Academic Catalog: Intercultural Ministry

Jesus commanded his followers to make disciples of all nations. Courses in this program facilitate the accomplishment of this vital task. This program (1) enables those who intend to remain in North America to become more culturally sensitive and to minister with competence among people of diverse backgrounds and ethnicity; (2) equips both prospective and experienced overseas missionaries for effective intercultural ministry; and (3) gives nationals from other countries skills to help them minister more effectively in their own contexts.

IM 501 Introduction to Ministry in Intercultural Contexts

In this survey of the church’s missionary task, students are introduced to the biblical foundations of mission, its historical development, its socio-cultural context, and its methodological implementation, both overseas and in North America. Also considered are the elements of an effective missions program in the local church. Offered fall and spring semesters. Two hours.

IM 511 Introduction to Missiology

This course is designed to help students examine changing paradigms in missions. Consideration will be given to questions concerning missionary philosophy and strategy from biblical, historical, contemporary, and international perspectives. Offered spring semesters. Two or three hours.

IM 520 Biblical Foundations for Intercultural Ministry

Mission permeates both the Old and New Testaments. Using the kingdom of God as the central motif, this course surveys the development of mission theology and practice from Genesis to Revelation, giving special attention to the mission of Israel, Jesus, and the church. Offered fall semesters. Two hours.

IM 557 World Religions

Surveys the history, teachings and practices of the major world religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and traditional religions. Emphasis is also given to methods of effectively communicating the gospel to adherents of these religious systems. Two hours.

IM 558 History of the Christian World Mission

In this seminar course, students investigate key persons and topics in the geographical expansion of the church. Topics explored include monasticism, Roman Catholic missionary orders, Pietism, colonialism, and the rise of ecumenism. Two hours.

IM 581 Islam and Current Events

With approximately 1.4 billion Muslims in the world today, it is predicted that by the year 2020, Muslims will comprise a quarter of the world’s population. This course will introduce basic information about Islam along with various approaches and implications for Christian witness. It also examines the issues behind the agenda and anger of militant Islam and explores some possible responses. In addition, it will carefully examine the war that is being waged for the minds and hearts of Muslims who are pulled in opposing directions: modernity and open-mindedness vs. Islamic fundamentalism and/or fanaticism. The Israel/Palestine conflict and other current events will also be explored. Two hours.

IM 611 Globalization in Theological Education

This course is designed to increase promotion and application of biblical principles to global issues such as economic and environmental stewardship, social justice, political systems, and human rights. Students may choose from four globalization awareness options: Urban Context (offered fall and spring), Native American Context (offered spring and summer), Rural Context (offered summer). and Chinese Context (offerend summers upon sufficient demand). Two hours.

IM 621 Communicating and Leading in Intercultural Contexts

This course emphasizes the importance of building healthy relationships as a key to effective leadership in intercultural contexts. Topics addressed include listening, constructive confrontation and conflict management, problem solving, and building trust. In addition, the course helps students develop a biblical perspective on culture and the application of key communication principles in working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. May also credit as a leadership elective. Offered fall semesters. Three hours.

IM 640 The Holy Spirit and Intercultural Mission

Examines the unique role the Holy Spirit has played biblically and historically in the carrying out of the mission of the church. Students critique the emphasis in missions on signs and wonders and arrive at a balanced theology of miracles and healing. They are also introduced to the concept of power encounter and are given guidelines for dealing with demonized people. Two hours.

IM 657 Liberation Theologies of the Majority World

In this course, students explore the history and tenets of liberation theologies in the majority world, particularly in Latin America and Africa. Attention is given to the socio-political, economic, and ecclesiastical contexts within which these theologies have arisen and to recent developments occasioned by world events. Students are encouraged to interact constructively with these theologies and attempt to elaborate on an evangelical alternative that will meet the demands of justice and equality around the world. Two hours.

IM 590, 690, 790 Studies in Intercultural Ministry

These courses allow for specialized study of a particular country or topic of interest to a student, under the guidance of a professor. One to three hours.

IM 795 Intercultural Ministry Practicum

This practicum is required of all MDiv students completing the intercultural ministry concentra­tion and MA students completing the leadership major with an intercultural ministry concentra­tion. The practicum (which generally takes place overseas over a ten-week period at forty hours per week) includes two distinct components: (1) at least 300 hours of hands-on ministry in­volvement in an intercultural setting for the purpose of skills development, and (2) at least one hundred hours of exposure to the specific kinds of issues and contexts that are typically part of the immersion experience included in IM 611. This practicum is directly linked with either T/M 602 (Mentored Ministry Experience II for MA students) or T/M 702 (Mentored Ministry Expe­rience IV for MDiv students). Details should be worked out with the coordinator of the program in intercultural ministry in advance of course enrollment. Two hours.

Return to the Course Descriptions Main Page
Return to the General Studies Course Descriptions
View the Leadership Course Descriptions