Cultural Engagement

Dallas Theological Seminary values relationships with diverse individuals, cultures, and ideas, that result in acts of evangelism, dialogue, application, and service that are biblical, courageous, and compassionate.

In order to prepare godly servant-leaders who reflect the heart of God, the seminary remains committed to a worldwide vision of Christian ministry. The seminary challenges students to extend themselves beyond their normal contexts into relationships and experiences that differ from their own culture as they develop their kingdom vision. Developing healthy engagement with different people and cultures involves both inward and outward activities. This type of engagement always includes fulfilling the mandate of Jesus to make disciples of all nations. However, such activities are expected to extend beyond an outreach activity.

This apprenticeship will explore cultural engagement in the following creative projects.

Blog Post: “Why Don’t We Visit the Symphony Anymore?”

Purpose


Engage with music by exploring parallels between the symphony having difficulty attracting audiences and the church having difficulty attracting congregants.

Strategy


Write a brief (~1-2 pages) post for the Plano Symphony Orchestra exploring declining attendance at symphony performances. Investigate whether this decline is due to shifts in American culture and, if it exists, suggest ways to bridge the culture gap. For this apprenticeship, add a supplement (~2 paragraphs) exploring these culture gaps in light of declining church attendance.

Resources


Measurements


Blog post submitted, expected December 2023.

Artifacts


  • Blog post.
  • Additional reflective supplement.

Project: Personal Letters

Purpose


This project has several objectives:

  • Invest in my younger relatives and my unique relationships to them.
  • Plant seeds that God can use to foster salvation and spirituality.
  • Explore aspects of writing as a tool for building relationships between people who don’t live in close proximity.

Strategy


Since this project is of a highly personal nature, a detailed strategy will not be posted here. The project consists of a series of letters sent to specific relatives.

Resources


Measurements


  • Blog post written, expected December 2023.
  • Letters sent, expected December 2023.

Artifacts


  • Copies / scans of letters sent. Some personal details may be redacted if necessary.