A Curriculum to Prepare Pastors for Tribal Ministry in India
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Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Dissertation Projects DMin Graduate Research 2007 A Curriculum To Prepare Pastors for Tribal Ministry in India Calvin N. Joshua Andrews University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dmin Part of the Practical Theology Commons Recommended Citation Joshua, Calvin N., "A Curriculum To Prepare Pastors for Tribal Ministry in India" (2007). Dissertation Projects DMin. 612. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dmin/612 This Project Report is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertation Projects DMin by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ABSTRACT A CURRICULUM TO PREPARE PASTORS FOR TRIBAL MINISTRY IN INDIA by Calvin N. Joshua Adviser: Bruce L. Bauer ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH Dissertation Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Title: A CURRICULUM TO PREPARE PASTORS FOR TRIBAL MINISTRY IN INDIA Name of researcher: Calvin N. Joshua Name and degree of faculty adviser: Bruce L. Bauer, DMiss. Date Completed: September 2007 Problem The dissertation project establishes the existence of nearly one hundred million tribal people who are forgotten but continue to live in human isolation from the main stream of Indian society. They have their own culture and history. How can the Adventist Church make a difference in reaching them? There is a need for trained pastors in tribal ministry who are culture sensitive and knowledgeable in missiological perspectives. Method Through historical, cultural, religious, and political analysis, tribal peoples and their challenges are identified. The contribution of Christianity to India, particularly, the impact of the Adventist Church among tribals is reviewed. A Logical Framework methodology is utilized to outline a strategy for tribal ministry and a curriculum is developed to train Adventist pastors for tribal work. The dissertation project also reviews the profile of Calvin Joshua by looking at his personal and theological understanding of tribal work and ministry. Results This dissertation project developed curriculum for a three-hour graduate course, Introduction to Tribal Ministry. Relevant topics were selected, thirty-seven lesson outlines were prepared, and a sample fifty-minute class lecture was written. Visual aids and group activities were organized to compliment the lectures. The curriculum is divided into five sections: (1) introduction to tribal anthropology, (2) tribal culture and Christianity, (3) tribal worldview and dynamics of change, (4) spiritual dynamics for tribal ministries, and (5) Adventist outreach to tribals. Conclusion The study illustrates the enormous possibility for the Adventist Church to train and equip pastors for successful tribal ministry. There are recommendations for the Adventist Church to consider. The developed curriculum will be implemented at Spicer Memorial College and other Adventist colleges. The resources also will be condensed to meet the training needs of experienced pastors during annual workers’ meetings, pastors’ workshops, and professional seminars. A Field School of Missions will later provide field activities and practical experiences for pastors. However the pastoral seminars and field school are beyond the scope of this dissertation project. Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary A CURRICULUM TO PREPARE PASTORS FOR TRIBAL MINISTRY IN INDIA A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Ministry by Calvin N. Joshua September 2007 A CURRICULUM TO PREPARE PASTORS FOR TRIBAL MINISTRY IN INDIA A dissertation presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Ministry by Calvin N. Joshua APPROVAL BY THE COMMITTEE: <^Birectorof DMinTProgram Skip Bell m's -jerk's] Dean, SDA Theological Seminary Denis Fortin fv*? 0 7_____ Date approved Dedication This project is dedicated to those pastors who will enter new tribes and make a difference in the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in India. m TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................. viii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ..................................................................................... ix Chapter I. INTRODUCTION................................................................................. 1 The Purpose ................................................................................... 1 The Challenge of India............................................................. 1 Statement of the Problem.......................................................... 2 Justification................................ 3 Tribals Need to Hear the Gospel .............................................. 3 Biblical Mandate ..................................................................... 3 God’s Moment for Tribals ........................................................ 4 Vision for India ....................................................................... 4 Limitation....................................................................................... 4 Methodology ................................................................................. 5 Library Research ..................................................................... 5 Logical Framework .................................................................. 5 Outline ........................................................................................... 6 II. PERSONAL AND THEOLOGICAL BASIS FOR MINISTRY .......... 7 Biographical Background................................................................ 7 Introduction ............................................................................. 7 Brief Personal History .............................................................. 7 Temperament ........................................................................... 11 Spiritual G ifts........................................................................... 14 Apostleship................................. 14 Miracles ............................................................................. 15 Secondary Spiritual Gifts .................................................... 16 Leadership and Interaction Style .............................................. 16 Spirituality Web ........................................................................ 17 Task Type Preferences ........................................... 18 Theological Understanding of Ministry .......................................... 19 Introduction .............................................................................. 19 Mission as Missio Dei .............................................................. 20 Mission as Ministry by Clergy and L aity .................................. 22 IV Understanding Church and Ministry ............................................. 24 Reconstruction of the Adventist Church ................................. 24 Equip for Church Growth......................................................... 25 Reflections ..................................................................................... 27 III. HISTORICAL, CULTURAL, SOCIAL, AND RELIGIOUS ANALYSIS: INDIA AND THE TRIBAL CONTEXT ............................................. 29 Introduction ................................................................................... 29 Historical and Cultural Context of India ....................................... 30 Demography .............................................................................. 30 History ..................................................................................... 32 Ancient ............................................................................... 32 Medieval............................................................................. 34 Modem ............................................................................... 35 Religions ................................................................................. 36 Hinduism and Buddhism ................................................... 36 Islam and Sikhism ............................................................. 40 Christianity ....................................................................... 42 Tribal People of India..................................................................... 45 Identity of Tribals..................................................................... 45 Definition ........................................................................... 45 Distribution......................................................................... 46 Characteristics ................................................................... 48 Belief System ........................................................................... 51 Social Position ......................................................................... 55 Education ................................................................................. 59 Health ....................................................................................... 61 Mission among Tribal People ..................... 62 Christianity............................................................................... 62 History ..............................................................................