Area: Missiology

Content

This unit introduces students to the study of the history of the Christian Church with particular focus on Christian mission to 1500CE. This will include consideration of the impact of that mission on Australia, both in history and as it relates to contemporary issues. It will address the development of Christianity in the Roman Empire to the middle of the Fifth Century, the expansion of Christianity beyond the Roman Empire to Britain, northern and eastern Europe, North Africa and Asia, and consider key movements within Christianity before the Reformation, including monasticism and mysticism.

Outcomes

1. Describe key points and people in the development of Christianity from the first century to 1500 CE.
2. Identify and evaluate the key missional features of a movement from church history and discuss the lessons being offered for doing mission in Australia today.
3. Explain and evaluate the importance of an historical understanding of Christianity for mission and ministry in twenty-first century Australia.
4. Describe the relationship between Christian thought and practice and the surrounding socio-cultural and political contexts at key points in Christian history to 1500 CE.

Preresquites

MINS1304 Introduction to Christian Thought

This unit gives an introduction to the contemporary interpretation of the Old Testament by reading it as a collection of diverse writings and by exploring its varied historical, cultural and social backgrounds. It introduces some methods used in the exegesis of biblical texts, and explores some the issues surrounding the application of the ancient writings to contemporary contexts. A series of discrete but incremental topics will be covered throughout the semester presenting both an overview of the literature and specific study of representative sections of biblical material. The modules will include the Pentateuch, Deuteronomistic History, Prophets, and Psalms and may include selections from other writings.

Aims

The aims of this topic are to:

• gain a knowledge and understanding of the content, historical and geographical setting, literary forms and the leading theological themes of the Old Testament
• have an understanding of the major types of critical study of the scriptures
• develop skills in the study of the scriptures
• have an appreciation of the meaning and significance of the Hebrew Scriptures for Jews and Christians

Outcomes

List below, in alpha format, what key knowledge and skills students would be expected to attain by successfully completing this unit (link to assessment tasks (refer to 2.4 below))

• Read a selection of writings from the Old Testament and interpret them according to their original contexts.
• Encounter the methods of biblical interpretation and describe their use and limitations
• Explore ways of drawing contemporary relevance from the ancient writings.
• Demonstrate the ability to articulate, discuss and present orally the issues raised.

Prerequisites

None

Area: Leadership

Content

The Introduction to Leadership unit is designed to assist in the formation of effective Christian leaders for contemporary ministry  and mission contexts. Students will explore the nature and dynamic of leadership, especially in relation to Christian ministry and mission, the value of effective leadership as integral to the mission and ministry of the church.

Topics covered may include: defining leadership; theology and leadership; leadership as influence; models of Christian leadership (leader as servant, shepherd, change-agent, manager); leadership styles; leadership qualities.

Learning Outcomes

1. articulate definitions and understandings of leadership from the perspective of Christian theology in dialogue with secular leadership modes
2. identify a number of models and styles of leadership and their applications to the given context and in relation to issues such as responsibility, power, authority and governance in general
3. critically reflect on her/his personal experiences in leadership
4. evaluate the culture and dynamics of a given

Area: Missiology

Content

This unit introduces students to the study of theology at an introductory level. It outlines the content and method of Christian theology and explores the roles of Scripture and tradition in theological discourse through historical developments and in the present day.

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to identify the history and scope of theological discourse
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to critically engage with contemporary approaches to Christian theology
3. Students will be able to outline and describe the importance of theological doctrine to ministry

Area: Christian Education and Discipleship

Content

The purpose of the unit is to provide students with the ability to articulate the biblical, spiritual and ethical bases for Christian discipleship, to reflect on the appropriation of these in their own lives as developing leaders, and to gain a general understanding of such issues for church members.

The unit is structured around four modules:

1. An exploration of New Testament texts and theology regarding the nature of Christian discipleship
2. An exploration of personal and communal practices of Christian discipleship as described in recent literature and the biographies of contemporary disciples, with students engaging in reflection on their own beliefs, values and practices
3. An introductory understanding of the nature of Christian ethics in Australian society against a global context, and the implications for Christian beliefs, values and living
4. An examination of a range of approaches to spiritual development in the Christian tradition, including contemporary approaches and consideration of forms of spiritual development appropriate to the student’s own

Learning Outcomes

1. ability to explain biblical motifs of Christian discipleship as expressed in the New
2. ability to identify formative practices of Christian discipleship, both corporate and individual,  and demonstrate some foundational practices suitable for personal
3. ability to articulate and apply basic ethical frameworks for decision-making from a Christian perspective
4. articulate an understanding of forms of spiritual development in the Christian tradition, and the ability to identify appropriate personal practices to foster

This unit gives an introduction to Biblical (Koine) Greek. Students are introduced to the grammar and vocabulary of Koine Greek, learn to read and translate some passages of the New Testament and gain an understanding of the different insights which the study of this ancient language can offer.

Unit outline coming soon…

Unit outline coming soon….

This unit is designed to examine the Synoptic Gospels, in order to

• Understand the historical and cultural contexts in which they were written
• Compare the distinctive witness of the three Synoptic Gospels
• Examine questions that arise from exegesis of the text and learn the methodologies that have been developed to address these questions
• Gain an understanding of the theology of the Synoptic Gospels
• Explore connections between these writings and contemporary issues

A range of methodologies is used. A detailed exegesis of particular passages will be undertaken. An optional Greek component is available by agreement.

Aims

This topic aims to allow students to:

• develop an understanding of the issues surrounding synoptic studies
• read a synoptic gospel critically
• appreciate the historical and cultural context of this gospel
• understand the narrative dynamic of the gospel and the portrait of Jesus, the disciples and the early community that it offers
• develop exegetical skills in interpreting the gospels
• communicate the significance of this gospel in ancient and contemporary contexts

Outcomes

At the completion of the unit students will be able to:

• Read the Gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke and apply a range of methodological tools in order to interpret them.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the structure, themes and distinctive features of one of the Synoptic Gospels and explain the similarities and differences between this Gospel and the other Synoptic Gospels.
• Discuss ways of drawing contemporary relevance from these writings and demonstrate the ability to apply the text in contemporary missional and ministry contexts.
• Demonstrate the ability to articulate, discuss and present the issues raised.

Prerequisites

• MINS1201 Interpreting the New Testament

Students will be involved in an integrated learning process reflecting on the theology of preaching, preparing and delivering sermons. As the performative aspects of preaching will feature in this unit exercises and class preaching will be used to enhance confidence and skills. The use of video will feature as a key tool for self- reflection of preaching. A combination of lecture, workshop, exercises and small group formats will be used to encourage dialogue with the lecturer, readings and experiences of others. Students will be encouraged to view lecture material critically, relate them to their own context and share their views.