More and more churches facing the challenges of post-modernity are in need of re-interpreting the mission of God and their participation in God's mission in today's world. A holistic understanding of this mission seems to be imperative to be relevant in our ministry. The general purpose of this course is to help Christian leaders to understand the ministries of physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, psycho-social and social healing as integral component elements of the mission that the Lord has entrusted to the Church. These ministries will be addressed from a biblical, theological, historical, missiological, pastoral and practical perspective, providing the students with the conceptual foundations of this approach.

The course will meet twice a week. Class sessions will include lectures, basic research projects, extensive readings, and class discussions.

If you have previously read any of the required texts, please select an alternative text from the supplementary reading list provided in the bibliography.
Bakken, Kenneth L. and Kathleen H. Hoffeller. The Journey Towards Wholeness: A Christ-Centered Approach to Health and Healing. New York: Crossroad, 1988.
Droege, Thomas A. Ministry to the Whole Person: Eight Models of Healing Ministry in Lutheran Congregations. Valparaiso, IN: Valparaiso University, 1982.
Epperly, Bruce G. God’s Touch: Faith, Wholeness, and the Healing Miracles of Jesus. New York: Westminster-John Knox Press, 2000.
Gordon, James S., Dennis Jaffe and David Brisler. Mind, Body and Health: Toward an Integral Medicine. New York: Human Sciences Press, 1984.
Granberg-Michaelson, Karin. In the Land of the Living: Health Care and the Church. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984.
Otto, Herbert A. and James N. Knight, eds. Dimensions in Holistic Healing: New Frontiers in the Treatment of the Whole Person. Chicago: Nelson-Hall, 1979.
Roach, M. Simone, ed. Caring from the Heart: The Convergence of Caring and Spirituality. New York: Paulist Press, 1997.
Stanger, Frank Bateman. God’s Healing Community. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1978.
Van Buskirk, James Dale. Religion, Healing and Health. New York: Macmillan, 1952.
Weatherhead, Leslie D. Psychology, Religion and Healing. New York: Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, 1951.

1. Read a total of 1,500 pages from the required reading and selected bibliography, and submit a signed reading report.
2. Write a research paper of no less than 20 pages on any of the issues suggested by the professor and listed in the syllabus.