1991, 92,93, 94,95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 00 (revised April 2002) ,Nov 04, Aug 05
Viv Grigg

DESCRIPTION

How is the church reaching and transforming cities? A story-based approach to theology seeking understanding of the new wave of revival-based missions strategies in anti-Christian, Christianized and secular cities, from case studies from several continents. What socio-cultural forces and theological breakthroughs are generating this wave? What patterns of theology, leadership and strategy continue to emerge and how do they predict the future? What is the interrelationships of the theology and process dynamics of revival movements and movements for justice? reconciliation and transformation of societal sector values? the linkages of business/elite and urban poor movements?

COURSE FORMAT

Initial lectures analyze socio-cultural progressions and theological breakthroughs leading to an initial strategic framework. This is to be followed by a day and a half analyzing discussions of a group of city leaders from several cities - both religious leaders and Christians in the public arenas. Following this analysis, an expansion of theses about theology and practice, developed by looking at multiple case studies and the related literature derived from each city. Specific group application is then made to a least evangelized city and transformation of structures in a highly Christianized city.

REQUIRED READING

The student is expected to read 1000 pages including the following:

1. Grigg, Viv. Transforming Cities: An Urban Leadership Guide, Urban Leadership Foundation, 2001 (on CD).
2. Since most of the literature has not yet been published formally, articles and profiles of significance will be included in an Urban Strategies Reader (on CD)
3. Select articles from Urban Mission magazine, 1986-93 (on CD).
4. Choose one from each section below:

Context
Dear, Micheal J., The Postmodern Urban Condition, Blackwell, 2000
Gulick, John, The Humanity of Cities, Bergin and Harvey, 1989

Prayer Movements
Silvoso, Ed, That None Should Perish, Regal Books, 1994.
Haggard, Ted, Primary Purpose, Creation House, 1995.
Dawson, John, Taking Our Cities for God, 1989.

Theology and Research
Ellul, Jacques, The Meaning of the City, Eerdmans, 1970.
Cox, Harvey, Religion in the Secular City, Simon & Schuster, 1984.
Selected chapters in Discipling the City, Roger Greenway , ed, Baker, 1992.

Urban Poor Movements
Grigg, Viv, Cry of the Urban Poor, MARC, 1994.

Transformation
Guinness, Os, Winning Back the Soul of American Business, Hourglass Publishers, 1990.
Alton, David, Faith in Britain, Hodder and Stoughton, 1991.
Dorrien, Gary, Soul in Society: The Making and Renewal of Social Christianity, Fortress, 1995.
Dawson, John, Healing America's Wounds, Regal, 1994.

Other readings on CD

ASSIGNMENTS

Reading log and five 2 page reading summaries.
A 20 page paper (double spaced , typed) developing or critiquing either a theological perspective for city-wide ministry, or a strategic plan for a city-wide ministry.
A 2-4 page city profile.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: 2 Units. (30 hours teaching, 60 hours work total) Complement to Transformative Revival Course

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes. 1 hour to design a strategy for a city and define the theological background to the strategy.