New Course: Church Engagement in Justice and Community Development

In this course for Fall 2024, students will be introduced to the characteristics of congregational public theology and will evaluate a variety of community development models with a goal of understanding how the local church can be a positive force for change in a neighborhood.   Students will study the challenges of urban and rural settings, the post-secular context of society, and the spiritual practices necessary for community development and justice.  In addition, students will wrestle with a theory of change, learn healthy responses to the dissonance of complex community issues, and develop a strategic plan to help neighborhoods flourish.