DE APPL 610 EMPOWERING THE CHURCH FOR FIRST WORLD RE-EVANGELIZATION: THEOLOGICAL AND MISSIONAL THEMES

600-level courses are usually more advanced and focused than 500-level courses and generally assume the completion of some theological studies. A course may be dropped within two weeks of the course start date for a 100% refund (less a $25 drop fee). A course may be dropped between two and four weeks of the course start date for a 75% refund (less a $25 drop fee). A course may be dropped between four and eight weeks of the course start date for no refund; after this time the student is committed to receiving a grade for the course. All course materials must be returned in original condition before a drop or refund will be approved. Course Description This course has in view the empowerment of the church in urban centers for mission and ministry. It recognizes the cultural, ethnic and social diversity of contemporary cities and the challenges this holds for effective witness and service. It is also mindful of the internal challenges facing the church with its religious consumer mentality, its lack of a corporate missional identity and its cultural captivity. At the same time, this course recognizes the missional identity of the church and its call to be the servant of God's Kingdom purposes. In order for this missional call to be strengthened and encouraged, this course seeks to develop a vision of the church rooted in Trinitarian and Kingdom theology. From this starting point, the course explores models of the church, strategies for effective witness and service, themes in holistic mission, and the contours of a missional spirituality. These themes are explored within the setting of the challenges, problems and possibilities of our urban environments.