MN576: Incarnation and Mission Among the World's Urban Poor (4 units)

Betty Sue Brewster, Associate Professor of Language and Culture Learning
Fall 2003 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

Based on the assumption that the incarnation of Christ provides a Biblical model for ministry and that His teaching and example have particular relevance for those who seek to be His servants among the unreached groups of Third World poor, we will seek to gain a Scriptural and experiential perspective for ministry among the world's urban poor. Course research will include resources from Biblical, community, and historical sources. We will discuss principles of self-denial, sacrifice, and service in order to bring justice and principles of the Kingdom of God to the poor, and to gain intimacy with our Lord. Participants will engage in practical experiences among the poor and become involved with poor individuals/families to learn about them, to intercede for them, and to stay overnight three nights with them.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

COURSE FORMAT:

Class activities include instruction, discussion of readings, feedback on fieldwork, guest lectures, intercession, and class member presentations.

REQUIRED READING:

If you have previously read any of the required texts, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a book approved by the faculty member.

Adeney, Miriam. God's Foreign Policy. Eerdmans, 1993.
Brewster & Brewster. Bonding and the Missionary Task. Lingua House.
Christian Witness to the Urban Poor. Lausanne Occasional Papers #22.
Grigg, Viv. Companion to the Poor. Available through Lingua House.
Perkins, John. With Justice for All. Regal (o.p.).
Facts for Life. New York: UNICEF.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Read and report on at least 5 books from the selections listed in the syllabus:

Campolo, Anthony & Tony. Let Me Tell You a Story. Word, 2000.
Caywood, George. Escaping Materialism. Questar Publishing (o.p.).
Chambers, Robert. Whose Reality Counts: Putting the First Last. Stylus, 1997.
Davey, Cyril. Kagawa of Japan. Reproduced by Lingua House.
Kozol, Jonathan. Rachel and Her Children. NY: Crown Publishers, 1988.
Kraybill, Donald. The Upside-Down Kingdom. Herald Press, 1994.
Myers, Bryant. The New Context of World Mission. MARC, 1996.
O'Brien, Niall. Revolution From the Heart. Oxford (o.p.).
Perkins, John. Let Justice Roll Down. Regal (o.p.).
Sider, Ron. Cry Justice. IV Press (o.p.).
______. Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger. World Books, 1997.
Sider, Ron, et al. Just Generosity. Baker, 1999.
See the syllabus for other book selections. Note: Some of the books are available on loan from the professor.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. In addition to readings and class discussions, and a Bible study, each participant will engage in 5 field experiences (including 3 overnights) among the poor, will keep a written journal of these experiences, and will prepare a report of resources available to these communities.
2. Th.M. Students can choose among extra reading and interaction, extra fieldwork, or an extra Bible study.

PREREQUISITE: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Meets Min 8 in the School of Theology MDiv program and globalization in the MAT program.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

Last Date Edited: May 7, 2003