MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission

Hermeneutics is the art of reading, understanding, and relating to the biblical text. It studies the process of our engagement with Scripture and our attempts to make sense of it. In this module we will ask questions like: How do we read the Bible well? What skills do we need to develop for that task? Are there legitimate and illegitimate ways of interpreting Scripture (and how do we know which is which)? What goals should drive our interpretation? How is reading the Bible linked to reason, faith, emotion, tradition, and community? What are the best ways of perceiving the contemporary relevance of the biblical text?

The Advanced Biblical Studies Module focuses on John's gospel and enables students to explore various aspects of this fascinating text. We begin the module by looking at John's unique Christology, before turning to topics such as mission, discipleship, ethics, and the challenging topic of "the Jews" in John's Gospel, before finishing up with an exploration of the reception of the gospel. During this module, students will have the opportunity to hone their exegetical skills and reflect on what the gospel communicates about ministry, mission, and discipleship.

Christian Faith and the Environment explores the ways in which the teachings and practices of the Christian faith can inform our understanding of creation and our relationships with other creatures. The module considers, among other topics, various theological accounts of the intrinsic and/or instrumental ‘value’ of non-human creatures and the unique vocation of human beings within creation. In so doing, the module seeks to equip students with a distinctly Christian interpretation of, and response to, the present environmental and ecological crises

This course will examine various biblical, historical, and theological perspectives on mission and will consider how they can be applied to specific local situations. We will look at how various disciplines, like contextual theology, contribute to our understanding of the relationship between the local church and its community and will explore the missional dimensions of this relationship. Students will have opportunity to reflect on contemporary practice in mission and evangelism and discuss appropriate methods and strategies for effective outreach in contemporary contexts.

The God whom Christians worship and serve is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, One God in Three Persons. This is not a complicated optional extra to our faith, but the basis from which everything else we understand about God flows. This module will help us to explore why only this God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit in perfect oneness, is able to be our Creator and Saviour, able to meet us in worship, sacraments and daily life, able to be our hope in death and our trust in the coming of the Kingdom. These are all statements of faith, doctrinal statements, that flow the doctrine of the Trinity.

Theological reflection is an important skill for effective Christian ministry. This module explores the nature and practice of this skill. We will look at different types and methods of research and consider how good research supports faithful Christian practice and ministry. Students will have the opportunity to engage in a small research project on a topic of their choice.

This is a written piece of work (15,000 words) on a topic of your choice. You will be assigned a supervisor who will meet with you on a regular basis to guide and support you through the process of research and writing.