Diaspora and Intercultural Church (MA / PG Dip)

The All Nations MA in Diaspora and Intercultural Church provides students with an in-depth exploration of the dynamic nature, opportunities and challenges of the phenomenon of diaspora and multicultural churches, and of ministry in multi-cultural contexts, equipping students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes to be authentic and effective leaders for these contexts.

Core Modules

These will equip you to study at Masters level through developing advanced study and research skills, establishing a robust theological and biblical basis for missional engagement and giving you a thorough grounding in the field of social and cultural anthropology.

Holistic Learning Foundations

Students are enabled to develop the study, research and reflective skills required to engage in the theological, missiological and research components of the programme. The module encourages the student to think in a holistic, integrated way about their studies and experience across disciplines, and to develop their skills as reflective practitioners and researchers, with a view to applying these throughout the programme.

Biblical and Theological Foundations for Mission

Provides students with biblical and theological foundations for the study of critical issues in mission, equipping them to apply ideas from the disciplines of biblical studies and theology to the options available within the programme. The module encourages students to engage with a broad range of theological perspectives, highlighting those from the majority world, and to become aware of issues of context, power and voice within the field.

Following a consideration of the missional nature of the Bible, it also explores select biblical themes and key texts with a view to enhance students’ biblical understanding of missiology. This enables them to make strong connections between their particular area of interest and its biblical rationale, and also to apply to their own relevant missional context.

Anthropological Foundations for Mission

Provides a theoretical foundation from the perspective of social and cultural anthropology, as well as other related disciplines, preparing you to understand and engage with issues which may arise in cross-cultural situations. The theories and issues covered are a necessary foundation to developing cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity to the complexities of living and working vocationally in, or with members of, other cultures. The module will also encourage reflection on experience, and may challenge previously held understandings of culture and mission practice. The core modules will equip you to study at Masters level through developing advanced study and research skills, establishing a robust theological and biblical basis for missional engagement and giving you a thorough grounding in the field of social and cultural anthropology.

Specialist Module

The core modules are then built upon through a compulsory 20-credit module on:

Migration, Diaspora and Church

Global migration is a growing and complex phenomenon which is having a profound religious, social, cultural, economic, and political impact at every level of society, nationally and intercontinentally. This module is primarily aimed at leaders and members of diaspora/intercultural church communities, as well as those who want to reflect missiologically on this form of church. It examines the intersections of migration and polycentric missiology with a particular focus on the contribution of demography, anthropology, theology, and biblical studies. These explorations are grounded by reflection on the concept and practice of intercultural church—together with opportunities for reflection on personal migration experiences and/or interactions with migrant communities.

Elective Modules

Students then choose from one of the following three 20-credit modules:

Leading across cultures

This module equips students with the knowledge, skills and understanding to lead effectively in complex multicultural and cross-cultural missional contexts. Biblical foundations of Christian leadership are explored, and the challenges and opportunities of leading cross-culturally in complex contexts are examined. The module draws on both secular and Christian understandings and theories of leadership with a focus on the relevance and importance of post-heroic, collaborative approaches to leadership in increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous global missional contexts. You will have the opportunity to both deepen your theoretical understanding of leadership, and grow personally in your own leadership roles.

Mission in Europe: Context & Practice

Once characterised as “the Christian continent”, Europe today is on the frontier of World Christianity rather than its centre. Given its diversity of contexts, it is perhaps the most challenging arena for Christian mission in the world today. This module explores both the crucial issues for mission in Britain and Europe today and the practice of contemporary mission that is suitable for that context. You will be equipped not only with a broad knowledge of the key issues but also with the skills to undertake ongoing missiological reflection in your own specific local context.

Intercultural Worship

The aim of this module is to deepen your understanding of both the theory and practice of intercultural worship. The module will draw specifically on the discipline of ‘Ethnodoxology’ and will enable you to analyse, critique and apply creative and relevant models for arts and worship practice. You will be given practical opportunities to explore worship, arts and liturgy from a variety of cultural backgrounds and examine how local art forms can be used to shape liturgy and worship for intercultural settings. Please note - this module requires in person attendance, due to its practical nature.

Students will also have an opportunity to audit a third specialist module should they wish to do so from the range of MA modules.

Students studying for the PG Diploma also complete either the Independent Study Module or Research in Mission: Strategies.

Master’s students then have the option of either:

1.Completing a written dissertation

Allowing students to undertake in-depth research on a specific topic related to Diaspora and Intercultural Church through the writing of a dissertation (15,000 words). This provides the opportunity to engage deeply with a subject you are deeply committed to and facilitates the development of skills in research and fieldwork, supported by taught classes and regular interaction with an experienced supervisor.

OR

2. Completing a practice-based project

Providing the opportunity to engage in action research within your chosen subject area. It is designed to synthesise the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course and involves designing and implementing a project and presenting their findings through a project portfolio (7,500 words). This research process is supported by taught classes on research skills and regular interaction with an experienced supervisor.

Who is this course for?

Suitable if you are involved in on-going ministry within diaspora and intercultural or multicultural churches, or engaged in ministry within a multicultural context. The All Nations Christian College MA in Diaspora and Intercultural Church guarantees a rich, stimulating and transformative learning experience together with students from across the globe.