MM560/660: Women in Cross-Cultural Ministry (4 units)

Betty Sue Brewster, Associate Professor of Language and Culture Learning
Spring 2006 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

This course addresses issues pertinent to women in cross-cultural ministry. We will examine Biblical models of women in ministry, Biblical bases for ministry, historical models, cross-cultural gender roles, ministry challenges and opportunities for women, and women's spiritual growth in ministry.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of the quarter students will:

• Become familiar with women in the Bible and their roles in society and ministry
• Become acquainted with the cross-cultural ministries of women in mission history
• Choose one woman in the Bible and one in mission history as role models and discover applicable principles from her life
• Examine various current perspectives regarding women in ministry and be able to state a Biblical rationale for ministry by women
• Lay the groundwork for understanding gender roles in another culture
• Reflect on their own ministry goals and begin to develop their personal ministry strategy

COURSE FORMAT: This class will meet for three-hour sessions once weekly for ten weeks. Class activities incorporate lectures, discussion of readings, and class member presentations, stories.

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 instructor.

Adeney, Miriam. A Time for Risking. Multnomah Press.
Clouse, Bonnidell & Clouse, Robert (ed). Women in Ministry. Downer Grove: IVP, 1989.
Cunningham, Loren & Hamilton, David J. Why Not Women? Seattle: YWAM Publishing, 2000.
Tucker, Ruth. Guardians of the Great Commission. (Selections).

RECOMMENDED READING: Additional readings will be on reserve in the library

Beaver, Pierce. All Loves Excelling.
Bernard, Jessie. The Female World From a Global Perspective.
Conn, Joann Wolsky (ed). Women's Spirituality.
Evans, M.J. Women in the Bible.
Jewett, Paul K. Man as Male and Female. Eerdmans.
Leonard, Juanita (ed.) Called to Minister, Empowered to Serve. Warner Press.
Lernoux, Penny. Hearts on Fire: The Story of the Maryknoll Sisters. Orbis, 1995.
Robert, Dana. American Women in Mission. Mercer. (Selections).
Tucker, Ruth and Walter Liefield. Daughters of the Church.
Read at least one biography of a woman in cross-cultural ministry.

ASSIGNMENTS:

In addition to readings and class discussions, each participant will interview a woman of another culture, prepare an oral presentation on one Biblical passage, and write five 750-1250 word (3-5 page) papers on: a Biblical role model, a historical role model, a review of her/his own denominational or organizational perspective on women in ministry, gender roles in another culture, and a reflection on the participant’s own goals, strategy and plan. Participants will share their research and reflections in class.

PREREQUISITES: None.

AUDITORS: Only with instructor's permission. All auditors/non-credit people are expected to fully participate.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAM: None.

Last Date Edited: January 9, 2006