Intercultural Studies

• History of Ancient Israel

  A study of the Old Testament historical books Genesis through Joshua focusing on chronological history. The course includes summaries and introductions to the various books, questions over the text, and information about the redemptive plan of God to save the world. Students will learn the facts of the text through lecture, discussions, assigned reading, and projects.

• Life of Christ

  Semester one covers the beginnings of the gospel up through the first year of ministry. It concentrates on the birth narratives, early Judean ministry, and early Galilean ministry. Major sermons: Jesus’ deity and credentials (John 5) and the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Students will concentrate on learning Jesus’ primary identity and proclamation of the kingdom.

• Romans

  An exegetical study of Paul’s letter to the Romans based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, theological, and pastoral insights from both the Greek and English texts with special emphasis on the nature of the gospel of salvation in Christ and its impact on the shape of Christian communities in the first-century and today. Students will learn the purposes and arguments of Romans as well as the details of key texts and their theological and pastoral implications.

• Principles of Interpretation

  A study of the universal principles of interpretation as applied to interpreting language. Students will learn how to accurately interpret and apply the Bible.

• Essentials of Christian Mission and Culture

  Studies fundamental areas of missions. Surveying world needs, tracing missions throughout Scripture, and studying the overview of the many roles of mission work around the world. Students develop both a broad and biblical perspective on missions. Lecture, media, reading, and discussion.

• Principles of Discipleship and Evangelism

  This course is a critical examination of evangelism and discipleship as one continuous development of the spiritual life. Students will be given models, strategies, and biblical examples that both individuals and churches can use to help people grow to become fully devoted followers of Jesus. The class will include lecture, discussion, case studies, and course assignments.

Intercultural Studies Program Description and Outcomes

• Program Description

  This program is designed for students who wish to develop their skills and deepen their passion for ministry that crosses cultural barriers. This preparation is accomplished with three avenues of engagement in mind: 1) resident service in a cultural setting other than the student’s home culture (traditional missions); 2) stateside service in the homebase of a mission organization; or 3) ministry that involves mobilizing both workers and senders in the local church. As a part of their program, students carry out a field internship in a cross-cultural setting under the supervision of an experienced cross-cultural worker.

• Program Outcomes

  Students completing the BA in Intercultural Studies will be able to:

  1. Outline a biblical theology of mission through both the Old and the New Testaments.

  2. Create a basic plan for a sound missions program in a local church context.

  3. Produce a well-structured appeal for financial and spiritual support of an entry level mission work

  4. Articulate a clear and specific understanding of the place of Western missionaries in the contemporary global Christian community.

  5. Demonstrate a field-based understanding of mission life and work.

  6. Produce introductory ethnographic research demonstrating a comprehension of basic anthropological principles