MS138.406 - Intercultural Life and Work
Unit Description
Unit Co-Ordinator: Les Henson Cert IV TAA, ONC Mining&Mech Eng, HNC Mech Eng, DipBC, CertRK, MA (Missiology), PhD (Sociology)
Pre-requisites
None.Co-requisites
None.Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:
examine the reasons why Christians engage in cross-cultural mission, and discuss the concept of a missionary call
use the spiritual disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting, study, simplicity, solitude, submission and service, and discuss insights gained through spiritual exercises
analyse the qualifications/qualities required for effective cross-cultural mission, and make informed decisions about personal cross-cultural service
explain and evaluate how aspects of personality may influence an individuals choice of cross-cultural service
assess a variety of missionary lifestyles and decide on a personal approach
evaluate the important areas of stress for cross-cultural workers, determine ways of handling and coping with them in a mission situation
demonstrate respect and humility in relating to people of other cultures
Unit Content
The unit commences with a biblical and practical introduction to cross-cultural ministry. Biblical concepts and models of mission are considered from both a theoretical and practical perspective.
The role of spiritual formation and the use of spiritual disciplines in preparing for and sustaining cross-cultural ministry is explored. Particular attention is given to the inward disciplines of meditation, fasting, study, prayer; the outward disciplines of simplicity, submission, service, solitude; the corporate disciplines of confession, guidance, worship, celebration; spiritual warfare. The skills that are require to meet the demands made on the cross-cultural worker in maintaining their spiritual life are identified.
Important aspects of preparation and the requirements for cross-cultural ministry are examined. Emphasis is placed upon issues of guidance, calling, qualifications and training for cross-cultural service. The relationship between the missionary, the local church and the sending organisation is considered. Financial, spiritual and practical support structures for sustainable cross-cultural ministry are outlined and discussed. Study in this area relates specifically to the need of the cross-cultural worker to select a mission organization.
Issues related to the commencement and sustainability of cross-cultural ministry are considered. Particular attention is given to personality factors and personal identity in cross-cultural service. Issues of appropriate lifestyle, types of ministry; crossing cultural barriers, cross-cultural living, cultural awareness, cultural adjustment, culture shock and reverse culture shock in cross-cultural mission contexts are explored. Family and health related topics are considered, including, singleness, marriage, children, healthy lifestyle and dealing with stress. Study in this area relate to the practical skills require to adjust to a new field situation and maintaining a sustained ministry.
The maintenance of relationships with the sending church and mission organization are examined. Particular attention is given to communicating with supporters, deputation, furlough and exit-re-entry.
At the conclusion of the unit, the student is expected to analyse and evaluate the key issues involved in becoming a cross-cultural missionary and living appropriately in a cross-cultural setting.
Teaching Strategies
Teaching strategies include lectures; tutorials; research; cross-cultural visits, class discussion and debates; presentation of instructional material in the form of printed documentation, OHP, DVD, video and audio tape. Students also learn by personal study, preparation of assignments and assessment comments on their work and on-line interaction.
Textbook Information
Foster, R. (1989). Celebration of discipline. (2nd ed.). London, UK: Hodder and Stoughton.
Foyle, M. F. (Ed.). (2001). Honourably wounded: stress among Christian Workers. (Rev. ed.). Wheaton, IL: EMIS.
Goldsmith, M. (2006). Get a grip on mission: The challenge of a changing world. Leicester, UK: Inter-Varsity.
Steffen, T.A. and Douglas, L. McKinney. (2008). Encountering missionary life and work: Preparing for intercultural ministry. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker.