MD540: Theology of Holistic Ministry (4 units)

MD540: Theology of Holistic Ministry (4 units)

Bruce Bradshaw, Visiting Instructor in Development
Bruce Bradshaw has emerged as an influential writer, teacher and consultant in the Christian Relief and Development community. He currently teaches Economic Development and related topics at Bethel College, North Newton, Kansas. Prior to his current position, he was the Director of Transformational Development Research at World Vision International (WVI). Bruce continues to consult with missions organizations that are integrating holistic development ministries into their programs. Bruce's most recent book is "Change across Cultures: A Narrative Approach to Social Transformation." He is also the author a "Bridging the Gap: Evangelism, Development and Shalom," a book that has become a classic in the field. Bruce is committed to the Mennonite Church, and enjoys corresponding with former and present students who are proclaiming Christ in a fallen world.
Winter 2003 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

For Christian holistic ministry to be distinctive in its assumptions, purpose and processes, it must have a theological foundation. The course will explore a theological rationale for holistic ministry in partnership with the local church, and examine the critical issues that its practice raises. The study will be accompanied by an interaction between specific Old and New Testament texts and contemporary literature and praxis on the following topics: God's intention for the poor, social justice and human liberation, culture and planned change, evangelism and social transformation, the local church and development, development and eschatology, the kingdom of God, empowerment, stewardship, partnership, and the ethics of development.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:

Our theology of culture, eschatology, mission and the church informs the way we minister and the ways we respond to human need in all its dimensions physical, material and spiritual. In a world of religious pluralism, incomplete theologies have led Christian missions into unforeseen dead ends, and unexamined theologies have resulted in Christian distinctives being compromised by syncretism. Nowhere is the need for a biblical theology of ministry more tested than on the ragged edge of human deprivation; nowhere is Christian ministry more torn by competing priorities and life-or-death needs. The course will provide a theoretical frame of reference for choices and decisions in the midst of missionary service, especially in relation to social transformation, and will enable the participant to think theologically through the critical issues confronting missionaries today. Students should be able to develop a biblical rationale for incarnational, holistic ministry among the poor, and be able to articulate the significance to development ministry of each topic, including an understanding of the biblical concepts and principles.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Learn the various theological positions that have influenced the theology of holistic ministry.
• Learn the theological assumptions that serve as the foundations for the theology of holistic ministry.
• Explore some interpretations of scripture that substantiate a theology of holistic ministry.
• Explore some understandings of church ministry that integrate the church into holistic ministry.

COURSE FORMAT:

The course will consist of lectures, Bible studies, class discussion, and instructional exercises including written case studies.

REQUIRED READING:

Bradshaw, Bruce. Change across Cultures: A Narrative Approach to Social Tranformation, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2002.
Hunsberger, George R. Bearing Witness to the Spirit: Leslie Newbigin’s Theology of Cultural Plurality. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1998.
Kraus, C. Norman. An Intrusive Gospel: Christian Mission in the Postmodern World. IVP, 1998.
Sider, Ronald J. Good News and Good Works: A Theology for the Whole Gospel. Baker Book House, 1999.