Contemporary Ecclesiology

Module code: 7SSET006
Credit level: 7

This module aims to explore developments in contemporary ecclesiology and relate these to changes in society and culture. The module enables students to explore different patterns of church life within the context of wider social and cultural change. Changing forms of church are described and examined as different ecclesial responses to the Christian calling to engage in mission within the particular context of later modern/post modern culture.

Module code: 7SSET012
Credit level: 7

This module is theological and practical at once. Its overall structure is theological, and is derived from six classic categories of Christian ministry - five of which are also traditionally understood as marks of Jesus Christ's own ministry (prophecy, pastorship, kingship, servanthood and priesthood) in which Christian ministers now share. Students will be invited to reflect theologically on what 'ministry after Christ' entails in relation to each of these various aspects of Christian ministry, and each of the six will be explored as embodying a particular form of attentiveness, because different aspects of Christian ministry invite particular ways of understanding and relating to context.

Teaching staff: Professor Alister McGrath
Module code: 7SSET015
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 30
Semester:  Semester 1 (autumn) 
Assessment:  coursework 
One 6,000 word assignment.

This module aims to enable students to gain a good understanding of the issues, concerns and approaches that have been influential in apologetics since the nineteenth century. Students will develop and enhance their critical awareness and appreciation of theoretical frameworks in relation to the theory and practice of apologetics, especially in church contexts. They will analyse their cultural context to inform possible action in their own leadership positions in relation to the practice of apologetics, especially in relation to professional ministry in churches or parachurch organisations.

Module code: 7SSET001
Credit level: 7

This module aims to identify and develop critical frameworks for reflecting upon the nature of social and political life as conceptualised within Christianity and the relationship between the church, its mission and society as a whole as it developed historically within Western Christianity. It does this through an examination of different theological understandings of the relationship between the church, its mission and its contribution to the political and social life of the society in which it is situated. A particular focus is the work of key theologians within the Christian tradition.

Module code: 7SSET003
Credit level: 7

This module aims to introduce students to key perspectives, issues and academic debates pertaining to the theory and practice of Christian Education, and to develop appropriate wisdom, insight and critical understanding by exploring four horizons of meaning: theological frameworks: the principles and history of Christian Education; current practices: the diversity and contested nature of the pedagogy of Christian Education: contemporary contexts: teaching and learning in Christian Education in the light of secular educational theory and practice; and professional insights: the broader context of Christian ministry and students' own professional and vocational practice.

Module code: 7SSET005
Credit level: 7

This module aims to offer biblical and hermeneutical frameworks for understanding ministry, both in its scriptural background and in today's contemporary context. The module will consider understandings of leadership and discipleship within the various parts of the Bible, including concepts of priesthood, elders and bishops. It will also consider how different churches have claimed biblical support for their patterns of ministry and invite students to reflect critically upon their own church tradition and ministerial practice.

Module code: 7SSET011
Credit level: 7

This module aims to identify and develop critical frameworks for reflecting upon the use and interpretation of the Bible in pastoral practice and ministry, paying particular attention to preaching, church declarations, and other applied settings. The sessions will cover a variety of periods, denominations and genres.

Module code: 7SSET008
Credit level: 7

This module aims to introduce students to key theoretical frameworks for understanding the profession and practice of youth ministry. It is designed to develop wisdom, insight and critical understanding, commensurate with M Level study, by exploring in-depth three inter-related themes; The theological approaches for Youth Ministry; Theoretical frameworks affecting ministry with young people e.g. education, welfare, leisure, style and entertainment; and Issues of gospel and culture.

Module code: 7SSET010
Credit level: 7

The aim of this module is to introduce students to key themes in the development of Christian mission and ministry in the modern period. This will be achieved through a thematic history of English Christianity from the Reformation to the present. The module is designed to develop critical historical insight on the relationship between Christianity and modern culture and society. It will provide an historical framework for contemporary debates relating to mission and ecclesiology.

Module code: 7SSET013
Credit level: 7

This module aims to explore the discourse, the models and the theoretical debates in contemporary systematic theology with special emphasis on the discourse on “Church” and “Worship” and relate these to cultural issues and non-theological disciplines. The module enables students to explore different models of thinking about Church and Worship within the context of wider cultural developments as well as developments in disciplines that are dialogue partners of theology.

Module code: 7SSET014
Credit level: 7

This module aims to identify and develop critical frameworks for assessing the theology and practice of church affiliated NGOs such as Christian charities, social welfare services (whether local, national or global in reach) and Christian political initiatives and social movements.

The module examines a range of different approaches to embodying the political, social and economic dimensions of Christian ministry and mission in society, assessing how each of these approaches constitutes a vector for wider issues affecting the relationship between church and contemporary politics and society. Through a series of case studies conceptual frameworks for understanding the relationship between Christianity, politics and the provision of social welfare will be outlined and at the same time, situated within wider debates about the nature of political, social and economic life in the contemporary context.