Foundations for Christian Mission, Mentor's Guide, MG04

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F O U N D A T I O N S F O R C H R I S T I A N M I S S I O N

Chambers’s notion that the cross cannot be reduced to just personal life transformation is significant for our spiritual lives, and central to this module of study. Our desire is to give the students a comprehensive sense of what God is doing in the world, and has been doing since the beginning–drawing a people out of the peoples of the world for his own. Mission is the labor we engage with God in this connection. From time to time you will encounter quotations throughout the lesson that concentrate on various dimensions of “missiology” (i.e., the formal study of Christian mission) that are important for discussion, but were not included in the outline for sake of time. Please note these, and discuss them where appropriate with the students. The outlines are focused on the biblical foundations and ramifications for Christian mission, not on missiology per se . As such, do not hesitate to cover key concepts, Scriptures, or insights contained in them over and over again. Repetition underlies the pedagogical (i.e., that which is referenced to the discipline of teaching) strategy of this module. The objectives, the review questions, the review of the concepts and thesis–all of these are designed to help the student “pile drive” the truth home through constant and persistent repetition of the key ideas. Do not see this as a problem; oral learners especially require this repetition to cement the truth down, and all students need to know what facts, ideas, and insights are the critical ones worth knowing well. Repeat these critical ideas and cover them abundantly. Always notice, too, at the beginning of every lesson we state the lesson objectives clearly and in depth. These are not here for decoration or to fill up space; rather, they are integral to the entire class learning experience, and all that you say, do, and direct your students to experience ought to emphasize and highlight them. Concentrate upon them as you prepare for your class session, and find additional insights, quotes, and materials that support them. The more you can highlight the objectives throughout the class period, the better the chances are that they will understand and grasp the magnitude of these objectives.