M7110 – The Evangelising Mission of the Church

Unit Code

M7110

Unit Name

The Evangelising Mission of the Church (undergraduate)

Unit Weighting

9  Credit Points

Type of Unit

Foundational

Prerequisites, corequisites or exclusions

Nil

Academic Staff

Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, President of St Vladimir‘s Orthodox Theological Seminary; Professor of Missiology; BA, MDiv, S.T.M, DMin, DDiv (honoris causa)

Curriculum Objectives

This undergraduate course unit shows how the understanding and practice of mission has evolved throughout the centuries in response to the changing needs of the world. It introduces students to the contemporary theological understandings and entry points for mission. It also aims to create an increased understanding of missiology in the Orthodox Christian context and to prepare students for living the challenges of the “Great Commission” with a stronger scriptural, theological and practical methodology.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1.  demonstrate a critical understanding of the various biblical and historical approaches to mission
2. show a thorough mastery of the basic theological concepts underlying mission
3. reflect critically on the key understandings of mission in modern Church and practice
4. evaluate critically, theologically and historically the various models of mission as they impact on Australian Church life
5. show initiative and creativity in identifying entry points for mission in contemporary Australia and justify them theologically

Threshold Concepts:
For many, mission is synonymous with proclamation or evangelism. While proclamation has remained constant and urgent throughout the history of the Church‘s mission. The demands, trends and insights into mission have changed over the centuries as the needs of world have changed. It is critical to realise this, to map the changes and to discern the new missionary activities needed today.

Content:

1. Biblical Foundations for Mission
2. A History of Mission
3. Contemporary Church Teaching on Mission
4. Trinitarian basis of Mission
5. Case studies in local mission
6. Proclamation/witness & Evangelism in Mission
7. Other aspects of mission: e.g. prayer, justice, ecology, enculturation, dialogue & reconciliation
8. Contemporary entry points and strategies for mission in Australia