Mission and Evangelism (ME)
ME 5000 Foundations of Christian Mission - 2 Hours
Survey of the theology, history, culture, politics, and methods of the Christian mission, with special emphasis on recent developments, crucial issues, and future trends, ending with a careful study of missions in the local church. Offered fall and spring.
ME 5001 Foundations of Evangelism - 2 Hours
This course introduces the biblical, theological, historical, and practical foundations of evangelism in word and deed. Students will be equipped to engage others in gospel conversations and prepared to lead churches and Christian organizations to participate in God's mission of reaching their contexts with the good news. Offered fall and spring.
ME 5050 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement - 3 Hours
The course surveys the history, theology, and strategy of the global advance of the gospel. Specific instances of the growth of the Christian movement in selected areas of the world are examined. Perspectives is offered as an occasional course at various locations throughout the year. Contact the Extension Office for details.
ME 6410 History of the Expansion of Christianity - 3 Hours
A study of the expansion of Christianity from Pentecost to the present. Particular attention is given to an examination of the modern Protestant mission movement.
ME 6610 Anthropology for Ministry - 3 Hours
Application of anthropological and sociological insights for ministry in diverse cultural settings, with special attention to fundamentals of culture communication and contextualization. The course will focus anthropological understanding particularly on congregational contexts and ministry.
ME 6760 Theology of Mission & Evangelism - 3 Hours
The many Old and New Testament texts that provide theological foundations for the global mission of the church are examined. Basic issues that confront the missionary will be investigated, as well as the more complex and contemporary issues. The course provides the student with various perspectives and strategies for dealing with the Trinity, the Great Commission, the call and motivation for ministry, and the problems of dialogue, syncretism, universalism, and ecumenism.
ME 6963 Principles of Discipleship - 3 Hours
A practicum with attention given to the way Christian disciples are developed, with practical guidelines for implementing discipleship, both as a personal lifestyle and within the context of the local church. Prerequisite: must have completed at least six semester hours.
ME 7300 World Religions - 3 Hours
Historical survey of the origin and growth of the major world religions, beliefs, practices, and worldviews of the major traditions will be examined, with special attention given to comparison and contrast with Christian beliefs and practices.
ME 7450 Christianity in the Non-Western World Since 1500 - 3 Hours
A broad overview of the significant shift of the center of Christianity from the West to Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The social, cultural, and political context of Western missions, the sending nations, and the receiving nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America will be examined. Consideration will be given to: early modern Roman Catholic missions, the impact of African slavery and Western imperialism, the development of Protestant Christianity, the emergence of independent and indigenous church movements, and the rise of Pentecostalism.
ME 7465 Intercultural Ministries Internship - 1-2 Hours
The MA/ICS Capstone of an applied experience, required for students with limited cross-cultural experience.
ME 7477 MA Major Comprehensive Exam - 1 Hour
A department-specific Major Comprehensive Exam required in some MA programs. Registration should be completed at the beginning of the semester for the regularly scheduled exam date later that semester. Credit is posted when the Exam is passed; No Credit if the Exam is failed or not completed.
ME 7478 MA Project - 0-3 Hours
A department-specific summative program project (MA/E, MA/CM) as arranged with the department of concentration. Not available in all programs.
ME 7485 MA Thesis - 0-3 Hours
MA thesis writers register for ME 7485 in the department of their concentration. Prerequisite: Approved thesis proposal on file in the Dean's Office and other department-specific prerequisites. Counts as full-time academic status. (35 hours of academic work per week.) Letter grade or Credit / No Credit as arranged with the department. No grade is posted for this course until the thesis is completed and approved.
ME 7486 MA Thesis Extension - 0 Hours
A total of three semesters extension for ME 7485 may be granted when progress is being made on the thesis. Extension fee when not enrolled in other courses. Counts as full-time academic status (35 hours of academic work per week.) for the first semester, quarter time thereafter. CR is posted when substantive thesis progress is made, NC when inadequate progress is made.
ME 7501 Guided Research - 1-4 Hours
Independent research on an approved selected topic under a faculty member in the department bearing the course prefix. May be repeated for credit as the subject matter changes. Available in all departments. Letter grade or Credit / No Credit as arranged with faculty member.
ME 7510 Missional Church - 3-4 Hours
This course explores the missional church in light of a theology of God's mission in the world, and post-Christian context. Special attention is given to various streams of missionality, community engagement of the gospel in word and deed, missional communities, disciple-making, discernment, and leadership.
ME 7710 Contextualization - 3-4 Hours
A study of contextualization from theoretical and practical perspectives, examining the relationship of gospel and culture, biblical guidelines, and various methods of contextualization. Students evaluate case studies of contextualization in diverse cultural settings dealing with a wide range of theological, ethical, cultural and ecclesial issues.
ME 7722 Studies in Reconciliation - 2 Hours
In a world marked by deep racial and ethnic conflicts, this course explores the teaching and ministry of reconciliation in the church and mission. It seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical and practical in order to produce serious-minded reflection on the scriptural mandate of reconciliation across racial and other social divides.
ME 7975 MA/ThM Comp Exam Prep - 0 Hours
An optional registration status for students preparing for their Major Comprehensive Exam and who are not taking other courses during the semester of preparation. This registration ensures continuity in your TEDS program and defers continuation fees. Available for only two semesters during which student must complete Comprehensive Exams or their academic status in the program will be jeopardized. Counts as quarter-time academic status. Contact the Records Office for registration.
ME 7976 MA or ThM Thesis Proposal Prep - 0 Hours
An optional registration status for students preparing for their Thesis Proposal and who are not taking other courses during the semester of preparation. (May not be taken when another course is taken.) This registration ensures continuity in your TEDS program and defers continuation fees. Available for only one semester during which students must complete their Proposal or their academic status in the program will be jeopardized. Counts as quarter-time academic status.
ME 8000 Seminar: Current Issues in Mission and Evangelism - 1-4 Hours
Topics chosen deal with significant issues in mission and/or evangelism. Opportunity provided for seminar discussion and for the presentation of advanced research papers.
ME 8210 Intercultural Communications - 3-4 Hours
This course focuses on the theory and practice of interpersonal communication across cultural lines. Specifically designed for those involved in intercultural ministry, the course focuses attention on language and culture, culture shock, ethnocentrism, paternalism, nonverbal communication, contextualization, and dynamics of change. The focus will, of course, be on the communication of the gospel itself interculturally.
ME 8215 Teaching Across Cultures - 3-4 Hours
An examination of factors contributing to effective teaching and learning when teacher and learners are from different cultures. Cultural influences upon cognitive style, logical processes, worldview, social relations, modes of learning, and learning environments will be analyzed. Implications for teaching in specific cultural settings will be drawn with attention to learning outcomes and cognitive development.
ME 8230 Global Church Planting and Development - 3-4 Hours
This course examines both theologically and practically the planting and development of healthy, reproducing congregations in various cultural settings. Methods, models, strategies, and particular challenges are discussed. Offered annually.
ME 8250 Leadership Development and Culture - 2 Hours
The course will investigate theological, philosophical and anthropological foundations of leadership and culture. These foundational issues will inform the practice of developing multicultural leaders and working under leaders from different cultures. Special emphasis will be given to the missionary role of multicultural leadership in a world where missionaries from every country of the world are partnering with missionaries and church leaders from every country of the world.
ME 8300 Global Theologies - 3-4 Hours
This seminar examines the roots and current developments Christian theologizing within the context of world Christianity. It seeks to help students explore the nature and methodology of theology in the contemporary world, the effects of cultures and intercultural differences on the theological process and the development of globally informed theology. Students are encouraged to develop an approach to Christian theology that is relevant, orthodox, and creative, and to cultivate a lifelong commitment to scholarship and writing.
ME 8312 Christian Encounter with World Religions - 3-4 Hours
An examination of some historical, theological, and intercultural issues in the Christian encounter with other major religions. Historical approaches by Christian missionaries to Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism will be examined, with special emphasis on implications for such encounters today.
ME 8315 Christian Encounter with Islam - 3-4 Hours
A study of Muhammad, the Qur'an, and the history, culture, and theology of Islam, together with modern trends and its confrontation with Christianity in order to develop appropriate Christian ministries in Muslim contexts.
ME 8320 Anthropology of Religion - 3-4 Hours
An advanced seminar focused on readings in the anthropology of religion. Attention will be focused on anthropological theories of religious experience, religious symbols, myth, ritual, magic, witchcraft, spirit possession, ancestral cults, conversion, and secularization. The class will attempt to assess these theories biblically and to explore their relevance to missiology.
ME 8325 Culture, Ethics, and Social Change - 3-4 Hours
Understanding of human cultural and psychological realities related to culture, ethics, values and social change. This includes topics such as sin, guilt, shame, conscience and morality etc. Cultural and psychological understandings are integrated with biblical and theological understandings to communicate the gospel and disciple believers in a manner which is intelligible, subjectively relevant, and meaningful to people of specific cultures.
ME 8380 Religion in the Modern World - 3-4 Hours
The past three centuries have produced far-reaching social and intellectual transformation, initially in the West and now increasingly worldwide, which have significantly affected traditional religions and also produced an array of new religious movements and alternative spiritualities. Modernization, secularization, globalization, colonialism, and nationalism, as well as various counter-modernizing movements, all have had an impact upon current religious realities. Theoretical issues in the relevant literature, as well as specific application to particular Islamic, Hindu, or Buddhist contexts, will be considered. Implications of these patterns for Christian ministry and mission will be explored.
ME 8390 Gospel, Cultures, and Church in Western Contexts - 3-4 Hours
This course exposes students to the literature and issues related to reaching people, engaging cultures, and rethinking the Church in Western Contexts. Attention will be given to various postmodern and post Christendom historical currents and dynamics affecting ministry and mission today, including pluralism, globalization, secularism, popular culture, ethnic diversity, post colonialism, and the rise of diverse spiritualities. Social science research on the religious development and diversity among emerging adults will especially be emphasized. The gospel will then be examined theologically and historically as it relates to the diversity of spirituality in the modern world. Fresh expressions and innovative leaders of contemporary missional church movements will serve as case studies of this engagement between gospel and cultures in the West.
ME 8450 History of Evangelism - 3-4 Hours
An examination of evangelism throughout the history of the church. Special attention is given to particular Christian movements and personalities, highlighting contributions to gospel proclamation and witness of the church in word and deed. Application of selected practices will be considered for evangelism in contexts today.
ME 8500 Missional Disciple-making - 3 Hours
This course examines the way Christian disciples are formed, with particular attention to biblical and practical foundations for making disciples that include contextual, missional engagement, with the goal of mission in the world. Students examine various models of disciple-making, especially those practiced today within the missional church movement.
ME 8730 Theology of Religions - 3-4 Hours
A doctoral seminar focusing on the biblical and theological understanding of non-Christian religions. Participants will examine the critical issues facing the church in light of biblical teaching and current conflicting ideas and theories regarding human religions. Attention will be given to religious diversity among humans, truth, and salvation in religions.
ME 8815 Ethnicity: Modes of Inquiry and Analysis - 3-4 Hours
Participants in this seminar will employ anthropological and intercultural communication theories and analytical modes as they develop culture-specific taxonomies of ethnic variables, recognize factors that may facilitate communication or trigger conflict, and explore interfaces among theology, ethnicity, and ministry.
ME 8875 Church, Mission, & Community Development - 3-4 Hours
Seminar participants are introduced to the community development literature and critically examine how it relates to the church's responsibility to engage in a mission to the poor that is distinctly holistic--an approach based on Christ's ministry. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of nonformal education in facilitating development. Offered alternate years.
ME 8980 ThM Major Research Paper - 0-1 Hours
ThM participants completing the two capstone research paper option must register for ME 8980 in their department concurrent with registration for the advanced elective course in which they are writing a ThM capstone research paper. Paper parameters are found in the Academic Handbook and paper objectives are specifically articulated in consultation with the faculty member on the online Capstone Proposal Form. Registration occurs twice at the same time as registration for the course, once for each paper. Credit / No Credit. (Both the course and the paper must be graded 'C'- or better to receive credit for the paper.)
ME 8985 ThM Thesis - 0-3 Hours
ThM thesis writers register for ME 8985 in the department of their concentration. Prerequisite: Approved thesis proposal on file in the Dean's Office and other department-specific prerequisites. Counts as full-time academic status. (35 hours of academic work per week.) Letter grade or Credit / No Credit as arranged with the department.
ME 8986 ThM Thesis Extension - 0 Hours
A total of three semesters extension for ME 8986 may be granted when progress is being made on the thesis. Extension fee when not enrolled in other courses. Counts as full-time academic status for the first semester, quarter time thereafter. No Credit.
ME 9000 Contemporary Issues in Intercultural Studies - 4 Hours
Topics chosen deal with contemporary issues in missions. Recent seminars include Cross-Cultural Theology and Intercultural Competencies for Missionaries.
ME 9001 Guided Research - 1-4 Hours
Selected topics usually extended from foundational studies in seminars or courses. Available in all PhD programs. May be repeated for a maximum of twelve hours in PhD/EDS and PhD/ICS programs; may be repeated for a maximum of six hours in the PhD/THS program. Letter grade or Credit / No Credit.
ME 9050 Prolegomena: Missiology as a Discipline - 2 Hours
This seminar provides an introduction to the academic discipline of missiology and principles of missiological research and writing. It includes an overview of classical and current publications in the field and an examination of the integrative relationship between theology, history, and the social sciences in Christian mission. Students will also receive an orientation to the TEDS PhD ICS study program.
ME 9060 Theories and Methods of Missiological Research - 4 Hours
An introduction to various approaches to the academic study of missiology, from qualitative and quantitative empirical methods to theological and historiographic methods. Academic writing, use of library and archival sources, ethics in research and related topics will also be addressed. To be taken during the first 24 credit hours of the PhD ICS program.
ME 9085 Global Migration and Diaspora of Faith Communities - 4 Hours
This seminar course will examine historical patterns and current dynamics of global migration, sociologically analyzing contributing factors. In particular, the course will examine how today's growing phenomenon of global migration impacts diaspora religious communities and global missions, identifying both new missional opportunities and concerns.
ME 9146 Urban Evangelism - 4 Hours
The seminar explores critical issues facing the church in light of the rapid urbanization of the world. Among these are how the city shapes our lives as humans and as Christians and how Christians can plant churches and minister in the city. Attention is given to developing a theology of urban ministry.
ME 9260 Teaching Missions and Evangelism in Higher Education - 2 Hours
A Praxis-oriented course involving actual teaching experience under the guidance of an experienced professor to prepare students for teaching mission and/or evangelism in higher educational settings. Included also is an introduction to adult learning theory, course design, instructional methods, course evaluation, student relations, and other practical aspects of the teaching vocation. Student for it as a reading course in consultation with the PhD/ICS program director.
ME 9325 Sociology for Mission and Evangelism - 4 Hours
An introduction of the field of sociology and the contributions it makes to the discipline of missiology. Attention will focus on issues such as globalization, new religious movements, gender, social capital, communication and media. Theoretical foundations and methodological questions will be introduced, and practical implications for ministry will be explored.
ME 9400 History of the Expansion of Christianity - 4 Hours
A study of major missiological themes throughout the history of the global expansion of the church, with special emphasis on the modern Protestant missionary movement. Writings of exemplary mission historians will be examined for their contribution to our understanding of contemporary trends in world mission practice and strategy. Attention will be given to the missionary encounter with culture in its various historical contexts.
ME 9610 Anthropology for Missions and Evangelism - 4 Hours
An introduction of the field of anthropology and the contributions it makes to the discipline of missiology. The seminar encourages participants to develop a model they can use in studying and ministering in specific societies and cultures. Attention is given to a study of the issues involved in cross-cultural communication, contextualization, and social transformation in evangelism and church planting in cross-cultural settings.
ME 9700 Theology of Mission & Evangelism - 4 Hours
A doctoral seminar focusing on the theology of mission in the Old and New Testaments with special attention to the operation of the Trinity, the missio Dei, the purpose and tasks of mission, church and mission, the nature and necessity of evangelism, historical developments in theology of mission, and current theological issues in Christian mission.
ME 9890 Professional Development Practicum - 0-2 Hours
Participants design, conduct, and evaluate at least one professional development activity. Program participants may repeat the course multiple times, not to exceed a total of 2 hours over the course of the degree program. These integrative and generative activities could take the form of teaching, consulting, developing curriculum, coaching, pastoral ministries, grant writing, etc. Participants may propose non-Trinity or Trinity-related activities and opportunities. Each student is responsible to initiate conversations toward PDP planning with their program director prior to the semester in which the practicum will be conducted. All activities must be conducted after program matriculation. One credit hour is equivalent to approximately 35-40 hours of invested practicum work. Credit/No Credit.
ME 9922 Qualitative Research Methods - 4 Hours
This course teaches various qualitative methods oriented towards intercultural mission and congregational ministry: participant observation, interviewing, how to write field notes, the use of audio and video in field settings, how to 'code' verbal data, and so on. Other topics include ethical issues in research, the place of theory in qualitative research, proposal writing for qualitative research, and recent controversies over how one 'represents' others in one's writings. Prerequisite: ME 9060.
ME 9925 Historiographic Research Methods - 4 Hours
An introduction to the principles and practices of historical research within the discipline of missiology. The course with focus on historical methodology, the use and evaluation of primary and secondary sources (including oral history), and the planning and execution of a mission-historical research project.
ME 9930 Quantitative Research Methods - 4 Hours
This course teaches methods of quantitative social science research. This includes topics such as survey design and execution; data collection, management and analysis; use of statistical tools and computer software. The course also addresses the theoretical foundations and ethical guidelines for quantitative research, its application to missiological inquiry, and dissertation proposal writing.
ME 9970 Orientation for Comprehensive Exam and Dissertation - 1 Hour
This course is taught as a workshop addressing the purpose, expectations and methodology of preparing for the comprehensive exam, dissertation proposal, and dissertation writing. It includes class instruction, reading of exemplary field statements and proposals, and active participation in the various oral hearings. Counts as full-time student status when concurrently enrolled for 2 hours of ME 9975 or 6 regular course credit hours, affirms that a total minimum of thirty-five hours per week are invested in study, and the requisite form has been completed at the time of registration in the Academic Doctoral Office. Counts as half-time student status when the student is concurrently enrolled for 1 hour of ME 9975 or 3 credit hours of regular course work, the registrant affirms that a total minimum of fifteen hours per week are invested in study, and the requisite form has been completed at the time of registration in the Academic Doctoral Office.
ME 9975 Comprehensive Exam Preparation - 1-3 Hours
An independent study facilitating student preparation for the comprehensive examination. PhD/ICS program participants may repeat the course twice for a total of three hours. Counts as full-time student status when enrolled for 3 hours or when registrant affirms that a minimum of thirty-five hours per week are invested in comprehensive exam preparation and the requisite form has been completed at the time of registration in the Academic Doctoral Office. Counts as half-time student status when enrolled for 2 hours or when registrant affirms that a minimum of fifteen hours per week are invested in comprehensive exam preparation and the requisite form has been completed at the time of registration in the Academic Doctoral Office. Credit / No Credit.
ME 9990 Dissertation Proposal Preparation - 1-3 Hours
An independent study facilitating student preparation for the dissertation proposal. PhD/ICS program participants may repeat this course twice for a total of 3 hours. Counts as full-time student status when enrolled for 3 hours or when registrant affirms that a minimum of thirty-five hours per week are invested in dissertation proposal preparation and the requisite form has been completed at the time of registration in the Academic Doctoral Office. Counts as half-time student status when enrolled for 2 hours or when registrant affirms that a minimum of fifteen hours per week are invested in dissertation proposal preparation and the requisite form has been completed at the time of registration in the Academic Doctoral Office. Credit / No Credit.
ME 9991 Dissertation Research - 1-4 Hours
Courses taken for dissertation writing that embodies the results of original research and makes a genuine contribution to knowledge in the field of concentration. PhD students are eligible to register for Dissertation Research after the official acceptance of the proposal, and may register for two to six semesters totaling 6 hours. Counts as full-time student status when enrolled for 3 hours or when registrant affirms that a minimum of thirty-five hours per week are invested on the dissertation and the requisite form has been completed at the time of registration in the Academic Doctoral Office. Counts as half-time student status when enrolled for 2 hours or when registrant affirms that a minimum of fifteen hours per week are invested on the dissertation and the requisite form has been completed at the time of registration in the Academic Doctoral Office. Credit / No Credit.
ME 9992 Dissertation Extension - 0 Hours
One or more dissertation extension courses for the writing of the dissertation. Registrants for this course will be assessed a continuation fee. Less than half-time student status. No Credit.