2009 - 2010 Academic Catalog - Westminster Theological Seminary

{Course Descriptions}
Practical Theology – Urban Mission
2009–2010
PTM 383 Theology of Mission
Purpose:
• To have a thorough knowledge of the biblical
teaching on the mission of the church
• To examine historical and current issues that
have shaped the mission enterprise
• To be able to bring that knowledge to
bear on one’s own ministry
Topics covered include a biblical theology of missions, contextualization,
and current trends in missions.
Spring semester, two hours. (Not given in 2009-2010.)
Mr. Leonard.
PTM 462 Understanding the Islamic Challenge
Purpose:
• To look at the world of Islam, its beginning, its
growth, and the doctrines of its major divisions
• To examine the current movements and stresses in the Muslim
community with the challenge they pose to the church
• To suggest ways the church can meet today’s Islamic challenge
Topics covered include the development and demographic profile of
various American Islamic communities as well as their international
connections; Muslim immigrants; the American born descendants
of these immigrants; American converts to Islam; and reasons
behind the rapid growth of Islam today among Americans without
a Muslim background.
Winter semester, two hours. (Not given in 2009-2010.)
Mr. Ellis.
PTM 572 The History and Theology of the
African American Church
Purpose:
• To gain a better understanding of the African American church
Topics covered include the history, theology, and culture of the
African American church.
Winter term, two hours. Mr. Ellis.
PTM 652, 653 Cross-Cultural Missions Trip
Purpose:
• To give students experience in working
with a team cross-culturally
• To help students determine their calling
to cross-cultural ministry
• To increase students’ vision for reaching the world
Topics covered include pre-field orientation, cultural overviews of
country to visit, and issues related to team ministry.
Semester varies, two hours. Mr. Leonard.
PTM 671, 673 Urban Mission Seminar
Purpose:
• To guide students in the use of critical analysis when
evaluating ministries or strategizing for new ministries
• To provide opportunities for students to learn
from the life experiences of other students
• To present challenging situations facing those
in ministry for students to evaluate in terms of
theology, social sciences, and mission
Topics covered will change every semester so students can take
the course more than once. These topics will include ministry models,
mission case studies, reconciliation issues, and presentation
of books for discussion.
Fall and spring semesters, one hour. Staff.
PTM 681, 683 Perspectives on the World
Christian Movement
Employing numerous speakers and multimedia presentations, this
class will seek to educate and enlist the student to the cause
of worldwide evangelism. The class is offered in conjunction with
the international educational efforts of the U.S. Center for World
Mission.
Fall and spring semesters, three hours. (Not given in 2009-
2010.) Staff.
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