This course explores the theological and cultural foundations of Christian mission, equipping you with a strong understanding of its biblical basis and key themes in mission theology, such as Missio Dei, holistic mission, ecumenism etc.
Furthermore, you will explore different approaches to engaging with diverse cultures and worldviews, applying key concepts from cultural analysis and contextualization. A key focus will be on interreligious encounters, particularly between Christianity and Islam.
Through critical reflection and practical analysis, this course will help you navigate the complexities of mission in today’s pluralistic world—preparing you for meaningful engagement in mission and cross-cultural ministry.
The course consists of the following modules:
- Mission in the Bible (3 ECTS)
- Theology of Mission (7 ECTS)
- Culture and Contextualization (5 ECTS)
- Encountering other worldviews with emphasis on Islam (5 ECTS)
The teaching is organized with both online and session-based modules.
The online modules usually contain reading guides for the course literature, instructional texts for the online lessons, as well as audio or video lectures.
The session-based teaching amounts to 28 hours of instruction divided between two gatherings, one on campus and one digital.
Knowledge
The students have:
- knowledge of the biblical basis for Christian mission
- knowledge of key topics in mission theology
- understand and evaluate different approaches to engaging with other cultures and worldviews, including contextualization
- knowledge of key issues in interreligious encounters, with a particular focus on the encounter between Christianity and Islam
Skills
The students can:
- identify and use relevant academic material to discuss theological issues related to mission.
- apply knowledge of cultural engagement and contextualization to critically reflect on how other cultures and worldviews are encountered.
- discuss the relationship between Christianity and other worldviews with emphasis on critically evaluating Christian encounters with Islam
- apply knowledge from the course in carrying out future work in church and mission
General Competence
The students can:
- communicate their views in various settings, both orally and in writing.
- can critically engage with scholarly work in the field of missiology.
- use their knowledge to develop good practices within Christian missions.
Exam and Assessment
All course requirements and exams are individual and are submitted digitally.
Course Requirements:
To receive final assessment, you must:
- Attend the two gatherings (both on campus and digital) and a minimum of 70 % of the lectures (cf. chap. 5.5) *
- A paper on mission in the Bible (1000 words).
- Give feedback to a fellow student’s paper on mission in the Bible.
- A paper with a draft for a teaching/communication on Christians encountering Muslims (1000 words).
Deadline for submission is given at the start of the semester but notice that the requirements must be completed not later than two weeks before the exam date.
Final Assessment:
Final assessment is based on the exam. The course and the exam will be graded A-E for pass and F for fail.
In case a student fails to pass the exam, they are given the opportunity to take a new exam during the period for new/postponed exams. The new exam will be an online oral exam.
| Form of assessment | Grading scale | Word Count |
|---|---|---|
| Home Assignment | A-F | 4000 words |
Some readings are available digitally on the school’s learning management system (LMS) and are marked with *.
Mission in the Bible (circa 230 pages)
Bøe, Sverre. (2022). “Mission in the Old Testament – An outline” (10 pages)
Köstenberger, A. J., Alexander, T. D., & Carson, D. A. (2020). Salvation to the Ends of the Earth: A Biblical Theology of Mission (Second edition). IVP Academic, pp. 39-262.
Theology of Mission (circa 520 pages)
*Bevans S.B. (2013): “Migration and Mission: Pastoral Challenges, Theological Insights”. In: E. Padilla and P.C. Phan (eds). Contemporary Issues of Migration and Theology. (Christianities of the World). New York: Palgrave Macmillan. (20 pp.)
Dowsett, R (2017): “Evangelism, Service and Social action in the Missional Understanding of the Cape Town Commitment” in Norwegian Journal of Missiology, 4, 2017: 45-53. https://journals.mf.no/ntm/article/view/4401/3716
Goheen, M. W. (2014): Introducing Christian Mission Today. Scripture, History and Issues. Illinois: IVP Academic, pp. 117-435.
*Gravaas, H.A., Sauer, C., Engelsviken, T., Kamil, M., Jørgensen, K. (eds.) (2015): Freedom of Belief & Christian Mission. Oxford: Regnum Books International. pp. 47-57, 127-148.
Moreau, S., Corwin, G., McGee, G. (2015, 2nd edition): Introducing World Missions. A Biblical, Historical and Practical Survey. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, pp. 85-146.
The Lausanne Covenant (1974). (8 pages) https://www.lausanne.org/content/covenant/lausanne-covenant
The Cape Town Commitment (2010). (54 pages) https://www.lausanne.org/content/ctc/ctcommitment
The Seoul Statement (2024). (20 pages) https://lausanne.org/statement/the-seoul-statement
Culture and Contextualization (circa 350 pages)
Hiebert, P. (1985). Anthropological Insights for Missionaries (23rd Reprint 2008). Baker Academic; ss. 29-58; 111-137; 193-224.
Hiebert, P. (1994). Anthropological Reflections on Missiological Issues. Baker Academic; ss. 19-51, 75-92.
Howell, B. M., & Paris, J. (2019). Introducing Cultural Anthropology: A Christian Perspective (2nd edition). Baker Academic, pp. 1-186.
Encountering other worldviews with emphasis on Islam (circa 450 pages)
Farhadian, C. E. (2015). Introducing World Religions. Baker Academic, pp. 1-55 (chapter 1).
Hexham, I. (2011). Understanding World Religions. Zondervan, ss. 15-29.
Musk, B. (2005). Kissing Cousins? Christians and Muslims Face to Face. Monarch Books. (380 pages).
Robinson, T. A. and Rodrigues, H. P. (2022). World Religions: A Guide to the Essentials. Baker Academic (3rd ed.), pp. 113-148.
