MN520/620:
Introduction to Urban Mission (4 units)
Jude Tiersma Watson, Associate Professor of
Urban Mission
Winter 2007 Pasadena
DESCRIPTION:
We live in a rapidly urbanizing world. We need
to move toward understanding our increasingly urban world, as well as
understanding our own responses and fears as we encounter this world. This
course explores these dynamics, as well as various themes related to urban
mission: what can we learn from the history of the church's relationship to the
city, the importance of narrative in urban evangelism, moving beyond charity in
our relationship with the poor; gentrification with justice; leadership in the
city; approaches to community transformation (including use of the arts); and
the relationship between globalization and urbanization.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Think
missiologically in various urban contexts.
• Develop skills to see and approach the city with Missional eyes and
understanding
• Develop increased understanding that ministry is the work of God in and
through us.
COURSE FORMAT: Class will meet one each
week for three-hour sessions. Class
sessions will feature lecture presentations, storytelling, group discussions,
visiting persons, and one visit to Los Angeles. All students will participate
in at least one field experience outside of class time.
REQUIRED READING: Total: 1200-1500 pages
of 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.
Bakke, Ray. A
Theology as Big as the City. InterVarsity Press, 1997.
Conn , Harvie and Manuel Ortiz. Urban Ministry. InterVarsity Press,
2001.
Davey, Andrew. Urban Christianity and Global Order: Theological Resources
for an Urban Future. 2002.
One of the following books:
Law, Eric. The Wolf
Shall Dwell with the Lamb: A Spirituality for Leadership in a Multicultural
Community. OR
Mc Neil, Brenda Salter. The Heat of
Racial Justice:How Soul Change Leads to Social Change, IVP, 2004.
One book specific to
student’s context.
Readings from reader and from magazines, journals, and recommended list.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Corbitt, Nathan, el al. Taking it to the Streets: Using the Arts to Transform Your Community. 2004.
Gornick, Mark. To Live In Peace: Biblical
Faith and the Changing Inner City. Eerdmans. 2002.
Gulick, John. The Humanity of Cities: An
Introduction to Urban Societies. Westport, CT: Bergin and Garvey, 1989.
Kozol, Jonathan. Ordinary Resurrections.
Crown Publisher, 2000.
Lupton, Robert. Renewing the City. Intervarsity Press, 2005.
Martinez, Ruben. Crossing Over.
Picador, 2001.
Perkins, John, ed. Restoring At-Risk
Communities: Doing It Together and Doing It Right. Baker, 1996.
Rodriquez, Luis. Hearts and Hands: Making
Peace in Violent Times.
Shook, Jill, ed., Making Housing Happen, Chalice Press, 2006.
Tiersma & Van Engen, eds. God So
Loves The City. MARC, 1994.
ASSIGNMENTS: Three
reflection papers, and a major project on a significant issue in urban
ministry.
Th.M. students: Read and report on two extra books related to urban
mission in your context.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO
CURRICULUM: Elective. Foundational Core Course for the Urban Mission
Concentration in the School of Intercultural Studies. Meets Min8 requirement in
the School of Theology M.Div. program. Meets Globalization (GLBL) requirement
for M.A. in Theology Program.
RELATIONSHIP TO SPIRITUAL FORMATION:
An assumption of this course is that spiritual
formation must be an essential component of mission in the city. The course
will explore ways of seeking God amidst the noise and suffering of the city.
FINAL EXAM: None.
Last Date Edited: October 3, 2006