Course Resources Archive

This module will explore some of the key facilitators of, imperatives towards and trajectories for missional expression in Christian tradition. The biblical witness regarding outreach and inclusion will be central, with space also given to consideration and evaluation of contemporary missional phenomena.

The module provides an extended consideration of various trajectories towards mission and inclusion in Christian tradition, with particular focus upon the biblical expression of those trajectories. A missional reading of biblical themes and the overarching biblical narrative is outlined and assessed, with implications being drawn for contemporary perspectives upon mission and its practices. The module engages with key contemporary advocates of missional hermeneutics, examining what is both gained and lost in their approaches, and also discussing the exclusive and sectarian aspects of Christian Scripture. The various themes and texts identified for particular attention are considered within their historical, cultural, ideational and textual contexts. The opportunities and problems for pursuing the missional trajectories inherent to these texts and themes within a postmodern, postcolonial, post-Christendom context where equality, pluralism and (in)tolerance are key influences upon both global and local situations are also discussed.

i. Knowledge and understanding

On successful completion of the module the student should be able to:

• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the missional trajectories within the Bible as a whole and within particular biblical texts and themes.
• Outline and assess various scholarly notions of missional hermeneutics and the understandings of the Bible with which they operate.
• Evaluatively apply an understanding of missional trajectories within Christian tradition to contemporary contexts and practices.

ii. Skills

On successful completion of the module the student should be able to:

• Demonstrate an ability to analyse biblical and scholarly texts and contemporary missional practices.
• Reflect on how far and in what ways the themes and phenomena set out in biblical texts can and should be applied in contemporary contexts.
• Demonstrate skills in analysis, reflection, synthesis and evaluation of selected texts and materials studied on the module.
• Demonstrate applied skills in written argument and expression, problem solving, independent research and collaborative development via elearning.

150 hours:
Guided study – 33%
Private study – 60% (including reading and assignment writing)
Online seminar – 7%

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.