Our opportunities are greater than ever for equipping church planters around the world with a vision to disciple leaders from every people, language, and nation. We recognize the growing importance of emerging leaders from the many cultures of American cities and from around the world. We are called to disciple people in the context of their home cultures.
Objectives for students
- Come to terms with the biblical mandate to disciple people of every nation and to lead them into maturity in Jesus Christ as our Lord requires;
- Grow in awareness of the current movements of people to Christ around the world with an appreciation of the diversity of God’s ways among us;
- Appreciate and critically evaluate the effectiveness of various strategies in starting and growing healthy, prevailing churches in suburban and urban contexts;
- Grow in our ability to make use of the enormous potential for global discipleship of our growing communities of culturally diverse peoples in North America;
- Develop leadership skills and gifts required for the ministry of reconciliation in changing cultural contexts; and
- Develop skills in discipleship evangelism for ministry at home and around the world.
GC 520 • Mission and Evangelism 4 Credits
Demonstration of effective communication of the gospel of Jesus Christ to meet the needs of the whole person (physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual). Evaluation of various non-Christian worldviews while planning ways to articulate the gospel as truly good news. Intentional sensitivity in developing missional strategies to reach people from different religious or cultural backgrounds, as well as across differences related to gender, race, ethnicity, disability, and economic status. Appreciation for the variety of ways Christians can love others and steward creation well through the helping professions and through involvement in business and engagement in politics.
GC 618YL • The Kingdom of God and Cultural Intelligence (Young Life Staff Training) 1.5,3 Credits
This course addresses cultural self-awareness and cross-cultural competence for building healthy relationships within diverse communities. Drawing upon biblical, anthropological, sociological and cross-cultural communication theories, students gain basic tools for researching and interacting among a variety of cultural, ethnic, and religious groups.
GC 670 • Directed Study in Global and Contextual Ministries 1-9 Credits
Research and study by arrangement with the professor.
Special Notes: Permission is required.
GC 699PT • Portfolio in Global and Contextual Studies 0.5-6 Credits
Portfolio course of preselected topics within an existing course in the field of Global and Contextual Studies.
Special Notes: Portfolio courses are created upon request with permission by an overseeing Program Director.
GC 772 • Seminar in Global and Contextual Studies 2 Credits
A Master of Divinity or Doctor of Ministry concentration course; an in-depth study of a particular Global and Contextual Studies theme.
Special Notes: Fulfills DMin elective requirements.
GC 774 • Seminar in Global and Contextual Studies 4 Credits
A Master of Divinity or Doctor of Ministry concentration course; an in-depth study of a particular Global and Contextual Studies theme.
Special Notes: Fulfills DMin elective requirements.
GC 795A • Thesis Proposal 2 Credits
Development of a thesis proposal and prospectus. Survey of existing research and delineation of tentative argument and preliminary bibliography. To be developed in consultation and under supervision of a faculty member as thesis advisor.
Grade exceptions: This course is graded Pass/Fail. Special Notes: Approval of faculty member in relevant discipline is required.
GC 795B • Thesis Writing 4 Credits
Implementation of research plan, under the supervision of thesis advisor and with input from a second reader. To include survey of existing research and thesis that is well argued and supported by the literature.
Prerequisites: GC 795A.
GC 899PT • Portfolio in Global and Contextual Studies 0.5-6 Credits
Portfolio course of preselected topics within an existing course in the field of Global and Contextual Studies.
Special Notes: Portfolio courses are created upon request with permission by an overseeing Program Director.