question to which students are to respond. Students are required to post their personal responses to the instructor s opening question and then they are to dialogue with other members of their discussion group. Each student should make her/his initial posting on either Wednesday or Thursday of the week, and then respond to/dialogue with classmates through Monday. Students will be evaluated on the following four criteria: 1. Content Knowledge: Do comments show evidence of understanding of the assigned reading? 2. Quality of comment: Do comments show thought and creativity? 3. Contribution to the overall discussion: Do comments build on and relate to the comments of others? 4. Frequency: How often does the student post to group discussion? [A more complete rubric for discussion forum will be distributed.] There will be a total of three (3) online discussions during the course; the maximum points allowable for each online discussion is 10 points. They will be as follows: Missional Issues Discussion Forum Schedule Online Discussion #1: Wed, Jan 24 th Mon, Jan 29 th Online Discussion #2: Wed, Feb 14 th Mon, Feb 19 th Online Discussion #3: Wed, Feb 28 th Mon, March 5 th 4. Group Project: Presentation & Paper on Missional Ministry Application (15%): Students will form groups that will each give in-class presentations, followed by a brief Q & A all completed by each group within a total of 20-25 minute time frame. Each group will submit a 8-10 page paper to the instructor via E-Campus upon which their presentation is based exploring a specific model for the application of missional theo-ethical principles and practices to real life / real time contexts of ministry [see presentation paper due dates in item c) below]. In their presentations and related papers each group is to demonstrate a clear understanding of what theological terms such as missional, theology, and context mean. Students are also to demonstrate their emerging theological imagination as they construct and apply ministry approach(es), method(s) and strategy/(ies) that are patently missional and are appropriate for their selected context of ministry. This will involve identifying and using an actual, existing context of ministry or by contriving a realistic, believable context of ministry that is based upon an actual context of ministry. In-class group presentations will occur during the following class sessions: Tues, Feb 27 th & Tues, March 6 th.

Page 8 of 12 a) Presentation groups will be formed by no later than Tues, Jan 23 rd and after that date groups will decide their presentation s ministry context [see item b) below for ministry context description due date] and then regularly discuss/prepare for their presentations outside of class time by meeting together and/or via Biblical s Zoom account. When convenient the instructor may periodically and briefly join in with a group s Zoom session in order to check in and be of general assistance to the group (thus, minimally, there will be one (1) Zoom session for each group). b) The instructor must give prior approval of each presenting group s focus. Thus, a brief 1-2 paragraph description of the chosen ministry context of each group is due via E-Campus by Mon, Jan 29 th @ 5:30pm EST. c) Like the in-class presentation, work on the group project paper will occur as a group, but have one (1) person submit the paper to the instructor via E-Campus when it is completed: let the instructor know the identity of this designated person. It is recommended that the assignment first be sent to all the group members to read through and edit it before the designated student submits it, as all students in the group will receive the same grade for this entire assignment. The group project papers are due via E-Campus on the day BEFORE the group gives its presentation. Group presentation days will be determined by Jan. 30 th. Some groups will present on Tues. Feb 27 th and the rest on Tues. March 6 th ; the Feb 27 th presenting groups will submit their papers via E-Campus by no later than Monday, Feb 26 th @ 5:30pm EST & the March 6 th presenting groups will submit their papers via E-Campus by no later than Monday, March 5 th @ 5:30pm EST. Group project paper grades will be reduced significantly each day this 8-10 paper is late. d) The paper describing the group s ministry context description paper will be worth 1 point; the group s in-class presentation will be worth 5 points & the group s paper will be worth 9 points for a group project total of 15 possible points. Note: All assignments are due by the final due date for the course listed above. After the final due date, faculty cannot grant students permission to submit late work. Students must seek a course extension by the final due date by submitting an Academic Request form to the academic office. See the Student Handbook for policies on course extensions. COURSE PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS See prior section Assignment Descriptions and Grading for specifics regarding written assignments such as paper length, formatting/font, procedures for final exam, etc.

Page 9 of 12 COURSE SCHEDULE WITH TOPIC, ASSIGNMENTS,, AND DUE DATES TUESDAY, JAN 9 TH INTRODUCTIONS: COURSE & PERSONAL N/A N/A N/A TUESDAY, JAN 16 TH Franke, Part 1 Reading: Franke, front cover Chap. 4 1/16 N/A Formation of Online Discussion Groups Finalized 1/16 In-Class TUESDAY, JAN 23 RD Franke, Part 2 Reading: Franke, Chaps. 5 9 1/23 N/A Formation of Presentation Groups Finalized 1/23 In-Class Online Discussion #1: Wed, 1/24 Mon, 1/29 1/24-1/29 TUESDAY, JAN 30 TH Franke, Part 3 Reading: Franke, Chaps. 10-13 1/30 N/A Paper: Description of Group Project s Ministry Context Due Paper: Reading Response Paper #1 (Franke) Due Mon, 1/30 @ 5:30pm EST 1/30 @ 5:30pm EST TUESDAY, FEB 6 TH Downing, Part 1

Page 10 of 12 Reading: Downing, pp. 15-120 2/6 N/A TUESDAY, FEB 13 TH Downing, Part 2 Reading: Downing, pp. 123-230 2/13 N/A Paper: Reading Response Paper #2 (Downing) Due 2/13 @ 5:30pm EST Online Discussion #2: Wed, 2/14 Mon, 2/19 2/14-2/19 TUESDAY, FEB 20 TH Costas, Part 1 Reading: Costas, pp. xii-99 2/20 N/A TUESDAY, FEB 27 TH Costas, Part 2; Group Presentations Reading: Costas, pp. 103-194 2/27 N/A Paper: Reading Response Paper #3 (Costas) Due 2/27 @ 5:30pm EST Online Discussion #3: Wed, 2/28 Mon, 3/5 GROUP PRESENTATIONS & PRESENTING GROUPS PAPERS DUE 2/27-3/5 2/27 Mon, 2/26 @ 5:30pm EST In-Class TUESDAY, MARCH 6 TH Wrap-Up; Group Presentations (Cont d) Reading: TBD 3/6 N/A

Page 11 of 12 GROUP PRESENTATIONS & PRESENTING GROUPS PAPERS DUE 3/6 Mon, 3/5 @ 5:30pm EST In-Class LAST DAY OF THE TERM: MARCH 23, 2018 Note: All assignments must be submitted by the due date listed in the syllabus and no later than the final due date for the course listed in this syllabus by permission of the instructor. After the final due date, faculty cannot grant students permission to submit late work. See Completion of Course Work below for instructions on how to apply for an extension using the Variance Form. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY AND ACADEMIC POLICIES Academic Policies: Students are fully responsible to know and follow all seminary rules, regulations, and deadlines published in Biblical Seminary s Academic Catalog, and all requirements concerning their degree programs. The catalog is found on Biblical s website and in the e-campus. Course Syllabus: Students are fully responsible to know and fulfill the requirements stated in the course syllabus. Students should speak with the professor about issues related to course work and deadlines during the course. See Completion of Course Work below for policies on course extensions. E-campus Course Site: Students are fully responsible for course content and materials that are posted on the course site. Students are encouraged to check the course site frequently during the course. Student usage of the course site is tracked by the software and monitored by the professor of the course. Students who experience difficulty accessing or using the E-campus should email helpdesk@biblical.edu and include their student ID# in their correspondence. Academic and General Integrity: As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to integrity and Christ-likeness in all areas of life. What this means in the academic realm is that the completion of all assignments and assessments are to reflect your own work. Students found guilty of cheating or plagiarism will receive a grade of zero on the assessment and will follow the process outlined in the catalog. See Biblical s Academic Catalog for more information on plagiarism and Biblical s policies related to cheating and plagiarism. ATTENDANCE POLICY AND GRADES Students are expected to arrive on time and attend all class sessions. Attendance is especially crucial in courses formatted in block scheduling with evening or all day Saturday class sessions. If you know you are going to miss a class or arrive late, contact the course instructor in advance

Page 12 of 12 via email. Nevertheless, your grade may be lowered for absences or lateness at the discretion of the instructor. COMPLETION OF COURSE WORK VARIANCE FORMS All course work is to be completed by the last day of classes for the term or by the date posted in the course syllabus. Extensions to this time limit will be made only by the academic affairs committee. The individual faculty member does not have the authority to grant any extensions of time beyond the last class of the term. Requests for extensions must be made in writing to the committee at least one week prior to the last day of classes. Variance forms for this purpose are available in the academic office or on the e-campus homepage. All requests should specify the reasons for the extension and the length of the extension desired. Requests are not automatically granted. STUDENT COURSE EVALUATIONS Student course evaluations are an important part of Biblical s commitment to continuous improvement. Students are required to complete the course evaluation within one week of the final due date of the course. GRADING SYSTEM To remain in good academic standing, a student must maintain the grade point average designated for his or her program (see Biblical s Student Handbook for details). BIBLICAL SEMINARY GRADING SYSTEM A 4.00 93.0-100 Superior A- 3.67 90.0 92.9 B+ 3.33 87.0 89.9 B 3.00 83.0 86.9 Good B- 2.67 80.0 82.9 C+ 2.33 77.0 79.9 C 2.00 73.0 76.9 Fair C- 1.70 70.0 72.9 D+ 1.30 67.0 69.9 Poor D 1.00 63.0 66.9 D-.70 60.0 62.9 F 0.00 00. - 59.9 Failing