ACOM / Study / Units / M7143C Ministering to the Muslim World

M7143C Ministering to the Muslim World

This unit provides an introduction to Islam, the second largest religion in the world and a significant part of the context in which Christian mission is carried out today.
Unit Overview

Qualification

Bachelor

Unit Availability

N/A

Study Mode

N/A

Placement

30 hours of vocational placement

Prerequisite

N/A

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

N/A

Unit Details

This unit provides an introduction to Islam, the second largest religion in the world and a significant part of the context in which Christian mission is carried out today.  Accordingly, it serves as a foundational unit in Missiology. It enables students to acquire the historical background necessary for understanding the impact of Islam in the modern world and the importance of Christian-Muslim relations in contemporary society.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the key persons, events and movements in the history of Islam.
  2. Explain the central elements of Islamic faith and practice.
  3. Engage in dialogue with Muslims in an informed, respectful and sensitive way.
  4. Analyse areas of compatibility and incompatibility between Islamic and Christian thought.
  5. Apply knowledge and skills to suggest ways to foster better relations between Christians and Muslims.
  1. Pre-Islamic Arabia
  2. The life of the Prophet Muhammad
  3. The Development and Expansion of Islam
  4. The Holy Quran and the Sunnah (traditions)
  5. The Five Pillars of Islam and the Shari’a (Islamic Law)
  6. Contemporary reform movements in Islam
  7. Christian-Muslim Relations over the centuries
  8. New opportunities for dialogue between Christians and Muslims in today’s world
  9. Particular topics e.g. women in Islam, fundamentalism, Sunni, Shi’a, Sufism
  1. Journal Entries on Readings (32%)
    Word Limit: 1600 total
    Due: Week 2, 4, 6, 9
  2. Viewing a Worship Service (14%)
    Word Limit: 700
    Due: Week 6
  3. Facilitation Assessment (15%)
    Word Limit: 750
    Due: Week 10
    OR
    Integrated Learning Portfolio (15%)
    Word Limit: 2350
    Due: Weeks 4 & 10
  4. Final Project Outline (5%)
    Word Limit: 250
    Due: Week 7
  5. Final Project (34%)
    Word Limit: 1700
    Due: Week 12
  • Reynolds, Gabriel Said. The Qur’ān and the Bible. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2018.
  • Swartley, Keith E. Encountering the World of Islam. 2nd ed. Bottomline Media, 2015.

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My studies at ACOM equipped me to be job-ready by providing the ability to complete my student ministry placement in local churches, allowing me to apply what I was learning directly to real-world situations. The practical elements of the coursework gave me the hands-on experience and confidence needed to step into ministry roles, fully prepared to make a meaningful impact.
Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

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Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

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Studying with ACOM provided me with a unique and incredible academic experience! ACOM worked with me to deliver a course that benefited and enriched my role in ministry, and that was of great benefit as it meant that I was actively able to apply the material that I had been studying. What stood out for me though while studying with ACOM was how seamlessly spiritual formation was integrated with academic learning. Instead of studying material and writing assessments that had little to do with the complexities of life in ministry, many of the units that I studied were tailored in such a way that I was engaging with God, my heart, and others which led to a deep transformation in my own character and relationship with God. I would highly recommend ACOM to anyone who desires more in their life with God!
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Studying with ACOM has been a transformational and empowering experience for me. The flexibility has allowed me to pursue my studies at my own pace without compromising ministry work. The trimester system makes it achievable to complete units at a pace that suits my schedule, while the practical ministry focus ensures what I learn is applicable to my day to day ministry. As a Youth Pastor, ACOM has been a supportive and accessible environment, empowering me to grow academically and spiritually while serving in my church context.
Grace Cook – Master of Leadership

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Studying at ACOM has been perfect for me. The flexibility and accessibility of the study has worked super well alongside ministry work. It has allowed me to balance my commitments with "on the job ministry", whilst being further equipped through my studies online.
JP Schokman – Bachelor of Theology

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