An investigation of the biblical theology of mission. The student will analyze three distinct but interrelated areas: The biblical and theological foundations of mission; the Kingdom of God as the theme of mission; and progressive revelation throughout salvation history. The student will be able to construct his/her own mission theological framework.

By analyzing biblical perspectives on mission, children, creation (image of God), discipleship and the Kingdom of God, as well as the influence growing up urban has on adolescent and human development, this master’s level course will construct a theology and practical foundation for youth ministry in the urban context.

Missional Students through this course will analyze existing present day issues of risk in the lives of youth and at risk youth from a God-centered perspective. They examine areas of practice using various frameworks to develop interventions appropriate to the risk issue. They also demonstrate competence in real or simulated examples of risk situations using knowledge, skills, values and styles.

This course analyzes the leadership theories, issues, trends and methodological approaches for effective adolescent mission within an urban context. Students evaluate best practices in transformative urban adolescent social systems; engage holistic strategic development of a variety of converging urban social issues such as urban adolescents, and organizational structural development; exegete a specific urban city; learn how to engage urban conflict, and gain expertise in the facilitation of effective networking and asset-based services.

An explanation of the core values and central practices of a Transformational Discipleship ministry. Students examine this ministry model, compare it to existing approaches, and devise a youth development strategy suitable to their urban ministry context.

Identifies key components of urban youth ministry development, explains leadership qualities needed for effective ministry design, implementation and oversight, and prepares students to construct a process for creating a transformational youth ministry.