Western Seminary, Portland

CULTURE AND MINISTRY

DIS 509

Summer Semester, May 2003

Donald K. Smith

Course Objectives

At the end of the course of study, the student will be able to:

1. Define and explain the concept of world view.

2. Be able to identify dominant qualities of the world view of the student’s own culture, and at least one other society.

3. Show (by illustration) the primary ways in which culture affects ministry of the Word of God,

- in formation of a theological framework,

- in the ways through which the Message of Christ is communicated to both non- Christians and to those who are followers of Christ,

- as to appropriate organizational structures for Christian ministry.

4. Demonstrate the ability to use simple tools of cultural reporting and analysis to discern important themes, values and the world view of a society.

5. Illustrate how the cultural regions of North America influence the work of American missionaries.

6. Explain primary dimensions of the culture core that provide a framework for comparison of differing world views.

Assignments

Students are encouraged and expected to interact outside of class about the course concepts and implications for ministry - to enhance in-class discussions.

The percentage of your final grade for each assignment follows the assignment, as well as the due date for that assignment.

1. 20% Reading assignments, as outlined below, with reading reports on each of the required readings. The reports are to demonstrate comprehension of the material and ability to apply it to your own ministry. Reading reports are due on May 9, 2003.

2. 35% Determine a local group or area where you will interact with people of a different cultural tradition than your own. Develop interaction with them for the purpose of clarifying the gospel to them.

The final report will include 1) the major values of that group, 2) significant core beliefs of the individual or group, 3) how you seek to make the gospel understandable to them, i.e., the form, manner and timing of what you say, 4) their reactions to what you say - what do you think they really heard from what you said? The final report summarizing the above points you have learned will be handed in on June 15, 2003.

2. 20% Critique your own culture core (as well as you can perceive it) in the light of biblical teaching. This paper will be due on May 30, 2003.

3. 25% A paper of 1000+ words, that examines one of the following areas:

a) the culture core of the group to which you plan to minister, considering that core in the light of biblical teaching.

OR

b) the potential points of difficulty/conflict between your own culture core and that of the people among whom you expect to serve.

This paper will be due on June 15, 2003.

Readings

Required

Garreau, Joel. Nine Nations of North America. Do not read for mastery, but to identify the major distinctives of each of the nine nations. Copies may be borrowed from the WorldView Center library during the period of the course.

Stewart, Edward C. and Bennett, Milton. American Cultural Patterns. It is a “dense” book, thus slow reading. It gives Americans a better understanding of themselves, and helps others understand Americans. Read carefully for understanding and future reference.

Yung, Hwa. Mangoes or Bananas? Pp. 1 - 102. A recently published work that gives an excellent foundation for doing theology in differing cultures, even though the emphasis is on the Asian context. Those who are ministering in Asia or to Asian peoples will profit from careful reading of the whole book.

Recommended

Hiebert, Paul. Anthropological Insights for Missionaries

Hofstede, Geert. Cultures and Organizations

Luzbetak, Louis. The Church and Cultures

Yung, Hwa. Mangoes or Bananas? Pp. 102-241

Specific titles concerning the culture within which the student intends to serve should be identified in a short bibliography as part of your integrative paper - and for future reading.