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THEO 521: BIBLICAL THEOLOGY OF MISSION

Course Title: The Theology of Mission
Course Number: THEO 521
Semester: Spring 2025 (Intensive)
Instructor: Satya Maharjan
Class Schedule: February 3 – February 19, 2025 (Monday–Friday, 9 am – 1 pm)
Classroom: Room
Chapel Break: 10 am (mandatory)
Office Hours: satya@encounternepal.org; cell # 970-570-3380 (by appointment)

Course Description

This intensive course explores the foundations of Christian mission as presented in “Salvation to the Ends of the Earth: A Biblical Theology of Mission” by Andreas J. Köstenberger. Students will examine God’s mission from Genesis to Revelation, focusing on its theological, historical, and practical implications for the Church today.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will:

  1. Understand the biblical narrative of mission across both Testaments.
  2. Articulate the theology of mission rooted in Scripture.
  3. Analyze key missional themes, such as the Abrahamic promise, the Great Commission, and the role of the Church.
  4. Develop a theological framework for engaging in mission in diverse contexts.
  5. Critically engage with contemporary missiological issues in light of biblical theology.

Required Texts

  • Köstenberger, Andreas J. And T. Desmond Alexander. Salvation to the Ends of the Earth: A Biblical Theology of Mission. 2nd Edition. IVP Academic, 2020.

Recommended Texts

  1. Wright, Christopher J.H. The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative. IVP Academic, 2006.
  2. Bosch, David J. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission. Orbis Books, 1991.
  3. Schnabel, Eckhard J. Paul the Missionary: Realities, Strategies, and Methods. IVP Academic, 2008.
  4. Goheen, Michael W. A Light to the Nations: The Missional Church and the Biblical Story. Baker Academic, 2011. 

Course Expectation

  1. Attendance: Attendance is mandatory. Students must attend at least 85% of the sessions to pass the course.
  2. Participation: Active participation in class discussions and group activities is expected. 
  3. Reading Assignments: Complete all readings before the corresponding class session.
  4. Integrity: Adhere to the seminary’s academic integrity and plagiarism policies.

Assignments and Grading

  1. Class Participation: 15 %
  2. Reading Reflections: (5 entries, 200 words each) 20%
  • Due every alternate day at 9 am.
  1. Midterm Quiz: 15% (February 11, 2025)
  2. Group Presentation: 20%
  • Topic assigned on February 7, presented on  February 17-18.
  1. Final paper: 30%
  • Topic: “The Church and the Missio Dei” (2,500-3,000 words).
  • Due: February 25, 2025 (via email).

Grading Scale

A: 93-100% | A-: 90-92%

B+: 87-89% | B: 83-86% | B-: 80-82%

C+: 77-79% | C: 73-76% | C-: 70-72%

D: 60-69% | F: Below 60%

Policies

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and active participation are critical for your success in this course. You are expected to attend all class sessions. If you must miss a class, please inform the instructor in advance. More than three unexcused absences will result in a deduction of your participation grade by 10% per absence. Excessive absences may result in a failing grade for the course.

Plagiarism Policy

Plagiarism is a serious academic offense and will not be tolerated. Plagiarism includes using someone else’s work or ideas without proper citation. Any instances of plagiarism will result in a failing grade for the assignment and may result in further disciplinary action according to the seminary’s academic policies.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is expected in all your work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. All work submitted must be your own. Violation of academic integrity policies will result in severe consequences, including but not limited to receiving a failing grade on the assignment or in the course, and potential expulsion from the seminary.

Course Schedule and Changes

The schedule outlined in this syllabus is subject to change. Any changes will be communicated in advance during class sessions or via email. It is your responsibility to stay informed about any modifications.

Note

This syllabus serves as a guide for the course and is subject to change. Any changes will be announced in class or through official communication channels. It is your responsibility to keep up with any modifications and attend all class sessions.

Office hours are flexible for assignment consultation.

Course Schedule and Reading Assignments

Students are encouraged to form study groups for deeper engagement.

Week 1
Feb 3: Introduction to Theology of Mission & Old Testament Foundations

  • Primary Reading: Salvation to the Ends of the Earth, Introduction (pp. 1–10) and Chapter 2 (pp. 11–37).
  • Recommended Reading: Christopher J.H. Wright, The Mission of God, Chapter 1.
  • Reflection Due: None (first day of class).

Feb 4: Abrahamic Promise and Israel’s Role in Mission

  • Primary Reading: Salvation to the Ends of the Earth, Chapter 2 (pp. 16–30).
  • Recommended Reading: David Bosch, Transforming Mission, Chapter 2.
  • Reflection Due: Feb 4 at 9 am (on Feb 3’s readings).

Feb 5: The Servant of the Lord (Isaiah 42, 49)

  • Primary Reading: Salvation to the Ends of the Earth, Chapter 2 (pp. 26–37).
  • Recommended Reading: Christopher J.H. Wright, The Mission of God, Chapter 9.
  • Reflection Due: Feb 5 at 9 am (on Feb 4’s readings).

Feb 6: Prophetic Expectations of a New Exodus

  • Primary Reading: Salvation to the Ends of the Earth, Chapter 2 (pp. 34–37).
  • Recommended Reading: Eckhard J. Schnabel, Paul the Missionary, Chapter 1.
  • Reflection Due: Feb 6 at 9 am (on Feb 5’s readings).

Feb 7: Review and Quiz Preparation

  • Primary Reading: None (review notes and prior readings).
  • Reflection Due: Feb 7 at 9 am (on Feb 6’s readings).

Week 2
Feb 10: Midterm Quiz (9:30–10:30 am) & Jesus’ Mission in the Gospels

  • Primary Reading: Salvation to the Ends of the Earth, Chapter 3 (pp. 43–75).
  • Recommended Reading: David Bosch, Transforming Mission, Chapter 5.
  • Reflection Due: Feb 10 at 9 am (on Feb 7’s review).

Feb 11: Mission in Acts and Pauline Epistles

  • Primary Reading: Salvation to the Ends of the Earth, Chapter 5 (pp. 101–195).
  • Recommended Reading: Eckhard J. Schnabel, Paul the Missionary, Chapter 2.
  • Reflection Due: Feb 11 at 9 am (on Feb 10’s readings).

Feb 12: Mission in Acts and Pauline Epistles (Continued)

  • Primary Reading: Salvation to the Ends of the Earth, Chapter 6 (pp. 199–237).
  • Recommended Reading: Christopher J.H. Wright, The Mission of God, Chapter 10.
  • Reflection Due: Feb 12 at 9 am (on Feb 11’s readings).

Feb 13: Mission and Eschatology (Revelation 5, 21)

  • Primary Reading: Salvation to the Ends of the Earth, Chapter 7 (pp. 241–262).
  • Recommended Reading: David Bosch, Transforming Mission, Chapter 12.
  • Reflection Due: Feb 13 at 9 am (on Feb 12’s readings).

Feb 14: Preparation for Group Presentations

  • Primary Reading: None (focus on presentations).
  • Reflection Due: Feb 14 at 9 am (on Feb 13’s readings).

Week 3
Feb 17: Group Presentations (Day 1)

  • Reflection Due: Feb 17 at 9 am (on Feb 14’s readings).

Feb 18: Group Presentations (Day 2)

  • Primary Reading: Review Salvation to the Ends of the Earth, Appendix (pp. 263–281).
  • Recommended Reading: Christopher J.H. Wright, The Mission of God, Conclusion.

Feb 19: Conclusion and Course Wrap-Up

  • Reflection Due: None (final day of class).
COURSE ACCESS