This class will enable you to develop an ethnographic approach to understanding the worldviews of non-Christians. You will create an ethnography based on personal interviews focused on a specific cultural group you wish to explore. This ethnography will lead to a variety of approaches for evangelism in the context of diverse 21st century cultures.
All ministry today is multi-cultural and all ministry is carried on in a multi-cultural context. Worldviews significantly impact how the message of the Gospel is perceived. This course explores the dynamics of culture as an ever-changing framework for understanding reality and guides students to engage persons of various worldviews through on-going conversations based on assumptions people have about life.
A worldview is an ever-changing set of ideas, beliefs and values that determine our assumptions about life. Assumptions are difficult to define because they are usually unconscious and they are constantly in a state of change and flux. By understanding another person’s worldview through asking excellent questions, students will be able to develop a variety of approaches to evangelism in the context of diverse 21st century cultures.
Students will explore the impact of worldview on apologetics as they learn to humbly and lovingly “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 1:3).
Students will study tools and techniques for exploring how people look at life. Course topics will include principles for building relationships based on brief conversations that occur regularly and are respectful, free of agendas, and genuine. Students will learn to discern where God is at work in the lives of those with varying worldviews.
Students will examine the principles of biblical contextualization and develop a model for communicating with those whose worldview is different from their own.
Students will research diverse cultures to examine the multitude of differing worldviews. They will initiate relationships with persons of other cultures for the purpose of both understanding their needs and effectively sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
Students will gain skills to describe the framework and elements that make up a cultural “worldview.” They will also implement a strategy of personal contacts with a culture leading to a descriptive analysis of that target culture.
Students will evaluate cross-cultural experiences utilizing both biblical and anthropological criteria.
