Church and Ministry

Course Summary

This unit invites students to develop an ecclesiology of the local church and to consider the challenges contemporary cultural change presents to church life. It examines foundational biblical teaching on the key functions of the local church — worship, community and mission — and explores various aspects of ministry and congregational life. The unit also considers how the church has responded to these changes, with particular attention to the practice of church planting. Through all of this, students are equipped to engage more effectively in establishing and sustaining healthy church foundations.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. Critically reflect on the nature and purpose of the local church in light of Scripture, ecclesiological texts, and current practice.
2. Evaluate the role of mission in today’s church, with particular reference to its implementation in a changing cultural context.
3. Analyse the importance and facilitation of key areas of ministry in diverse contexts.
4. Design programs for a local church or ministry (for example, church planting, raising and releasing leaders, making disciples) that foster health and effectiveness in ministry.