Details for Ecclesiology

Ecclesiology is the study of the church. Contemporary churches are often focused on "doing church", but this unit reflects critically on the nature and mission of the church. It puts in place biblical and theological foundations for understanding the church, and then reflects theologically upon contemporary developments. These include discussion of Church leadership structures and contemporary trends, such as the so-called emerging church and multi-centred mega-churches. It also considers the relationship between Church Mission and evangelistic and social work activities, as well as engaging with the contemporary ecumenical movement.

Awards offering Ecclesiology

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

• Associate Degree in Ministry
• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Applied Social Science
• Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
• Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Ministry
• Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Theology
• Bachelor of Ministry
• Bachelor of Theology
• Diploma of Arts
• Diploma of Business
• Diploma of Business and Diploma of Entrepreneurship
• Diploma of Business and Diploma of Leadership
• Diploma of Business and Diploma of Ministry
• Diploma of Chaplaincy
• Diploma of Chaplaincy and Diploma of Leadership
• Diploma of Chaplaincy and Diploma of Ministry
• Diploma of Entrepreneurship
• Diploma of Entrepreneurship and Diploma of Leadership
• Diploma of Entrepreneurship and Diploma of Ministry
• Undergraduate Certificate in Arts

Unit Content

Outcomes

1. Explain the scriptural, historical, and theological foundations informing the nature and mission of the church;
2. Critically appraise alternate theological and historical models of the church;
3. Describe and judge the emergence of Pentecostal ecclesiologies;
4. Critically evaluate the contribution of ecumenism to contemporary ecclesiology;
5. Elucidate the interaction between conceptions of Church Mission and ecclesiology.

Subject Content

1. Introduction to Ecclesiology
2. Biblical foundations and Marks of Church
3. Early Church: Early Catholic and Orthodox Ecclesiology
4. The Reformation
5. Protestant Ecclesiology, Denominationalism, Free church
6. Pentecostal Ecclesiology
7. Missional & Emerging Church
8. A Trinitarian Community
9. Ecumenism
10. Leadership and Gifts
11. Sacrament, Worship and Ministry
12. Mission: Justice and Equality

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Face to Face (onsite)
• Distance/E-learning (online)
• Intensive (One week: 7 hours per day for 5 days = 35 class hours + approx 85 hours out of class time for research, writing, exam preparation and execution, ancillary activities associated with completion of assigned tasks)

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

• Minor Essay (30%)
• Group Exercise (30%)
• Major Essay (40%)

Prescribed Text

• Kärkkäinen, Veli-Matti. An Introduction to Ecclesiology: Ecumenical, Historical & Global Perspectives. rev ed. Grand Rapids, Michigan: IVP, 2021.

Please consult your instructor prior to purchasing any textbooks.