Practicum: Community Mission as Relationship Building/Christian Community

About this course

This practicum introduces students to the theory and practice of Christian mission as a community-building endeavor rooted in relationship, mutuality, and shared witness, rather than solely in meeting immediate needs. Drawing from biblical, theological, and contemporary missional frameworks, the practicum invites students to re-examine common approaches to mission and to explore healthier, more faithful expressions of engagement within local contexts.

Students participate in ministry days with approved mission and ministry sites that model relational, asset-based, and community-centered approaches to mission. These experiences are designed to expose students to practices that honor dignity, foster belonging, and cultivate long-term transformation for both communities and congregations.

As part of the practicum, students reflect critically on their experiences and consider how existing congregational mission efforts might be adapted to better align with these principles. The practicum culminates in a one-day workshop that builds on the frameworks and practices introduced through Mission Lab, supporting integration, shared learning, and practical application.