Mission Foundations (DM8113B)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit is designed to introduce the student to the concept and practice of mission and its priority for the people of God. It explores the topic of mission from a biblical, theological, historical and cultural perspective. It enables the student to develop and apply concepts of mission in their local context.

Unit code: DM8113B

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Missiology

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate and critically evaluate biblical and theological foundations of God's mission (Missio Dei).
2.

Critically analyse and evaluate key dimensions of contemporary Christian mission, such as holistic mission, polycentric mission, evangelism, social justice, and ecclesiology, assessing their implications for mission practice.
3.

Critically engage with contemporary issues shaping Christian mission, including cultural, social, global, and ecclesial trends, and evaluate their implications for mission practice.
4.

Apply key principles of Christian mission to a local church context, demonstrating the ability to develop informed, contextually appropriate approaches to ministry and community engagement.

Unit sequence

No prerequisites required.

Pedagogy

Students will engage with online learning materials, including readings, videos, and opportunities to reflect on their practice. They will also participate in scheduled live online sessions that encourage discussion, collaboration, and learning with their peers.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bosch, David J. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission. 20th Anniversary ed. Orbis, 2011.
  • Edge, Lynette and Gregory Morgan. Partnering with God: Being a Missional Salvationist. Wipf and Stock, 2017.
  • Frost, Michael, and Alan Hirsch. The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21st Century Church. Baker, 2013.
  • Goheen, Michael W. Introducing Christian Mission Today: Scripture, History and Issues. IVP, 2014.
  • Gakavian, Armen, Karina Kreminski, and Steve Taylor. Edge-walkers: Reimagining Faith, Church and Theology. At the Edges Publishing, 2026
  • Jackson, Darrell, David Starling and Michael Frost, eds. Not in Kansas Anymore: Christian Faith in a Post Christian World. Morling Press, 2020.
  • Jenkins, Philip. The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity. 3rd ed. Oxford University Press, 2012
  • Kim, Grace Ji-Sun and Graham Hill. Healing Our Broken Humanity: Practices for Revitalizing the Church and Renewing the World. InterVarsity Press, 2018.
  • Kreminski Karina. Urban Spirituality: Embodying God's Mission in the Neighbourhood. Urban Loft Publishers, 2018.
  • Menzies, Andrew and Dean Phelan. Kingdom Communities: Shining the light of Christ through faith, hope and love. Morning Star, 2018.
  • Wright, Christopher J. H. The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible's Grand Narrative. 2nd ed. IVP Academic, 2025.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)

Variant 1

Article (for Newspaper, e.g. letter to the editor) 1000 20.0
Learning Resource 2000 30.0
Summative Reflection 3000 50.0

Variant 2

Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper 1500 25.0
Learning Resource 1500 25.0
Summative Reflection 3000 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Naomi Wolfe on 17 Sep, 2026

Unit record last updated: 2026-09-17 23:09:36 +1000