Description & Rationale

Each generation builds upon previous ones and so it is important to know one’s own particular historic context. This is important in every area of life and particularly important for the Christian leader in their understanding of theology. This competency provides a historical context for our theological roots and the era and setting in which they were developed. It is important to understand this historical context in order to not repeat errors of past generations. Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it.

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Syllabus: 4.10 Historical Theology

4.11 Syllabus

Description and Rationale

Each generation builds upon previous ones and so it is important to know one’s own particular historic context. This is important in every area of life and particularly important for the Christian leader in their understanding of theology. This competency provides a historical context for our theological roots and the era and setting in which they were developed. It is important to understand this historical context in order to not repeat errors of past generations. Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it.

Objectives

Upon completion of this Competency the candidate should:

• Have a greater understanding and appreciation of how Christian theology developed over the last two thousand years.
• Become aware of the historical context that various theological concepts were forged and how these contexts impacted not only how they developed but how they have influenced the leader today.
• Begin to take practical steps to increase their understanding of either personal blind spots from history or areas they need to focus on.
• Have an accountability partner or mentor who can help them on this journey.

Core Requirements

• The candidate will complete the following readings:

A Brief History of Christianity, by Douglas Friesen [included in CL Reading Guide] The Mission of the Church, by Dr. Jeske [included in CL Reading Guide]

• The candidate will complete the Historical Theology Assessment and be prepared to discuss their responses with their mentor.
• The candidate will also complete all written assignments.

Mentoring Goals

• To help the candidate determine their level of knowledge of the history of the mission of the Church over the last two thousand years.
• To assist the candidate grow in both knowledge as well as understanding as to how this history affects their own application of theology in their lives and ministry.
• Using the Candidate Evaluation and other resources provided, the mentor will design a development plan for the candidate in order to achieve greater competency in applying theology in their generation and cultural context.

Candidate Evaluation

• The candidate will be evaluated as to their level of development in this competency (Undeveloped, Developed, or Proficient). Using the chart provided, the mentor will facilitate a discussion regarding what areas of historical theology that the candidate sill needs greater understanding.

Development Plan

• Based upon the Candidate Evaluation, an appropriate development plan will be designed to help the candidate gain insight from history as to the important and need to have a practical, coherent theology.
• This will include further work from the core readings, additional comprehensive learning, supplemental assignments, and various practicums.