Units timetabled for 2013 and 2014 are provisional only, and details of semester and time will change. The official timetable for each year is released on 1 September of the prior year.

Archived unit descriptions for 2011 are available here.

Leadership and Mission in Australian Society

Unit Code: 
DM/DP285
RTI: 
United Faculty of Theology
Unit Value: 
15 points

This unit explores leadership in the field of mission and justice with a focus on the context of Australian society. After introductory sessions on the Christian foundations of mission and justice, the unit will explore the contemporary context of mission and models of servant leadership as they apply to the prophetic and pastoral role of the church in society, followed by an exposure to selected practical issues. Specific issues to be covered include ministry in the context of disadvantage, missional leadership, models of the future church, church planting, gospel and culture, inter-cultural ministry and engaging with other living faiths.

Learning Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a theological understanding of mission and justice, and be able to articulate this understanding in the face of other perspectives
  2. Display an understanding of the Australian context and its implications for mission and justice
  3. Demonstrate a capacity to engage with and give leadership in mission, displayed in relation to a particular issue of contemporary mission and justice in the Australian context
  4. Display understanding and skills in leading others in the understanding and practice of mission and justice
Lecturer/s: 
Randall Prior
Lecturer/s: 
Ray Cleary
Timetabling
Semester: 
Semester 2
Day: 
Wednesday
Time: 
2:15 - 5:15
Location: 
Centre for Theology and Ministry
Unit Frequency: 
Annual
Years Offered: 
2012
Years Offered: 
2013
Years Offered: 
2014
Unit Fields
Courses: 
Advanced Diploma in Theology
Courses: 
Bachelor of Theology
Courses: 
Diploma in Theology
Courses: 
Bachelor of Ministry
Field: 
Field D Theology: Mission and Ministry
Disciplines: 
Missiology
Disciplines: 
Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies
Department Name: 
Department of Moral and Practical Theology
Unit Level
Undergraduate Level: 
2
Prerequisites: 

DP185 or equivalent

Corequisites: 

Normally, participants will be expected to be engaged in a local ministry context or placement.

Prohibited Combinations: 

none

Mode of Teaching: 
Semester
Teaching Methods: 

Lectures and small group work

Workload
Number of timetabled hours per week: 
3
Expected personal study hours per week: 
6
Total workload hours per week: 
9
Total workload hours for unit: 
108
Assessment
Assessment TypeWeightingLearning Outcomes Assessed
Assessment Type: 

1 x weekly journal (equivalent to 2000 words)

Weighting: 
30%
Learning Outcomes Assessed: 
1, 2, 4
Assessment Type: 

2 x 500 word papers

Weighting: 
20%
Learning Outcomes Assessed: 
1, 2, 3
Assessment Type: 

1 x group project, comprising a class presentation in the presence of two examiners

Weighting: 
25%
Learning Outcomes Assessed: 
1, 3, 4
Assessment Type: 

1 x 1500 word essay based on the group project

Weighting: 
25%
Learning Outcomes Assessed: 
1, 3, 4
Recommended reading: 

* = set texts recommended for purchase

  • * Bosch, David. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission, Maryknoll: Orbis, 1991.
  • Frost, M. & A. Hirsch. The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21st Century Church. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2004.
  • Greenleaf, R. K. Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness. New York: Paulist Press, 2002.
  • * Guder, Darrell L. (ed.) Missional Church, A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.
  • * Langmead, R (ed.) Reimagining God and Mission: Perspectives from Australia. Adelaide: ATF Press, 2007.
  • McLaren, B. Jesus, Global Crises and a Revolution of Hope. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2007.
  • * Newbigin, L. Foolishness to the Greeks: The Gospel and Western Culture. London: SPCK, 1986.
  • Pearson, C. (ed.). Faith in a Hyphen: Cross-Cultural Studies Down Under. Adelaide: Openbook, 2004.
  • Richmond, H. & Myong Duk Yang (eds)/ Crossing Borders: Shaping Faith, Ministry and Identity in Multicultural Australia. Sydney: UCA Assembly and NSW Board of Mission, 2006.
  • Roxburgh, A. & F. Romanuk. The Missional Leader: Equipping your church to reach a changing world. New York: Wiley, 2006.
  • Sullivan, F. & S. Seppert (eds). Church and Civil Society: A Theology of engagement. Adelaide: ATF Press, 2004.
  • Van Gelder, C. The Missional Church and Leadership Formation. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2010.
  • Vinson, T. Dropping off the Edge, the Distribution of Disadvantage in Australia. Melbourne: Jesuit Social Services, 2007.
  • * WCC Mission Series. Mission and Evangelism: An Ecumenical Affirmation. Geneva: WCC, 1983.

© United Faculty of Theology, 2008-2012.