Examines the influence of the marketplace, work in society and our daily life from multiple perspectives. The theological foundation and integration of faith in the marketplace is established through reflection of various Christian doctrines within the marketplace context. The marketplace movement is analyzed in terms of its vision, development, current situation and pastoral issues. Case examples and pastoral concerns are explored to learn about practicing the Christian faith and pastoring marketplace Christians. The course equips pastors, missionaries and Christian leaders to live out their faith in the marketplace, and to pastor Christians at work. Offered in Chinese.

Enables students to re-conceptualize the definition and impact of leadership and to reflect on the meaning of spirituality in their daily lives and work. It provides a theological and biblical examination of the concepts and teachings of spiritual formation of leaders at work, and a multifaceted consideration of the goals, approaches, values, spiritual life and growth of leaders. Concepts of leadership will be examined in both the corporate vs church contexts, with the view of discerning the challenges, struggles and various healthy resolutions. Offered in Chinese.

Examines the influence and place of Christian ethics in the workplace and daily life. Students will learn concepts and teachings of the marketplace and work ethics from biblical and theological perspectives; reflect upon corporate culture, ethical values, moral character, situational choices, and practical actions in the marketplace and at work from multiple angles; explore Christians’ struggles and find their way forward amidst ethical issues in the marketplace and at work. Offered in Chinese.

Marketplace Christians and leaders influence the world by expressing and proclaiming the truth with their lives. Through examining our career and workplace experiences, this course helps students to reflect on how God has called them, be with them, and led them through difficulties, so that they can continue to grow spiritually. After reflecting and analyzing how these unique career experiences shaped and mold our being, students will learn to effectively narrate and express them as life testimonies that will impact and inspire others. Offered in Chinese.

Examines and explores the status and influence of wealth in our daily life. It further explores the ownership, stewardship, distribution and deployment of wealth from multiple perspectives based on concepts and teachings from theological and biblical perspectives. The findings are then analyzed in the contexts of daily life to reflect upon the challenges and possible responses of applying biblical concepts of our own lives. Offered in Chinese.

Consists of two parts: integration of faith and work in terms of our inner being, and in terms of our work-related knowledge. The former focuses on our work experiences, and involves reflecting on inner feelings and struggles, seeking to address the sacred-secular dichotomy, and living a coherent integrated life. The latter analyzes the relationship between work knowledge and faith life, examines work or professional knowledge theologically, and integrative responses to society and church life. Offered in Chinese.

Trajectories in the study of anthropology have been helpful and hurtful, particularly to Indigenous people globally. In this course, participants will explore a variety of historical anthropological theories. The course will explore anthropology as a discipline, and invite other worldviews to contribute to the shaping of anthropological theory and practice for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

In order to foster deeper relationships, more effective academic engagement, and an overall greater involvement within the NAIITS community, students are required to attend two symposia as they progress through their studies. They will be required to participate in the concurrent seminar, and complete required assignments. Students will only register for the course at the time of their second Symposium following which, grades assigned to first and second Symposium work will be recorded.

Normally, within Indigenous contexts of learning, integration of new experiences takes place more simultaneously. Compartmentalized approaches to knowledge, which require an integrative course, would be less normative here than in Western traditions. However, to provide an opportunity for students to continue the process of integrating what they have learned in the program with what they already understand, a project selected together with the NAIITS faculty will be undertaken to provide that opportunity.

Covers all aspects of research and writing at an academic level. The student develops their voice as an academic writer by learning how to identify and use rhetorical strategies in writing. The course will also explore the specific needs or concerns of Indigenous writing and research methods including protocol. Other topics covered are: proper citation and bibliography formatting, grammar, crafting solid thesis statements, building a line of reasoning and other organizational strategies of formal research papers, finding and interacting with quality primary sources and how to synthesize and interact with secondary sources in an academic essay.

Focuses on contemporary theories regarding colonization and decolonization emerging out of Indigenous studies, critical ethnic studies, and post colonialism studies. Attention is paid to the relationship between race, colonialism, and gender. Students will explore how these theories intersect with Christian theologies and spiritual practice. This course will consider the critiques made by Indigenous and postcolonial scholars of the methodological approaches used in the humanities and social sciences for their complicity in colonialism. It will examine various attempts to “decolonize” methodology and to construct Indigenous and postcolonial methodological approaches to society and community. Students will work to develop their own philosophical and methodological approaches to decolonization.

Correlated with lessons learned in the classroom, students will complete a mentored learning experience (2 semesters in duration, 3 credit hours). Systematically, students will develop skills in observation, analysis and reflection on the practice of ministry in their own church, other designated churches or para-church organizations. Students may choose to intern in a mission field. Refer to CCSTT Pastoral Ministry Internship Handbook for details. Offered in Chinese.

Seeks to develop biblical-theological, historical and cultural understandings of leadership in the church, ministry organizations and the marketplace. Students will gain insight into their leadership potential, gifts, values, preferences, style and skill levels. They will grow in the ability to think and respond as leaders in whatever settings they serve. Students will implement their understanding of leadership and reflect on those implementations.

Lays a biblical and theological foundation for how we should view and lead through conflict that may arise. This will include a biblical rationale and examples from Scripture for how conflict can become a gift to the church, mission/ministry organization, market place, as well as a gift to the individual. Consideration will be given to the dynamics of conflict and change, primary causes for conflict and how these causes can be redirected in a positive manner. Biblical reflection on forgiveness and reconciliation will also be included. Case studies and mediation processes will round out the course. Same as PAST 0548.

Directed Reading and Research (DRR) courses allow students to study in a specific area of interest not addressed by the scheduled course offerings. Permission required.

Provides a biblical and theological reading of the marketplace as a context for kingdom impact and effective ministry. It will revisit the notion of work as a calling and help students develop a theology of work that integrates faith and work and bridges the “Sunday-Monday Gap”. It will address the needs of Christians in the marketplace, and explore how churches can effectively equip and support Christians to minister in the marketplace.

Same as PAST 0643.

Same as PAST 0668.

Examination of specific topics in leadership.

This seminar course will introduce students to concepts of leadership, organizational change theory, and skills required to lead organizations and communities in the context of changing demographics. The emerging practice of diversity as central to leadership theory and practice, the holistic nature of diversity, social justice within a diverse society, and the role these have in contributing to effective and appropriate leadership will be explored to gain an informed understanding. Reflection on multicultural, and intercultural perspectives and partnerships, specifically, those between Indigenous Peoples and Western culture is a focal aspect of this course. Leaders require knowledge, skill and attributes that support inclusion and promote unity.

Introduces students to a biblical theology and practice of Christian hospitality. Drawing from the history of Christian hospitality, learners will develop an understanding of how to contextualize and apply a theology of hospitality to current ethical challenges that surround host and stranger relations. This exploration of Christian hospitality will provide an alternative framework for guiding communities in establishing boundaries, discerning risk and embracing the surprise of the stranger. Same as PAST 0565.

Directed Reading and Research (DRR) courses allow students to study in a specific area of interest not addressed by the scheduled course offerings. Permission required.

Provides a comprehensive survey of the nature of Christian mission worldwide. Covers the biblical foundation of mission, the historical development and expansion of the world Christian movement and the current issues and challenges facing mission today. Special attention is given to relating mission to culture. Explores several dynamic methods of presenting the Good News of the kingdom effectively and meaningfully in a particular world context. Effective strategies for world evangelization and church planting will be considered.

Globalization is one of the main features of our contemporary post-modern culture. This course provides a comprehensive theological and missiological study on the impact of globalization on the life and ministry of the global church in the twenty first century. Major themes such as the historical development of Christianity, its theology and mission in the cultural context of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe/North America will be explored. Church’s ministry and responsibility towards socio-political injustices, poverty, urbanization and the ecology will be studied from a global perspective. Special attention will be given to the church’s interaction with other religious traditions. The missional nature of the church will be explored from a Trinitarian perspective where emphasis will be given to the mission of the people of God as an instrument for peace and reconciliation among world communities and nations. Same as THEO 0668.