Missions Curriculum

 

Four missions courses are offered on a rotating two-year schedule. Each course fulfills the two-hour missions requirement.

Biblical and Theological Perspective on Missions

This course has two primary objectives: (1) to explore mission and missions in the Old and New Testaments, and (2) to explore the theology of missions through the study of important missions theologians and important issues in missions theology. This course will also introduce the history of missions, the globalization of Christianity, cross-cultural issues, the call to missions, and the mobilization of the local church. (Can be taken for core credit or as an elective.)

Historical Perspectives on Missions

This course has  two primary objectives: (1) to provide a framework for understanding the missionary expansion of Christianity from Pentecost to the present, and (2) to explore through case studies from missions history the cross-cultural transmission of the Gospel. The course will also introduce the Bible and missions, theology of missions, the globalization of Christianity, the call to missions, and the mobilization of the local church. (Can be taken for core credit or as an elective.)

Missions and World Christianity

This course focuses on Christianity as a worldwide movement by looking at the development and present state of missions and the church in the major regions of the world (Africa, Asia, and Latin America).  The course also introduces the Bible and missions, theology of missions, the call to missions, and mobilizing the local church.  (Can be taken for core credit or as an elective.)

Contemporary Missions: Issues and Strategies

This course takes in-depth look at some of the pressing issues facing missions and strategies for addressing the contemporary situation. Issues include but will not be limited to contextualization, holism, globalization, ecumenical cooperation, spiritual warfare, and non-Christian religions. Strategies will include  those currently prominent among denominations (SBC, MTW, etc.) and para-church agencies. The course will also introduce the Bible and missions, the history of missions, the call to missions, and mobilizing the local church. (Can be taken for core credit or as an elective.)

Special Topics in Missions

Each January and Summer term, the Global Center offers a two-hour elective study abroad course that includes course readings and assignments particular to the country or people visited.  Material for these courses usually covers the history of Christianity in that area of the world, as well as the study of other religions, and current ministry practices, opportunities and challenges there.  Examples of past Special Topics in Missions courses include “China: Discovering the Chinese Church,” and “Brazil: Church Planting in South America.” These courses are offered in addition to the one-hour cross-cultural ministry practicum that students can complete by taking this trip and completing CCMP course work.

 

 

Beeson Divinity School also requires Cross-cultural ministry practicums of Master of Divinity Students. For description of the CCMP program, click here.