Christian Mission

MS550 TUTORIAL IN CHRISTIAN MISSION (1-3)

Staff
For students with specialized interests/needs in selected areas of introductory study in Christian Mission. Consult syllabus for prerequisites and course requirements. See for academic policy. May be repeated.

MS599 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH IN CHRISTIAN MISSION (1-3)

Staff
Guided, independent, introductory research in Christian Mission. See academic policy and procedures. By contract. Credit only. May be repeated.

The core elective requirement in Apostolic Ministry for the M.Div. can be met by any course in the range, MS610-649.

MS610 THE MINISTRY OF EVANGELISM (3)

Staff
Drawing on biblical, historical, and cultural foundations, this course enables students to clarify their understanding of and strengthen their commitment to the ministry of evangelism. Contemporary models and resources help students formulate a holistic plan for personal, congregational, and world evangelization. Fulfills the United Methodist ordination requirement in evangelism. Prerequisite: IS501.

MS612 CHRISTIAN CONVERSION (3)

Staff
This course prepares students to analyze and understand the centrality of conversion in the Christian tradition. Students are introduced to classic Christian conversion narratives and reading strategies in order to leverage the wisdom of this tradition for their own spiritual formation and ministry, especially that of evangelization. Prerequisite: IS501. Meets with ME612 on the Kentucky Campus.

MS614 RACE, ETHNICITY AND THE CHURCH (3)

Ybarolla
This course is a cross-cultural, comparative study of the causes of both ethnic/racial conflict and cooperation. Various theories of ethnic conflict/cooperation will be examined using case studies from different parts of the world. A key focus of the course will be on how the complex issues related to ethnicity and race should be considered in the context of missions, evangelism, and the global church. Prerequisite: IS501. Meets with MB745 on the Kentucky Campus.

MS615 PRICIPLES OF CHURCH GROWTH (3)

Crandall, Hunter, McPhee
The foundational principles and strategies of the Church Growth Movement seen as one approach to the issues in mission strategy and evangelization and as a means to inform congregational outreach and expansion. Draws from the apostolic vision and legacy of Donald McGavran. Focuses on both Western and Two-Thirds World Case Studies. Fulfills the United Methodist ordination requirement in evangelism. Prerequisite: IS501. Meets with ME700 on the Kentucky Campus.

MS616/CD/CS670 DISCIPLING FOR EVANGELISM & SOCIAL JUSTICE (2-3)

Gray
An examination of the strategic role of the pastor, minister of discipleship, minister of youth, or other ministry leader in discipling a faith community for commitments to and ministries of evangelism, reconciliation, and social justice.

MS620 LEADERSHIP OF THE CHURCH FOR THE UNCHURCHED (3)

Hunter
Studies in organization leadership, especially the leadership of change, applied to the contemporary challenge of helping local churches move from tradition to mission and become effective "apostolic" churches. Draws from the writings and legacy of Lyle Schaller. Fulfills the United Methodist ordination requirement in evangelism. Prerequisite: IS501. Meets with ME745 on the Kentucky Campus.

MS625 PRINCIPLES OF INTERPERSONAL EVANGELISM (3)

Crandall, McPhee, Tuttle
A survey of concepts, models, techniques, and training methods employed in interpersonal evangelism. Some cross-cultural considerations. May include visitation-evangelism field experiences. Fulfills the United Methodist ordination requirement in evangelism. Prerequisite: IS501.Meets with ME710 on the Kentucky Campus.

MS630 MINISTRY AND EVANGELISM IN THE SMALL CHURCH (3)

Crandall, McPhee
An intensive examination of the special historical, sociological, and interpersonal dynamics of smaller congregations, with attention to the challenges and opportunities for evangelism effectiveness in such settings. (Meets with ME760 on the Wilmore Campus.) Fulfills the United Methodist ordination requirement in evangelism. Prerequisite: IS501. Meets with ME760 on the Kentucky Campus.

MS635 RENEWING THE CHURCH FOR MISSION (3)

Pachuau
This course focuses on the recurring phenomenon of renewal in the church as a key aspect of a biblical and contemporary ecclesiology. It seeks an understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit in renewing the church, drawing from biblical foundations, historical models, and contemporary examples of congregational renewal and renewal movements. Application is made especially to the life of the local congregation. Fulfills the United Methodist ordination requirement in evangelism. Prerequisite: IS501. Meets with ME770 on the Kentucky Campus.

MS640 WORLD (TRANSCULTURAL) EVANGELISM (3)

Tuttle
In an age of increasing mobility across cultural boundaries it becomes more necessary to understand the Christian faith from a global perspective. Several issues, therefore, will be addressed in this course: What is essential for Christian commitment across cultural lines? What parts of our gospel understanding may be culturally bound? What issues transcend cultural boundaries that might assist our communication of the gospel in any culture? Prerequisite: IS501.

MS645 CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION OF CHRISTIANITY (3)

Hunter
Studies in the literature of inter-cultural communication, with attention to understanding cultural contexts and barriers, with applications to Christian witness across and within cultures. Prerequisite: IS501. Meets with MB720 on the Kentucky Campus.

MS650 TUTORIAL IN CHRISTIAN MISSION (1-3)

Staff
For students with specialized interests/needs in selected areas of intermediate study in Christian Mission. Consult syllabus for prerequisites and course requirements. See academic policies. May be repeated.

The core elective requirement in Understanding the World can be met by courses in the range, MS651-689.

MS/CL651 WOMEN IN MINISTRY (3)

Stonehouse, Minger
Acquaints students with matters relating to women in the ordained, diaconal and lay ministries of the church. Consideration is given to both the impact of the church on women and the impact of women on the church from biblical times to the present. The course is interdisciplinary in its structure, investigating the topic of women in ministry from biblical, historical, theological, psychological, sociological, anthropological, and pastoral perspectives. Prerequisite: IS501.

MS652/CS632 CHRISTIAN MINISTRY IN A MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY (3)

Ybarrola
This course equips and prepares students for Christian ministry in a multicultural society. It is designed to provide historical, sociological, theological and ethical foundations for ministry in a diverse society; to provide relevant models for developing a multicultural approach to ministry; and to assist in developing practical applications and new ministry programs that are relevant and meaningful for a multicultural, pluralistic, and diverse society. Prerequisite: IS501.

MS653/CL615 CROSS-CULTURAL LEADERSHIP (3)

Gray, West
This course examines the role of culture and cultural dynamics in the selection, emergence, and functioning of leadership. Primary attention will be given to leadership dynamics within the multicultural North American context, but consideration will also be given to how American theories and models are appropriated in other cultural contexts. Prerequisite: IS501. Meets with ML715 on the Kentucky Campus.

MS654/CL620 DEVELOPING EMERGING LEADERS (3)

West
An advanced perspective and skill enhancement course which provides a theoretical and practical orientation to leadership development studies through the implicational lens of missiological theory, research, and application. The class helps students accelerate their leadership development vision and ethic, and develop culturally appropriate strategies, perspectives, and principles for training leaders in their current or anticipated ministry settings. Prerequisite: IS501. Meets with ML700 on the Kentucky Campus.

MS/CL655 THE CHANGE AGENT IN MISSION (3)

Rynkiewich, Ybarrola
The underlying assumption of this course is that as cross-cultural witnesses we are by definition agents of change. So we better know something about how change occurs, how to introduce it effectively into organizations, how to evaluate when we should and should not be introducing change, and what is the theological foundation for our involvement. To speak to these issues we have divided the course into four parts: (1) Models of Culture Change, (2) Insights from Applied Anthropology, (3) Problems in Community Development, and (4) The Challenge of Integral Human Development. Prerequisite: IS501. Meets with MB730 on the Kentucky Campus.

MS660 APPALACHIAN/RURAL MINISTRY (3, 6)

Staff
For students planning on ministry in small town or rural churches. The Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center (AMERC) offers summer courses which are similar to J-Term, but may include class sessions at the seminary sponsoring the course along with an immersion experience in Appalachia. Includes a systematic study of the religious history of the region, the development of rural Appalachian culture, and social issues currently being faced by churches and people of the region - with research on future trends. Two of the six hours may substitute for MM 602. Financial assistance available. Recommended for middlers and seniors. Offered also in January for three hours (not credited toward Mentored Ministries requirements, however). Credit only. Prerequisite: IS501.

MS661, 662, 663 URBAN MINISTRIES COURSES

Pohl
These courses are taught in Chicago for credit in the Seminary. MS661 Urban Issues is offered as a three-week course each January and June, and is an acceptable substitute for MM602. Students may also spend a full semester in Chicago and earn from six to 14 hours of Asbury credit. This semester is an acceptable substitute for MM602. See Professor Pohl for details and application materials regarding any of the Chicago opportunities.

MS661 URBAN ISSUES (3)

Staff
An investigation of major issues, forces, and changes in the city and churches of Chicago today. Features academic seminars, living in community, and participation in ministry. Type of ministry will be tailored to the interests of the student. Offered only in Chicago through the Seminary Consortium on Urban Pastoral Education. Mentored Ministries credit and financial assistance available. Credit only. Prerequisite: IS501.

MS662 URBAN MINISTRIES PROGRAM (6-8)

Staff
Students will spend an entire semester in Chicago. The program involves academic seminars, living in community, and participation in ministry. Type of ministry and topics addressed in academic seminars will be tailored to the interests of the student. Offered through the Seminary Consortium on Urban Pastoral Education. Financial assistance available. May be combined with MS661, 663, and/or independent study to achieve additional credit hours (up to 14). Prerequisite: IS501.

MS663 CONGREGATION AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS (3)

Staff
An introduction to methods of developing congregational involvement, students are trained to prepare laypersons in the development and use of elementary social research tools to assess social and personal needs in the community. Skills are developed to inventory material and personal resources in the congregation to be directed toward community action. Prerequisite: IS501.

MS665 POLITICS AND PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAM (12-15)

Staff
Students will spend the entire fall semester in Washington, D.C., as part of the National Capital Semester for Seminarians offered by Wesley Theological Seminary. The program provides an opportunity to learn from persons involved in the political process. The program involves supervised study, direct political interaction, and disciplined reflection. Prerequisite: IS501.

MS670 URBAN ANTHROPOLOGY (3)

Rynkiewich, Ybarrola
Study the insights of anthropological research to help understand the dynamics, problems, and opportunities in cities, with implications for evangelism, church growth, and church planting. Prerequisite: IS501. Meets with MB735 on the Kentucky Campus.

MS671 ANTHROPOLOGY FOR MISSION PRACTICE (3)

Rynkiewich, Ybarrola
An introduction to cultural anthropology, with application to Christian evangelization and mission. Core course for MAWME program. Meets with MB700 on the Kentucky Campus.

MS672 VALUES AND ETHICS IN CROSS-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE (3)

Rynkiewich, Ybarrola
An anthropological approach to the nature and functions of values and ethics in various societies, with special attention to their encounter with Christianity. Prerequisite: IS501 Meets with MB750 on the Kentucky Campus

MS673 CONTEMPORARY CULTS AND NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS (3)

Muck
A study of cults and new religious movements in contemporary America and the Two-Thirds World, tracing their emergence from historical and religious perspectives, with interpretation of their theological significance. Prerequisite: IS501. Meets with MW770 on the Kentucky Campus.

MS674 INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS (3)

Muck
An introduction to the origin, history, and basic tenets of each of the major religious traditions of the world-Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Taoism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Shinto, Sikhism, and Zoroastrianism. Students learn basic religious study skills, and engage in research projects in one or more of these religions. Prerequisite: IS501. Meets with MW708 on the Kentucky Campus.

MS675 CHRISTIAN MISSION AND GLOBAL CULTURE (3)

Pachuau
An examination of trends and currents that are shaping emerging global culture and an exploration of the challenges and opportunities these provide for authentic Christian witness. Developments in science, technology, economics, philosophy, and popular culture are examined for their worldview implications, and the positive and negative aspects of post-modernity are assessed. Prerequisite: IS501. Meets with MI770 on the Kentucky Campus.

MS/ST680 CONTEMPORARY CULTS (3)

Staff
A study of the historical and theological origins and development of cultic phenomena in contemporary American religion. Prerequisite: ST501 or DO501.

MS685/MW795 THE CHURCH ABROAD (3)

Staff
A visit to a developing country to observe the church in a specific cultural setting. Aspects of culture, mission/church relations, and ministry issues will be studied. Travel costs in addition to tuition. Usually offered during J-Term. Staff and requirements approved each time the course is offered; see the syllabus particular to the term being offered. May be repeated up to a total of six units. Prerequisite: IS501.

MS690 EVANGELISM IN THE WESLEYAN SPIRIT (3)

Tuttle
Studies in John Wesley's theology, motivation, and methodology in evangelism, drawing primarily from selected sermons, essays, letters, and journal entries along with attention to secondary sources. Prerequisite: IS501.

MS691 EVANGELISM IN HISTORICAL AND THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE (3)

Tuttle
Traces the history and theology of evangelism from the promise to Abraham to the present. The covenant with Israel, the Great Commission, the Apostolic Fathers and early apologists, the ecumenical councils, the monastic movement, the Reformation (Catholic and Protestant), the revivals of the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as the contemporary scene provide some of the backdrop for the study of evangelism. Prerequisite: IS501.

MS692 THEOLOGY OF EVANGELISM (3)

Crandall, McPhee, Tuttle
Various theologies of evangelism will be examined in light of both their historical and contemporary expressions. The course seeks to clarify the basic gospel message and aid students in their design of theologically appropriate methods and motivations for its communication. Prerequisite: IS501. Meets with ME735 on the Kentucky Campus.

MS693 CHURCH RENEWAL IN HISTORICAL AND THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE (3)

Tuttle
Throughout the history of the church there have been movements of the Spirit that have sought to maintain balance between the church's organizational structure and the church's spirituality. The history and theology of the church in renewal must necessarily relate to those movements. After a thorough description of the powerful precedent set in the apostolic churches, this course will trace an unbroken line of renewal movements down to the present day. Prerequisite: IS501.

MS699 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH IN CHRISTIAN MISSION (1-3)

Staff
Guided, independent, intermediate research in Christian Mission. See academic policy and procedures. By contract. Credit only. May be repeated.

MS701 SENIOR REFLECTION COMMUNITY IN WORLD MISSION AND EVANGELISM (1)

Staff
This course convenes for two hours per week as a senior reflection group for students in the M.A. program in world mission and evangelism and intercultural studies, with the objective of facilitating an integrative closure to the Seminary experience. Prerequisite: MM615. Credit only.

MS750 TUTORIAL IN CHRISTIAN MISSION (1-3)

Staff
For students with specialized interests/needs in selected areas of advanced study in Christian Mission. Consult syllabus for prerequisites and course requirements. See academic policies. May be repeated.

MS790 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH IN CHRISTIAN MISSION (1-3)

Staff
Guided, independent, advanced research in Christian Mission. See academic policy and procedures. By contract. Credit only. May be repeated.

Asbury Theological Seminary

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