ACOM / Study / Units / M8120C Anthropology for Christian Mission

M8120C Anthropology for Christian Mission

This unit examines the fundamental aspects of cultural anthropology from a Christian perspective.
Unit Overview

Qualification

Graduate

Unit Availability

Trimester 1 2025

Study Mode

No Facilitation, Online Facilitation

Placement

30 hours of vocational placement

Prerequisite

N/A

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

N/A

Schedule
Availability Facilitation Type Time Dates Facilitator
Trimester 1 2025 Online Facilitation 9am – 1pm
(AEDT/AEST)
Tuesday 18 February
Tuesday 4 March
Tuesday 18 March
Tuesday 1 April
Tuesday 15 April
Yakim Morgan

Unit Details

This unit examines the fundamental aspects of cultural anthropology from a Christian perspective. It will enable students to develop greater cultural sensitivity and assist those seeking to work in intercultural contexts to address the issues and processes of cultural adaptation and contextualisation. This unit has a practical focus, its concepts and principles firmly integrated into the praxis of intercultural ministry.

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

  1. Establish a coherent understanding of cultural anthropology within a biblical and theological framework.
  2. Explain how cultural and sociological dynamics inform the development of worldview.
  3. Analyse the implications of culture and anthropology for Christian mission and ministry.
  4. Critique one’s own cultural presuppositions and values and identify areas of change to enhance intercultural ministry.
  5. Critically apply the results of their study to their own church or ministry context, developing appropriate strategies of contextualisation to current or proposed ministries.
  1. Learning Culture
  2. Culture, Anthropology and Ethnography
  3. Categorising Cultures
  4. Everyday Life Stories
  5. Anthropology and the Study of Religion
  6. The Unseen Realm
  7. Illness and Personhood
  8. Visions of the Future
  9. Contextualisation
  10. Action Towards Transformation
  1. Life Story Interviews (25%)
    Word Limit: 1500
    Due: Week 4
  2. Literature Analysis (35%)
    Word Limit: 2000
    Due: Week 8
  3. Theological Response (40%)
    Word Limit: 2500
    Due: Week 12

Not required

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A lot of theology training focuses on helping you know what to do, formation helped me go deeper and learn about who I wanted to become. As someone who learns a lot by doing, the highly practical nature of the ACOM model helped me put theory into practice immediately. The online learning helped me do that in the context I’d grown up in.
Ben Dainton – Graduate Diploma of Arts

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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

Student Stories

As a relatively young person in an employed ministry position, I have greatly benefited from my degree of Bachelor of Ministry and have observed my growth through undergoing studies. While studying and working full time in ministry, I have found that each unit, in some way or another, is relevant to my job whether that be learning to preach or growing my Biblical literacy skills. Through working full-time in ministry, I have found that the online content and structures of my studies allows me to be flexible in structuring my learning around my busy ministry schedule. Each week I am able to accommodate my studies to fit my needs based on my schedule demands.
Libby Hall – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

ACOM's online study options have allowed me to study a theological degree without having to leave my current church setting. The experience of journeying with my formation group has been a huge part of my growth this year.
Simon Cauchi – Bachelor of Theology

Student Stories

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!
Alec Van Bockel – Bachelor of Ministry

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