Unit name | Emerging Churches (Trinity and Baptist College) |
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Unit code | THRS20166 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | I/5 |
Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
Unit director | Dr. Finamore |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
E11001 Continuing the Mission of Jesus or E11002 Integral Mission |
School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
The unit provides an introduction to, and an interpretation of, the phenomena associated with the terms 'emerging church' and 'fresh expression of church'. It examines the reasons why such churches have been emerging and provides an analysis and evaluation of the theological principles which form the basis for these churches, and their missiological significance. It explores how new ways of being church have raised significant challenges for ecclesiology, and explores ways in which inherited and emerging churches can learn from each other. The unit offers a tentative classification of emerging churches and a critical appraisal of emerging models, drawing on biblical resources and a process of theological reflection. It provides the elements of a strategy for developing such churches and outlines the skills and resources which those who pioneer such churches will need.