The Graduate School

The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia Telephone: 215-248-4616 or 800-286-4616

Summer Term 2015 Intensive Session: June 1–5 ICS450C The Church in the City COURSE DESCRIPTION: Through looking at the city through different lenses—theological, biblical, historical, sociological and practical—we will develop a holistic perspective on ministries that are both faithful and effective. The course will involve presentations by various urban practitioners, fieldwork and classroom discussions. Dr. Darrell (Drick) Boyd Telephone: 484-832-7477 E-mail: [email protected] Mailing address: Eastern University, 3300 Henry Ave, 3 Falls Center, Philadelphia, PA 19129

SCHEDULE: Monday, June 1—Friday, June 5* Monday: 9:00 am–12:00 noon; 1:00–4:30 pm Tuesday: 9:00 am–12:00 noon; 1:00–4:30 pm; 6:00 pm–9:00 pm Wednesday: 9:00 am–12:00 noon; 1:00–5:00+ pm Thursday: 8:00 am–12:00 noon; 1:00–4:30 pm; 6:00 pm–9:00 pm Friday: 9:00 am–12:00 noon; 1:00–4:30 pm In addition, 8.5 contact hours will be counted through Distance Education course requirements on an LTSP Moodle Site (See below). * On some of the days class will be held off campus, and schedule may change subject to guest speaker availability * See full schedule on the final page of this syllabus COURSE OBJECTIVES: By the end of the course, students will be able.. 1. To articulate the significant roles that urban churches play in their local communities 2. To describe the way in which the church can strategically contribute to the overall life and health of the local community in a holistic manner 3. To conduct an asset based assessment of a local community 4. To synthesize a sociological community assessment with a theological exegesis of a community 5. To incorporate an understanding of racism into one’s perspective on church ministry 6. To outline an approach to spirituality necessary for effective urban ministry 2 TEXTS

Gench, Roger. Theology from the Trenches: Reflections on Urban Ministry. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2014.

Kretzman, John P. and McKnight, John L. Building Communities from the Inside Out: A Path Toward Finding and Mobilizing A Community’s Assets. Evanston, IL: The Asset-Based Community Development Institute,1993.

Peters, Ronald. Urban Ministry: An Introduction. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2007.

*** Other readings will be assigned and made available on the class Moodle site.

TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES

The course will combine brief lectures with discussion and exercises to practically apply the ideas discussed. The basic approach taken in the course will be to use the city of Philadelphia as our primary text supported by readings and special presentations. At least two days of the five day intensive will be spent visiting ministries and other relevant sites throughout the cities. Guest speakers will also be invited in. Following the intensive, there will be one online discussion session to address questions and concerns about the final project in the course.

ADVANCE PREPARATION: In advance of the first session of the class, 1. Participate in an online introduction to the course in mid-May. 2. Read texts by Gench and Peters in their entirety 3. Read the Introduction & Chapter Five in Kretzman and McKnight, and skimmed the rest of the book for familiarity 4. Completed a preliminary asset based community description – due May 30 . REQUIREMENTS: 1. Completion of all reading and assignment. 2. Attendance and active participation in all sessions of the course. 3. Completion of two papers - Before the intensive: Students will complete a preliminary asset based description of a distinct community identifying general description of the community including demographic data, key institutions, and the role of the local church in that community. 5-7 pages - Following the intensive: Students will write a 10-15 page Theology of their community including a fuller asset-based assessment and theological analysis.

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS

ASSIGNMENT DUE POSSIBLE POINTS Community Description June 1 (first day of class) 100 Theology of Community July 31 200 Class Participation and Interaction June 1-5; Online 100 Total 400 1. Required Reading

Prior to June 1: In order to make the best use of our time during the intensive, it is imperative that students have completed the following reading. a. Read Roger Gensch, Theology From the Trenches (entire book) b. Read Ronald E. Peters, Urban Ministry (entire book) c. Read John Kretzman and John McKnight, Building Communities for the Inside Out, Introduction, and Chapter 5 d. Following the Intensive other readings will be made available

2. Community Description: - Due June 1, 2015 (First session of the intensive) – Rubric attached

Students should identify a local community that will be the locus of their community ministry study. Prior to the June 1-5 intensive will write a brief (5-7 pages) will description of their local community providing a general description of the community including some basic demographic data, key institutions, and the perceived role of the local church in that community. Students should come prepared on the first day of the intensive to share their findings with the rest of the class

3. Theology of the Community Paper: (Due July 31)

a. Research paper (10-15 pages): Write a paper detailing your biblical theology for a particular city or urban community. A biblical theology is a “message from and about God” for a particular community based on an understanding of Scripture in its literary, historical and cultural context. Thus, your theology will be based on your critical understanding of Scripture integrated with a sociological analysis of a particular city or urban community. Using an asset-based approach, the paper should include an analysis of the key historical, social, political, economic and cultural factors impacting the community. Based on that analysis, the paper should then articulate a theological analysis and response to those sociological factors. The paper should contain at least five key biblical passages or themes from that provide a basis for the student’s position on God’s vision for that local community.

The paper should address the following questions and concerns:  What are the key sociological, political economic, and demographic factors impacting your particular urban community?  What is your social position with regard to your community?  Who is the audience in the community to whom you want to address your theology?  What are key Biblical passages and themes that speak to the needs and issues in your community?  What is your Biblical and theological view of your community? What is God’s perspective on your city/urban community? What is God already doing, and what is God crying out for people to do? 4  What is the role of your local church in responding to the needs and opportunities of your community?  What concrete actions is your theology of this community calling you and the local church to take?

b. Creative Option: As an alternative to a traditional research paper, the student may incorporate the arts in the presentation of his/her theology of their community. Using the arts, develop a project (e.g. video, slides, artwork, dance, series of songs) that convey a “message from and about God” for a particular community based on your understanding of Scripture in its literary, historical and cultural context. The project may also focus on a specific issue or concern facing a specific community (e.g. gun violence, AIDS, illiteracy), and God’s response to that issue. The project should seek to address the concerns above (under Research Paper option), and should be accompanied by a written interpretive explanation (at least 3-5 pages) of the project and how it seeks to convey a theological perspective on the city.

4. Class Participation (June 1-5)

Description: This course will be structured on a “community of practice” model, which is defined as “a people bound together by shared expertise and passion for a joint enterprise.” (Wenger & Snyder, “Communities of Practice,” HBR, Jan-Feb 2000, p. 139). The course is also designed along a constructivist model of learning in which knowledge is constructed by the combined insights and contributions of group members. As such each student is expected to come to class prepared to share insights and questions from assigned readings, as well as personal and professional experience. . Class Participation is evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:

a. Content Knowledge: Does the student’s comments show evidence of understanding of the assigned reading? Has the student provided an in depth reflection on the key issues in the reading? b. Quality of comment: Does the student’s comments show critical thought and creativity? c. Contribution to the overall discussion: Does the student’s comments build on and relate to the comments of others? Does the student offer pertinent insights in class? d. Frequency: How often does the student participate in both large and small group discussions? (This is the least important element in relationship to the other two.)

Course Expectations

- Full and complete attendance at all sessions during the week of June 1-5 is expected. Students are expected to plan their schedule so that they will not miss any sessions. Guest speakers and field trips are being planned and students should simply plan to be “gone” from their regular commitments that week. Failure to be present will impact your overall participation. Specific unexpected events will be handled on a case by case basis. - No late submissions of assignments will be accepted except by consultation with the instructor prior to the due date.

- Paper should be submitted electronically by email to [email protected].

- Papers should be written double-spaced Times Roman or Courier 12 point font with a cover page according the guidelines of the Chicago Manual of Style. Guidelines for writing in Chicago Style ( http://www .chicagomanualofstyle.org) or the Purdue OWL (https://owl.english.purdue.edu).

- Students should be prepared to find their own transportation to the off-campus site visits. On the first day of class, we will take time to figure travel arrangements as we will be going all over the city.

Seminary Policies and Expectations: Plagiarism, Electronic Submission of Papers, Extensions, etc. - All written assignments, including on-line postings, papers, quizzes and examinations, are to be the original work of the student. Where ideas or quotations are taken from other authorities, the authority is to be properly cited. As allowed by the instructor, students may work together to research and discuss assignments but, except where assignments are designated as group assignments by the instructor, papers submitted by students working together must be clearly the work of each individual student.

- Hard-copy papers are to be submitted directly into the hands of the instructor or to the Faculty Assistant in Hagan Center or to the Enrollment Services Administrative Assistant in Brossman Center. Papers submitted electronically are to be in the manner and format specified by the instructor. Papers that do not arrive on time electronically in readable form will be considered late for grading purposes.

- Final papers and exams will be returned to students via Campus Mailboxes. Students wishing to have papers returned to them by mail are required to supply a stamped, self- addressed envelope for this purpose. Contact the Mailroom (215-248-6303) for information on obtaining a Campus Mailbox.

- Requests for extensions beyond the semester are to be submitted to the instructor in writing prior to the end of the semester. Extensions cannot be granted by the instructor for longer than 3 weeks after the end of term. Requests for longer extensions must be submitted, using the appropriate form, to the Dean or Director of Graduate Studies.

- All students are expected to comply with all seminary policies as spelled out in the Catalog and Student Handbook, including but not limited to those on inclusive language, plagiarism, Academic and Social Conduct, and Harassment. Both documents may be found on the seminary website (Ltsp.edu). 6

- Consult the Student Handbook for information concerning Grading Practices, Student Complaint and Grievance Procedures, and the Rights, Responsibilities and Freedoms of Students. The Handbook may be found at https://ltsp.edu/academics/the-ltsp- experience/student-services/.

- Any student with a need for accommodation based on the impact of a diagnosed disability is required to contact the Coordinator of Student Services (215-248-6312 or [email protected]) to design appropriate accommodations specific to this course. The Disability Policy may be found in the Student Handbook, available at https://ltsp.edu/academics/the-ltsp-experience/student-services/. • Any student wishing the assistance of a writing tutor should contact the Coordinator of Student Services, per above, for a list of recommended tutors. Payment of tutors is the student’s responsibility. SCHEDULE FOR WEEK INTENSIVE

MONDAY, JUNE 1 @ LTSP 9 am-12 noon – Theme: Theological Views Introductions What do we mean by “urban” and “city” Sharing our community descriptions

1:30-4:30 PM – Theme: Theological and Biblical Basis for Urban ministry The city in Scripture Role of the church in cities “Sharing the Gospel “Bottom up Perspective”

TUESDAY, JUNE 2 @ LTSP 9 am-12 noon – Theme: Knowing Our communities – The Role of the Pastor Guest Panel: . Pastor Amy Yoder McLoughlin, Germantown Mennonite . Rev. Ernie Flores, Second Baptist, Germantown . Rev. Victor Gimenez, Darby Union Memorial United Methodist . Mr. Nes Espinosa, Director, Timeteo Football League

1:30-4:30 PM Theme: Studying the Community Asset-Based Community Development Using Census Data in Ministry The Built Envrironment Exegeting the Community

6:-9:00 PM The Pastor as Community Organizer Guest Speaker: Wes Lathrop, Organizer with POWER – Doing One on ONes

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3 –In Oxford Circle and West Philadelphia 9 am-12 noon – Visit Oxford Circle Community Development Corporation Guest Speaker: Pastor Leonard Dow, Oxford Circle Mennonite

1:30-4:30 PM – Visit Sweet Union Baptist Church/HMC2 Community organization Guest Speaker: Pastor Zack Ritvalsky, Sweet Union Bapitst Field Exercise – Mapping Exegeting the Community of Carroll Park

THURSDAY, JUNE 4 – In the Community 8 am-12 noon The Church and Relating Across Difference 8:00-9:30 – visit NewCORE – White Rock Baptist Church (West Philadelphia) 10:00-12:00 Visit Mother Bethel AME Church 8 Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Mark Tyler, Pastor and Leader in MLK DARE and POWER 2:00- 4:30 – Lest We Forget Slavery Holocaust Museum (Port Richmond)

6 -9:00 PM – @LTSAP Guest Panel: The Church and Interfaith Efforts  Rabbi Julie Greenberg, Leyv Ha’ir, Heart of the City, Interfaith Activist  Mr. Bryan Miller, Executive Director, Heeding God’s Call  Rev. Dr. Steven Lawrence, President NewCORE, Chair metropolitan Christian Council

FRIDAY, JUNE 5 – Doing Ministry 9 am-12 noon – Spirituality and Self-Care Engaged Spirituality Exercise

1:30-4:30 PM Wrapping Up Developing a Theology of Your Community Developing an Urban Ministry Community Observation Grading Rubric 100 points A B C F Community Community clearly Community Community Community not identification identified by identified by identified by clearly identified (10 points) streets or other neighborhood, but section of the city landmarks not locational markers Community Concise, detailed General Partial description Generic Description description of description of of of community life descriptions of (40 points) community life community life including people, community life including people, including people, events, physical without clear events, physical events, physical structures, reference to a structures, stores structures, artifacts, etc particular artifacts, etc artifacts, etc community Census Data Census data Census data Census data Census data not pertaining to pertaining to partially clearly related to (30 points) demographic demographic presented, the community make-up of make-up of community community including age, including age, race, gender and race, gender and family makeup family makeup summarized listed without summary Reflection & Reflection as to Reflection as to Reflection as to Reflection shows Evaluation student’s initial student’s initial student’s initial no evidence of the observations of observations of observations of observation (20 points) the community the community the community or and how one with only general how one might might approach thoughts on approach ministry ministry there ministry there Writing Writing shows Writing shows Writing shows Writing shows evidence of an “A” evidence of a “B” evidence of a “C” evidence of a “D” level of writing level of writing level of writing level of writing 10 Theology of the Community – Option 1 (Paper) Total possible points = 200 A B C F Description of Concise overview of Overview of Overview of No community Identified community community community described or issues Community characteristics using characteristics based characteristics based identified statistics and other primarily on primarily on (50 points) primary/secondary observation with observation sources & observation some statistical and source support Major issues/concerns Major confronting Major issues/concerns community identified issues/concerns confronting and described confronting community identified community identified but not described but only partially described Description of your Social location clearly Social location Social identification No discussion of Social Location identified and partially identified & minimally identified author’s social Within Community described described location (10 points) Identification & Audience(s) clearly Audience identified & Audience identified No audience Description of identified and described with minimal evident Primary described, as well as description Audience(s) relationship to the (10 points) writer Key Biblical Identification of 5 key Identification of 3-4 Identification of 1-2 No Scriptures or themes; concepts Scriptures or Biblical key Scriptures/Biblical key Biblical themes & Scriptures Themes themes Scriptures/Biblical (50 points); themes Theological 3-4 Applications 1-2 Applications 1 Application with No application Applications to the specified specified oblique reference to evident specified that relate directly to that relate directly to issues and Community issues & issues & scripture/concepts (40 points) scriptures/concepts scriptures/concepts identified above identified above identified above Action Steps Clear, specific action General action steps General actions steps No action steps (40 points) steps articulated with articulated with articulated without identified objectives objectives objectives Writing and The paper must The paper must The paper must The paper does not Organization** demonstrate the demonstrate the demonstrate the meet minimum qualities of an “A” qualities of a “B” qualities of a “C” standards of paper including paper including… paper including… graduate level work **(Overall grade will be affected by the quality of writing displayed throughout the paper. Writing will not be given a specific point total, but will influence the final point total given to the paper) Theology of the City – Option 2 (Creative Option) Total possible points = 200 A B C F Description of Concise overview of Overview of Overview of community No community Identified community community characteristics based described or Community characteristics using characteristics based primarily on observation issues statistics and other primarily on identified (50 points) primary/secondary observation with sources & some statistical and Major issues/concerns observation source support confronting community identified but only partially Major Major described issues/concerns issues/concerns confronting confronting community identified community identified and described but only partially described Description of your Social location clearly Social location Social identification No discussion Social Location identified and partially identified & minimally identified of author’s Within Community described described social location (10 points) Identification & Audience(s) clearly Audience identified & Audience identified with No audience Description of identified and described minimal description evident Primary described, as well as Audience(s) relationship to the (10 points) writer Key Biblical Identification of 5 key Identification of 3-4 Identification of 1-2 key No Scriptures themes; concepts Scriptures or Biblical key Scriptures/Biblical themes or Biblical & Scriptures Themes Scriptures/Biblical themes (30 points); themes Theological 3-4 Applications 1-2 Applications 1 Application with oblique No application Applications to the specified specified reference to issues and evident specified that relate directly to that relate directly to scripture/concepts Community issues & issues & identified above (30 points) scriptures/concepts scriptures/concepts identified above identified above Creative Use of music, visual Use of music, visual Use of music, visual art, Little evidence Expression art, dance, spoken art, dance, spoken dance, spoken word and of work put (50 points) word & other artistic word & other artistic other artistic forms is into forms is well forms well done with poorly done and detracts presentation integrated and nearly only a few noticeable from the overall message professionally done; errors; being presented. Presentation is Creative element Creative element is difficult to view adds to the impact of consistent with the (“Ouch”) the message message presented Presentation provides presented some information (“okay’) Presentation informs 12 Presentation both but does not inspire informs and inspires (“Good) (“Wow”) Written Written explanation Written explanation The written explanation Written Explanation makes clear the makes clear the alludes to but does not explanation is creator’s intentions in creator’s intention in clearly explain the author’s not (20 points) the creative piece (1- the creative piece but intention in the creative enlightening at 2 paragraph) & shows does not clearly link piece of the link to the all linkage to the to a specific community community described community above Writing and The paper must The paper must The paper must The paper does Organization** demonstrate the demonstrate the demonstrate the qualities not meet qualities of an “A” qualities of a “B” of a “C” paper including… minimum paper including paper including… standards of graduate level work **Overall grade will be affected by the quality of writing displayed throughout the paper. Writing will not be given a specific point total, but will influence the final point total given to the paper.