Overview and introduction to the study of the experience and personal transformation of religion. This course lays a foundation for those working with non-Christian populations. The course will consists of course reading material, an autobiographical reflection of the student’s spiritual journey as well as videos featuring leaders of other religions.
From the Reformation to the 1960’s ministry of Rev Dennis Bennett at St Mark’s Presbyterian Church in Van Nuys, California; the focus of Protestant Worship was to impart information. The Charismatic Movement and its spin off (Contemporary Worship) designed worship that imparted information and experiential opportunities. The difference between pre-1960 worship and contemporary worship is analogues to the difference between walking into a 1960’s Sporting Goods Store that sells hunting and fishing equipment vis a’ vis walking into a Capella’s/Bass Pro Shop. Students completing the course will know the theories of faith development and be able to articulate them within the context of the Christian faith and other religions.
Through the interview process the student will experience the dynamic of listening, relating and bridge building. Learning best takes place when the didactic is woven together with the experiential
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 “ For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ[), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you”
This course will equip and prepare the student to empathetically relate to people of all faiths
while maintaining his/her spiritual boundaries and still have the ability to communicate the mystery of the of Jesus Christ.
The students will be exposed to missional opportunities within their own context.
Students will have the skills to listen, analyze, synthesize and evaluate cross cultural relationships and ministries.
The course will include the study of the theoretical as well as the practical application.
