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New diaconal ecclesial communities

In this seminar, we aim to observe, understand, articulate and critically evaluate the relationship between ‘new’ and ‘old’ forms of being church, between ‘fluid’ and ‘fixed’ or ‘inherited’ forms. We also look at the meaning of mission and church within a context of pioneering, church planting, diaconal-missionary practices and new church communities.

  • Course content

    We will study and discuss different views on ecclesiology and mission, based on the work of Moynagh, Hoekendijk and others. The course consists of two parts.

    1. Part one consists of close reading of the texts of the above theologians, tracing their views on mission, church and world in their various historical contexts.
    2. Part two consists of a field study of new church communities. Informed by different views on mission, diakonia and ecclesiology, you will visit a new church community (e.g. a pioneer church, diaconal initiative, church planting), conduct interviews and observations. The fieldwork and theoretical perspectives will be evaluated and discussed during the lectures.

  • Size

    The seminar is 7.5 ECTS:

    • 36 lectures
    • 16 hours book review
    • 24 hours research assessments
    • 20 hours field research and reports
    • 114 hours literature study

  • Period

    November 2025 to January 2026

  • For who?

    For any student interested in understanding pioneer placements, mission and church and missional practices.

  • Literature

    • Michael Moynagh, Church for Every Context. An Introduction to Theology and Practice, SCM Press, 2012.
    • Johannes Christiaan Hoekendijk. The church inside out. Westminster Press, 1966.

  • Lecturers

  • Assessment

    Book review and field research

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