Pre-requisites

None.

Co-requisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

• Examine and evaluate the qualifications and personal qualities required for effective cross-cultural mission.

• Explore and critically asssess important areas of stress and coping mechanisms in a mission context.

• Review and critically evaluate from a missiological perspective specific experiences of cross-cultural field experience.

• Critically review high level texts in the area of intercultural life and work.

• Plan, develop, execute and critically review a team project.

Unit Description

The unit commences with a practical introduction to cross-cultural ministry and concludes with a significant cross-cultural field experience.

Part A: The skills that are required to meet the demands made on the cross-cultural worker in maintaining their spiritual life are identified, including: preparation and the requirements for cross-cultural ministry; the relationship between the missionary, the local church and the sending organisation; support structures for sustainable cross-cultural ministry; and issues related to select a mission organisation.

Issues related to the commencement and sustainability of cross-cultural ministry are considered, including: personality factors and personal identity; appropriate lifestyle; types of ministry; crossing cultural barriers; cross-cultural living; cultural awareness; cultural adjustment; family and health including: singleness, marriage, children, healthy lifestyle and dealing with stress. Study in this area relates to the practical skills required to adjust to a new field situation and maintaining a sustained ministry.

The maintenance of relationships with the sending church and mission organisation are examined. Particular attention is given to communicating with supporters, deputation, furlough and exit-re-entry.

Part B: The unit concludes with a cross-cultural field experience of three weeks in a ministry setting overseas or 120 hours in an appropriate cross-cultural setting in Australia.

Emphasis is placed on learning: from the host culture, missionaries, field and supervisors; and by observing, listening and talking with the people, and reflecting afterwards on what took place. The student is to take the role of a learner, rather than that of one who has come to teach, preach or lead. There will be opportunity for debriefing when they return to the College.

At the conclusion of the unit, the student is expected to discuss the key issues involved in becoming a cross-cultural missionary and his/her ability to adapt and function in a cross-cultural situation.

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Unit offerings

Online: (Every Year, Semester 1)

Please note

The Unit Offerings listed above are a guide only and the timetable for any year is the final authority. The College may vary offerings based on demand, regulatory requirements, continual improvement processes or other conditions.

This unit may be available in different modes of delivery i.e. online and face-to-face as listed above. The unit content will not differ between these modes of delivery. There will possibly be a difference in the schedule and/or the prescribed assessment tasks, however both will cover and assess the same content.