AmaZing Grace Biblical Seminary Bethel Building, Kadalavila, Nellikunnam P. O Kottarakara. Kollam District. Kerala State India. Pin-691520 Ph.8547473926, 8281663926, 9656113335 Web: www.agmi2020.org **************************************************************************** THEOLOGY OF MISSION (A Biblical, Historical & contextual perspective) Course Description This course enables the learner to understand the biblical, theological and strategic aspects of the mission of God. It also helps to explore the very nature and existence of the church's mission and its varied approaches. It focuses on world wide opportunities and needs and discusses the role of the local church in mission. It identifies factors influencing the growth and development of Christian mission with implications for future growth. Objectives 1. To understand the biblical and theological concept of the mission of God. 2. To analyze the present religious plural context, the social and economic conditions of people and the appropriateness of the methods used in mission today. 3. To develop skills of doing mission relevant to the socio-cultural and political context of today. COURSE REQUIREMENTS 1. Attendance of Classes. 2. Assignments 3. Final Examination. UNIT I: 1. Biblical Concept of Mission: Creation, Election and Covenant. 2. Evolution of the Concept of Mission in the Old Testament. 3. The Prophets and Mission. Required Readings: 1. R. E. Hedlund, Mission to Man in the Bible, Madtas: ELS, 1985, pp. 1-67, pp. 68-158 Assignment: Write in 1500 words. 1. Discuss the important Role that Old Testament plays in laying down the foundation for theology of mission. 2. Beginning with the Creation narrative, trace the origin and development of the concept of mission of God in the Old Testament. UNIT - II: 1. Jesus & Mission; Kingdom of God; Mission in the Gospels; Johanine Missiology 2. Role of the Holy Spirit in Mission; Pauline Missiology 3. The Church and Mission Required Readings: R. E. Hedlund, Mission to Man in the Bible, Madras: ELS, 1985, pp.159-206 R E. Hedlund, Mission to Man in the Bible, Madras: ELS, 1985, pp. 207-215 Jacob Kavunkal and F. Hrangkhurna, Ed, Bible and Mission in India Today, Bombay: St. Paul's, 1993, pp. 117-187 Assignment: Write an essay in 1500 words on anyone of the following: 1. Bring out the contrast between the Mission of God according to the Synoptic Gospels and Johannine Gospel. 2. Comment on The Role of the Holy Spirit in Missions, supporting it with Biblical examples. 3. Pauline Missiology UNIT- III: 1. Mission in a Pluralistic World 2. Universalism; Syncretism; Exclusivism; Inclusivism and Pluralism Required Reading: Ken Gnanakan, The Pluralistic Predicament, Bangalore: TBT, 1992, pp. 23-123 Assignment: Answer anyone of the following in 1500 words: 1. Describe in 1500 words the challenges posed by universalism, syncretism, exclusivism inclusivism and pluralism to the mission of the church. 2. Describe the characteristic features of religious fundamentalism. Discuss the mission of the church in the context of religious fundamentalism. UNIT- IV: 1. Missiological Approach in the History; Ancient Period, Medieval Period, 2. Mission in history: the Ecumenical Councils; The I.M.C; the W.C.C. Required Readings: World Missions: The Asian Challenge, A Compendium of The Asia Missions Congress, EFI, 1990. pp. 184-220 Joseph Mattam and Sebastian Kim, Ed., Mission Trends Today, Bombay: St. Pauls, 1997, pp. 35-47 Assignment: Answer anyone of the following in 1500 words: 1. Explain the Christian Mission during the ancient period; persecution, Councils, heretical teaching etc. 2. Outline the birth, functions and development of the I.M.C (International Missionary Council) and Evaluate the major emphasis of Uppsala 1968 (the fourth assembly of the World Council of Churches). UNIT - V: 1. Issues in the Theology of Mission 2. Contemporary Challenges in Mission Required Readings: World Missions: The Asian Challenge, A Compendiwn of The Asia Missions Congress, EPI, 1990. pp. 388-401 Joseph Mattam and Sebastian Kim, Ed., Dimensions of Mission in India, Bombay: St. Pauls, 1995, pp. 37-54 Michael Amaladoss, S. J., Mission Today, Anand: Gujarat Sahitya Prakash, 1989, pp.9-28 Assignment: Answer anyone of the following in 1500 words: 1. Describe in 1500 words the major issues in the theology of mission and discuss how to meet the contemporary challenges to the mission of the church. 2. What are the challenges that the church faces as people of God in fulfilling God's mission for the world today? Suggest how the church can meet these challenges in today's Indian Context? Bibliography Bosch, David J. Transforming Mission. New York: Orbis Books, 1991. Carter, James E. The Mission of the Church. Tennessee: Broadman Press, 1974. Engen, Charles Van, Gilliland, Dean S. and others (eds.). The Good News of the Kingdom. West Broadway: Wipf and Stock Publishers. 1999. (BV2063.G66) Gnanakan, Ken. Kingdom Concerns. Bangalore: Theological Book Trust, 1989. Hedlund, Roger E. Roots of the Great Debate in Mission. Bangalore: TBT, 1997. Hopkins, Paul A. What Next In Mission? Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1977. Jacobs, Donald R. Pilgrimage in Mission. Ontario: Herald Press. 1983. Mattam, Joseph & Kim, Sebastian. Mission Trends Today. Mumbai: St. Pauls. 1997. Peters, George W. A Biblical Theology of Missions. Chicago: Moody Press, 1972. Philips, James M. & Coote, Robert T.(eds.). Toward the 21st Century in Christian Mission. Michigan: William B. Eerdmans, 1993. Piper, John. Let the Nations be Glad. Michigan: Baker Book House, 1993. Pirolo, Neal. Serving as Senders. California: Emmaus Road International, 1991. Rheenen, Gailyn Van. Missions. Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996. Simmers, Marvin (ed). God's Claims Our Mission. Atlanta: General Assembly Mission Board, 1983. Tippett, A.R. Verdict Theology in Missionary Theory. Illinois: Lincoln Christian College Press.