Same as PAST 0643.

Same as PAST 0668.

Examination of specific topics in leadership.

This seminar course will introduce students to concepts of leadership, organizational change theory, and skills required to lead organizations and communities in the context of changing demographics. The emerging practice of diversity as central to leadership theory and practice, the holistic nature of diversity, social justice within a diverse society, and the role these have in contributing to effective and appropriate leadership will be explored to gain an informed understanding. Reflection on multicultural, and intercultural perspectives and partnerships, specifically, those between Indigenous Peoples and Western culture is a focal aspect of this course. Leaders require knowledge, skill and attributes that support inclusion and promote unity.

Introduces students to a biblical theology and practice of Christian hospitality. Drawing from the history of Christian hospitality, learners will develop an understanding of how to contextualize and apply a theology of hospitality to current ethical challenges that surround host and stranger relations. This exploration of Christian hospitality will provide an alternative framework for guiding communities in establishing boundaries, discerning risk and embracing the surprise of the stranger. Same as PAST 0565.

Directed Reading and Research (DRR) courses allow students to study in a specific area of interest not addressed by the scheduled course offerings. Permission required.

Provides a comprehensive survey of the nature of Christian mission worldwide. Covers the biblical foundation of mission, the historical development and expansion of the world Christian movement and the current issues and challenges facing mission today. Special attention is given to relating mission to culture. Explores several dynamic methods of presenting the Good News of the kingdom effectively and meaningfully in a particular world context. Effective strategies for world evangelization and church planting will be considered.

Globalization is one of the main features of our contemporary post-modern culture. This course provides a comprehensive theological and missiological study on the impact of globalization on the life and ministry of the global church in the twenty first century. Major themes such as the historical development of Christianity, its theology and mission in the cultural context of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe/North America will be explored. Church’s ministry and responsibility towards socio-political injustices, poverty, urbanization and the ecology will be studied from a global perspective. Special attention will be given to the church’s interaction with other religious traditions. The missional nature of the church will be explored from a Trinitarian perspective where emphasis will be given to the mission of the people of God as an instrument for peace and reconciliation among world communities and nations. Same as THEO 0668.

Compassion and justice are integral to who God is. These are reflected in God’s acts in history and God’s actions today, and are fundamental to God’s mission (missio Dei). What are the biblical and theological foundations for compassion and social justice? How has the Church historically related to the issue of social justice and how has it understood and demonstrated compassion? This course will trace the issue of compassion and social justice through scripture, church history, and missions, and examine different models used. The students will develop a comprehensive theological framework to understand the role and practice of compassion and social justice within the ministry of the church and mission agencies. Same as THEO 0603.

Designed to introduce the student to the rapidly changing Canadian urban realities and provide a context for reflection on the impact of these realities on the larger Canadian culture. Critical theological thinking and reflection with respect to the urban cultural context of the Christian Church will be the core for the course. Topics include urban sociology, biblical theology of the city, community analysis, economics, and ministry within urban communities. This course will assist the student to reflect on how local and global forces will significantly impact how we live and how the Church will function in coming years and provide a context to help the student develop a missional theology of the city. Same as PAST 0621.

Same as THEO 0623.

Helps the students to develop greater capacity to research and to exegete their neighbourhoods. The student will learn to see spaces as “place”, locations which are significant because of the connections to the people who live there, while always asking where is God at work in these places and how do we join in to develop healthy, sustainable communities, nurturing the gifts and value of hospitality, particularly in the welcoming of the stranger. Same as PAST 0628.

Explores theology and practical ministry through a socio-economic lens. Students will seek to discover how one’s social location and economic status impact theological priorities, ethical positions, ecclesiological emphases, biblical hermenutics and spiritual formation. Amidst such self-reflection the course will present alternative approaches to theology and ministry that stem from the perspective of the poor and marginalized. Same as PAST 0655.

Examination of specific topics in missions.

Seeks to develop intercultural competencies for Christian leaders. Students will learn how to develop greater cultural self-awareness, knowledge and skills, enabling them to serve more effectively in intercultural settings in North America or around the world. Same as PAST 0658.

Preparing missional leaders requires careful examination of the ideologies and cultural milieu of contemporary society. Examines the main features of postmodern culture, the meaning of faithfulness to the gospel, the good news of God’s salvation and the nature and mission of the church. The church’s witness and service to the world is studied not as one of the functions of the church but as its essential nature. Missional leadership takes seriously the calling of all God’s people to minister in every sphere of life as faithful witnesses to the gospel of salvation.

Offers a comprehensive study of Islam: its main teachings and beliefs as well as its socio-political impact worldwide. A variety of topics such as the history of Christian-Muslim relationships and the conflicting political views on the relationship between religion and politics will be explored. Special emphases will be given to understanding theological differences between the Christian faith and Islam. Major theological themes such as human nature and sin, the person and work of Christ, the Trinity and the trustworthiness of the Bible will be studied and reflected upon theologically. Same as THEO 0785.

An examination of the causes and effects of poverty in Canada from a sociological and biblical perspective, with a focus on poverty as a culture. An attempt to demythologize the poor and develop understanding and relationships that dismantle our apprehension. Examines how the church serves the poor through its individual, community and prophetic ministries, as well as how the poor enrich the church. A variety of ministry models and issues are examined. Some classes are held off-campus.

Provides a comprehensive survey of the nature of the Christian mission worldwide with a focus on fulfilling the Great Commission. It covers the biblical, the historical, the cultural and the strategic perspectives of worldwide mission. Offered in Mandarin.

Analyzes and evaluates 2,000 years of global history of mission, with special emphasis on major mission movements into China, beginning with Nestorian missionary endeavours. The course analyzes and explores the trends and issues of the development of the Chinese church, including the mainland and diaspora churches, in the past few decades, as a missionary sending base. Offered in Mandarin.

Analyzes the thought systems and developmental trends of major world religions such as Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, and also deals with folk religions and animism. It includes the formulation of dialogical and missiological strategies toward their followers. Offered in Mandarin.

An examination of various topics in missions. May be repeated with different content in different years. Offered in Mandarin.

Designed to introduce students to the discipline of cultural anthropology from a Christian perspective. Students will learn not only basic concepts such as the definition of culture, worldviews, social structure, kinship systems and religions, but also the application to cross-cultural missionary work. Offered in Mandarin.

Based on the importance and implementation of Christian mission in the Chinese churches, this course deals with the foundation of how to develop missions programs. It includes the study of theology of missions, methods and strategies in world evangelization, and models for building a practical mission program in a local church. Offered in Mandarin.