This unit explores practices of Christian witness within post-Christendom, secular, and religiously plural societies. It pays attention to the major cultural movements which have defined the Australian church, and especially the processes of secularisation, globalisation, and multiculturalism. It traces various theological and ecclesiological responses to this shifting context, including “missional church” and “Fresh Expressions.” This will include a critical evaluation of their contributions. Attention shifts to communal practices, such as hospitality, evangelism, liturgy and proclamation, as forms of discipleship in witness. The unit intends to give both theoretical and practical direction for the development of congregational witness.
Unit code: DM9500P
Unit status: Approved (New unit)
Points: 24.0
Unit level: Postgraduate Elective
Unit discipline: Missiology
Proposing College: Pilgrim Theological College
Show when this unit is running| 1. | Identify and contrast the different theories narrating the religious landscapes of Western societies |
| 2. | Describe different theories of secularisation |
| 3. | Describe and critique models of missional church and Fresh Expressions with reference to the ecclesial and cultural contexts in which they have developed |
| 4. | Apply the techniques of evangelistic practices which help shape the local congregation as a community of witness |
| 5. | Formulate strategies for congregational mission |
The unit aims to build competency in missionary methodology and acquisition of knowledge while promoting improvement between assignments through repeated tasks. It engages with primary material and encourages close reading of texts with contextual understanding and critical analysis.
| Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Review - Critical Review | This is a critical comparison of two works selected from two different areas of concentration (missional church, church growth, fresh expressions, evangelism, hospitality, etc). The point is to think about the differing theoretical grounds and how these theoretical differences shape the resulting practices. |
1500 | 40.0 |
| Report - Designing Practices for Context | This report asks the student to identify a location (either an actual case, or as a thought experiment), to reflect upon framing contextual concerns, and to envision potential practices of Christian witness |
5500 | 60.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 24 Aug, 2022
Unit record last updated: 2022-08-24 15:26:44 +1000