THL423 Mission and Evangelism (8)

CSU Discipline Area: Theology (THEOL)

Duration: One session

Abstract:

This subject examines traditional views of the mission of the church in society, including its cultic role, its decline in social importance and the various responses proposed to challenge its apparent loss of influence as an institution. The 'common religion' paradigm (non-institutionalised belief -- - believing without belonging) is central to the overall discussion which includes reference to secularism and the post-modern society.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations

Session 2
Internal	United Theological College
Distance *	Canberra

*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL423

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

- be able to provide an understanding of the prevailing values and beliefs of the Australian Church as a foundation for determining appropriate responses to the needs of contemporary Australian society by drawing on contemporary theological understanding, leadership, and management theory;
- be able to link contemporary social, cultural, political and economic movements to the mission of the Christian Church; and work through individual student presentations on how renewal and reconstruction might be applied in the local congregation.

Syllabus:

The subject will cover the following topics:

- Review of foundation subjects and outcomes in terms of congregational renewal and reconstruction. - Measuring the effectiveness of renewal and reconstructive processes in terms of membership response. - Critical reflection on postmodern society, the crisis of faith, the community of faith. - The nature of contemporary spirituality as a response to contemporary society. - Evangelism and contemporary Australian society. - Continuity and change: The Australian response to tradition and change. - The Bible and its place in todays Australian church. - Understanding reconstruction and renewal within a framework of praxis. - What is Church Growth? - Defining roles, functions and ministry gifts in the Australian church into the next century. - Students will be required to share in a retreat process centred on reflection into the nature of postmodern society and contemporary spirituality. A range of 'spiritual counselling' models will be considered. - Planning and implementing a fieldwork exercise in Church Leadership.

Residential School

This subject contains a compulsory 3 day residential school.

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