Date: Nov 21, 22 & 23, 2008

Start Time:  9:00 am each day

Instructor: Rev. Dan Sheffield & Rev. Jared Siebert

Location: Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church, Harrowsmith, Ontario

The Church is God’s chosen instrument for accomplishing Missio Dei (God’s Mission). This course is designed to introduce an understanding of culture and theology of mission that informs our engagement with our own communities, with peoples around us who are not like us, and gives foundations for involvement in mission beyond our own borders. Processes and practices for engagement with our own communities, and beyond, are introduced and discussed.

Upon completion, participants will have been

1. introduced to basic issues in understanding culture in both society and organizations
2. introduced to basic principles for research and analysis of local church culture(s)
3. introduced to processes for leading congregations through the “change cycle”—the basic ministry rhythm of the missional church
4. introduced to several leadership practices for the missional church

Hirsch, Alan. The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating the Missional Church.  ISBN-10: 1587431645

Knight, Hal. “John Wesley and Emerging Church” article (provided with syllabus upon registration)

Newbigin, Lesslie. Selected readings. (2 provided with syllabus upon registration)

Van Gelder, Craig. The Ministry of the Missional Church: A Community Led by the Spirit. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2007. ISBN-10: 080109139X