COURSE DESCRIPTION: 04MS518 - MISSIONS Reformed Theological Seminary Fall Term, 2015 Professor: Thomas L. Austin, D.Min. Tom.Austin@mtw.org This course examines issues in the world mission enterprise in light of today s challenges, opportunities, and obligations. An introduction to anthropological theory and tools is presented in order to develop an appreciation and understanding of the task of bringing the Gospel across cultural and ethnic boundaries. The call to mission service is examined, the theological mandate for missions is clarified, the historical advance of the Church through missions is reviewed, and strategies for effective contemporary missions are considered. COURSE OBJECTIVES: Students will demonstrate the following understandings, motivations, and skills: 1. Students will be able to trace biblical and theological foundations for missions. 2. Students will be able to identify key historical events, personalities, and trajectories of the missionary enterprise. 3. Students will show a practical understanding of cultural anthropology as it relates to missionary life and ministry. 3. Students will show a grasp of basic tools for intercultural communication and cross-cultural ministry. 4. Students will demonstrate an understanding of important missiological theories, strategies and practices that are currently influencing missions. REQUIRED TEXTS: (1347 pp) *Reading Kane and Wright before the first weekend is suggested. Austin, Thomas L. 2000. Elenctics. In Evangelical Dictionary of World Missions, ed. A. Scott Moreau (307-308). Grand Rapids: Baker Books. (Download article from Canvas course homepage.) Hiebert, Paul G. 1985. Anthropological Insights for Missionaries. Grand Rapids: Baker. (298 pp) Hiebert, Paul G., Shaw, R. Daniel and Tienou, Tite. 1999. Understanding Folk Religion. Grand Rapids: Baker. (Chapters 1 & 4, 35 pp) (Download chapters from Canvas course home page.) 1
Kane, J. Herbert. 1978. A Concise History of the World Christian Mission. Grand Rapids: Baker. (187 pp.) Larsen, Samuel H. 2008. Global kingdom vision and the Westminster Confession of Faith. In The Hope Fulfilled: Essays in Honor of O. Palmer Robertson, ed. Robert Penny (317-324). Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed. (12 pp) (download chapter from Canvas course home page) Piper, John. 2010. Let the Nations Be Glad: The supremacy of God in missions (third edition). Grand Rapids: Baker. (264 pp) Sills, M. David. 2010. Reaching and Teaching: A call to great commission obedience. Chicago: Moody. (243 pp.) Wright, Christopher. 2010. The Mission of God s People: A biblical theology of the church s mission. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. (306 pp.) RECOMMENDED READING: Alexander, T. Desmond. 2009. From Eden to the New Jerusalem. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel. (208 pp) Anderson, Gerald H., et al., eds. 1998. Mission legacies: Biographical studies of leaders of the modern missionary movement. Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis. (654 pp) Bavinck, J. H. 1960. An introduction to the science of missions. Transl. David H. Freeman. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed. (323 pp.) ------------. 1981. The church between temple and mosque. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. (208 pp.) Bosch, David J. 1991. Transforming mision: Paradigm shifts in theology of mission. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis. (587 pp) Clowney, Edmund P. 1988. Discovering Christ in the Old Testament. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R. (202 pp) Conn, Harvie M. and Ortiz, Manuel. 2001. Urban Ministry. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press. (469 pp). Durie, Mark. 2010. The third choice: Islam, dhimmitude and freedom. N.P.: Deror Books. (270 pp.) Geisler, Norman, and Saleeb, Abdul. 2002. Answering Islam: The crescent in the light of the cross. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker. (366 pp) Green, Michael. 2004. Evangelism and the early church. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. (474 pp) 2
Glasser, Arthur F. 2003. Announcing the kingdom: The story of God s mission in the Bible. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker. (400 pp) Grunlan, Stephen A., and Marvin K. Mayers, eds. 1988. Cultural Anthropology: A Christian Perspective. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. (303 pp) Hall, E.T. 1981. Beyond culture. New York: doubleday. (281 pp.) Harley, David. 1995. Preparing to Serve: Training for Cross-Cultural Mission. Pasadena, Calif.: William Carey Library. (156 pp) Hastings, Adrian, ed. 1999. A world history of Christianity. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans. (594 pp) Hesselgrave, David J. and Stetzer, Ed. eds. 2010. MissionShift: Global Mission Issues in the Third Millennium. Nashville: B&H Publishing Group. (295 pp). 2005. Paradigms in Conflict: 10 Key Questions in Christian Missions Today. Grand Rapids: Kregel. (353 pp) Hiebert, Paul G. 1983. Cultural Anthropology. Grand Rapids: Baker. (476 pp) Irvin, Dale T., and Sunquist, Scott W. 2001. Earliest Christianity to 1453. Vol. 1 of History of the world Christian movement. Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis. (519 pp) Kaiser, Walter C., Jr. 2000. Mission in the Old Testament: Israel as a light to the nations. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker. (101 pp) Kirk, J. Andrew. 2000. What is mission: Theological explorations. Minneapolis, Minn.: Fortress. (302 pp) Kostenberger, Andreas, and O Brien, Peter T. 2001. Salvation to the ends of the earth: A biblical theology of mission. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press. (351 pp) Larkin, William J., Jr., and Williams, Joel F., eds. 1999. Mission in the New Testament: An evangelical approach. Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis. (265 pp) Larsen, Samuel H. 2014. Gripped by a global God: One greater than Jonah. USA: Xulon Press. (114 pp) Latourette, Kenneth Scott. 1965. Christianity through the ages. New York: Harper. (321 pp) Lewis, Bernard. 2003. The crisis of Islam: Holy war and unholy terror. New York: The Modern Library. Luzbetak, Louis J. 1989. The Church and Cultures: An Applied Anthropology for the Religious Worker. Pasadena: William Carey. (429 pp) 3
Moreau, A. Scott, et al., eds. Introducing world missions: A biblical, historical, and practical survey. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker. (349 pp) Neill, Stephen. 1986. A history of Christian missions, 2nd ed. New York: Penguin. (528 pp) O Brien, P. T. 1995. Gospel and mission in the writings of Paul: An exegetical and theological analysis. Grand Rapids: Baker. (161 pp) Peskett, Howard, and Ramachandra, Vinoth. 2003. The message of mission. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press. (304 pp) Peters, George W. 1972. A biblical theology of missions. Chicago: Moody Press. (368 pp) Pocock, Michael, Van Rheenen, Gailyn and McConnell, Douglas. 2005. The Changing Face of Missions: Engaging Contemporary Issues and Trends. Grand Rapids: Baker Academics. (348 pp) Sills, M. David. 2008. The Missionary Call. Chicago: Moody. (204 pp) Sookhdeo, Patrick. 2007. Islam: The challenge to the church. Wiltshire, UK: Isaac Publishing. (125 pp) Stott, John R.W. and Coote, Robert. eds.1980. Down to Earth: Studies in Christianity and Culture. Wheaton: LCWE, Nairobi. (339 pp) Tucker, Ruth A. 2004. From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya: A biographical history of Christian missions. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan. (526 pp) Van Rheenen, Gailyn, ed. 2006. Contextualization and Syncretism: Navigating Cultural Currents. Pasadena: William Carey Library. (343 pp) Walls, Andrew F. 1996. The missionary movement in Christian history: Studies in the transmission of faith. Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis. (266 pp) ------------. 2002. The cross-cultural process in Christian history. Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis. (284 pp) Winter, Ralph D., and Hawthorne, Steven C., eds. 1999. Perspectives on the world Christian movement: A reader. Pasadena, Calif.: William Carey Library. (782 pp) Woodberry, J. Dudley, ed. 1998. Reaching the resistant: Barriers and bridges for mission. (165 pp) Wright, Christopher J. H. 2006. The mission of God: Unlocking the Bibles grand narrative. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press. (581 pp) 4
Young, John M. L. 2007. Missions: The biblical motive and aim. Pittsburgh, PA: Crown and Covenant. (156 pp.) (the book is in stock at Crown and Covenant Publishers for $10.00) COURSE ASSESSMENT: 1. Class participation (includes attendance and contribution to class discussions). (20%) 2. Read a biography of a missionary of your choice (150-200 pp). Write a 3 page paper. Describe who, what, when, where and why of their life and ministry and their impact on world missions. Also explain the impact of their life and ministry on your knowledge, vision and passion for world missions. (10%) (Due Saturday, 10 October) 3. Research paper (8-10 pages) on a topic previously approved by the professor. (25%) (Due Saturday, 14 November) 4. Elenctics paper (8-10 pages) on a people group of your choice approved by the professor. (25%) Your paper should include: (Due Saturday, 14 November) a. Brief description of the culture of the people group from your research. b. Description of the world view of the people from your people group. Include their country and culture. Use your class notes on world view for information and, use your notes on the five magnetic points of religion as an outline. c. Prepare a list of 15 20 stories (text and title only) which are designed to lead a person from this people group to Christ. Explain why each story was chosen as it relates to the worldview and the gospel. d. Evaluation of your approach and the process of evangelization explaining how your set of stories have dealt with the issues of contextualization and syncretism. 5. Take-home final examination (open book preparation only, closed book written essays no collaboration permitted). (20%) NOTE: Spelling and grammar of written submissions (other than the take-home final examination, which cannot be checked by another person to edit it) must be accurate and will be taken into account in course assessment. Format must comply with the standards of Reformed Theological Seminary. Extension Policy All assignments and exams are to be completed by the deadlines announced in this syllabus or in class. Extensions for assignments and exams due within the normal duration of the course must be approved beforehand by the Professor. Extensions of two weeks or less beyond the date of the 5
last deadline for the course must be approved beforehand by the Professor. A grade penalty may be assessed. Extensions of greater than two weeks but not more than six weeks beyond the last deadline for the course may be granted in extenuating circumstances (i.e. illness, family emergency). For an extension of more than two weeks the student must request an Extension Request Form from the Student Services Office. The request must be approved by the Professor and the Academic Dean. A grade penalty may be assessed. (RTS Catalog p. 42 and RTS Atlanta Student Handbook p. 14) Any incompletes not cleared six weeks after the last published due date for course work will be converted to a failing grade. Professors may have the failing grade changed to a passing grade by request. (RTS Catalog p. 42) OFFICE HOURS: Dr. Austin is available before or after class by appointment and may also be contacted by e-mail (tom.austin@mtw.org). COURSE SCHEDULE: The course is structured in a bloc format. Classes meet for 3 weekends during the 2015 Fall semester as scheduled, at the RTS/Atlanta campus: 11 & 12 September, 9 & 10 October, 13 & 14 November. Sessions will be held from 6 pm to 9 pm on Friday evenings and from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturdays. (Students are encouraged to interact with one another and with the professor during class breaks.) (Note: This course is taught on a graduate level. Readings are supplemental to the lectures and provide either background or amplifying viewpoints or information. Lectures do not necessarily reprise all the readings, nor are they scheduled with a corresponding list of particular pages in assigned texts. Required Reading must be completed by the end of the course.) Intended Class Lecture Schedule (may be adjusted): Sept 11 Sept 12 Sept 12 Sept 12 Oct 9 Oct 10 Oct 10 Oct 10 Nov 13 Nov 14 God s Mission - An Overview The Changing Face of World Missions Key Terms in Missions World View Contextualization and Syncretism Christianity s Encounter with Islam Elenctics Current Strategies in Missions Current Strategies in Missions Current Trends in Missions 6
Nov 14 Church/Mission Relations 7
Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes Course: 04MS518 Missions Professor: Dr. Thomas L. Austin Campus: Atlanta Date: Fall 2015 MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes Rubric Mini-Justification In order to measure the success of the MDiv curriculum, RTS has defined the following as the intended outcomes of the student learning process. Each course contributes to these overall outcomes. This rubric shows the contribution of this course to the MDiv outcomes. *As the MDiv is the core degree at RTS, the MDiv rubric will be used in this Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, historical, and cultural/global information, including details, concepts, and frameworks. Articulation (oral & written) Scripture Reformed Theology Sanctificatio n Desire for Worldview Winsomely Reformed Significant knowledge of the original meaning of Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research further into the original meaning of Scripture and to apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances. (Includes appropriate use of original languages and hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical, and cultural/global perspectives.) Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and practice, with emphasis on the Westminster Standards. Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student s sanctification. Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of God. Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians, especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the Gospel in a God-honoring manner to non-christians; and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.) Strong > Strong > Moderate > Minimal Moderate Moderate Moderate Strong Strong Requires class interaction and a major course paper that demonstrate the student s mastery of biblical, historical, theological, and global information Some key passages and terms in the original languages are dealt with to provide a biblical ontology for a theology of missions and redemptive history Includes units on the theology of missions. Also includes the WCF and global missions perspective Each class begins with an extended devotional bridging a biblical theology of missions with all of life The course focuses upon a biblical and missiological worldview and motivation for life The course seeks to instill a readiness and desire to bring the Gospel winsomely to non- Christians and to provide biblical and historical perspective on controversies among Christians 8
Preach Worship Shepherd Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm. Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christianworship forms; and ability to construct and skill to lead a worship service. Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings; and encouraging a concern for non-christians, both in America and worldwide. Church/World Ability to interact within a denominational context, within the broader worldwide church, and with significant public issues. Minimal Moderate Minimal Strong Content and enthusiasm will spill over into the student s own preaching and/or teaching, although the course will not assess it directly (not a preaching course) Content will influence the student s theology of worship and enthusiasm for worship, although the course will not assess it directly (not a worship course) Content and enthusiasm will spill over into the student s own pastoral practice, although the course will not assess it directly (not a specifically pastoral development course) Course strongly engages the student with the global church in both historical and contemporary context 9