500

This course explores the most relevant contexts in which a person's ministry takes place, including the unity and diversity of local contexts, social and cultural contexts, denominational contexts, national and global contexts, as well as the kingdom context. Special attention is given to the broader Christian context of the cohort, such as the roots of American denominationalism for North Americans.

This course employs principles from anthropology and sociology to help students gain insights for ministry in diverse cultural settings. Students will learn basic theories and methods for examining cultures by employing investigative principles from anthropology and sociology. The course aims to equip students to critically analyze the socio-cultural contexts of their ministry contexts. Students will acquire context-oriented understandings and skills that will inform their ministry strategies and practices. This course further explores the student's cultural perceptions of self and others. Insights gained from the study of cultures, anthropological and sociological theories and methods will enable students to evaluate and propose solutions to practical mission and ministry problems.

This course explores the various facets of cross-cultural ministry. It is designed to expose students to cultures which are different from their own with a view to understanding those cultures and also better understanding their own home culture. Whether by intensive study or direct exposure to another culture, this course equips students to minister more effectively in diverse cultural settings. (Practical)

This course is designed to develop the core competencies essential to effectively starting a new church. Through the use of application-based learning modules, students will develop a contextualized strategy for reaching a specific community through church planting efforts. Theoretical and practical facets of church planting will be explored and analyzed as students focus on customizing strategies for their unique ministry context. In addition to the learning modules, students will be partnered with a personal coach and supervisor, committed to guiding the student through the early stages of their church planting process.

This course introduces the student to the fundamental nature of the gospel, as well as to the fundamental dynamics of proclaiming it in multiple contexts. Accordingly, it analyzes the dynamics of culture and in that light strategizes about how best to present the gospel in local, cross-cultural, and global contexts.

This course will provide principles and practices of leading and empowering multiplication movements. Church planting, multi-site, and new venue principles and practices will be explored, including visits to multiple church sites within differing communities and congregations, with differing leadership approaches. Emphasis will be given as to how churches of a variety of sizes can participate in multiplication.

This course focuses on the core of an effective leader's calling, character, and competency within a multiplication context. Emphasis will be given to the leader's development in the areas of spiritual formation, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and relational aptitude.

This course is designed to provide principles and practices for the pre-launch and launch processes of a church plant, site, or venue. Emphasis will be given to discerning the new church, site, or venue model and strategy, developing a philosophy of ministry, exegeting a cultural context, connecting with the community, recruiting a core team, designing the worship gatherings, and creating an efficient leadership structure. This course will provide students with a culturally adaptable framework for the development of a new initiative.

This course addresses the challenges of the post-launch process in years two to ten, including personal health, soul care, leadership development, evangelism fervor, discipleship formation, financial management, spiritual warfare, and organizational management. The course utilizes learning experiences of successful multiplication movements in their post-launch years.