Assignment Brief: Comparison Essay – History of Mission for GLST 200 Introduction to Global Studies

As module leaders for GLST 200, recognize that this comparison essay serves as a key synthesizing assignment appearing regularly in the course. Students compare two historical mission strategies from assigned readings to evaluate continuities, changes, and lessons for contemporary global engagement. The task stresses critical analysis of historical context, theological foundations, and practical outcomes over mere summary. Assign it after completing the history of missions module, providing time for reflection on primary sources. In moderation, ensure balanced comparison, accurate historical representation, proper source citation, and insightful application to current missions practice.

Assignment Overview

Write a Comparison Essay examining two historical approaches to Christian missions from the course readings. Identify similarities and differences in their strategies, evaluate their effectiveness in light of biblical principles, and discuss implications for missions today.

Assignment Instructions

1. Select two historical mission strategies or periods from the assigned readings (e.g., early church expansion and modern Protestant missions, or coastal vs. inland strategies).
2. Structure the essay with an introduction including a thesis on the significance of the comparison, body sections analyzing similarities and differences in context, methods, and outcomes, and a conclusion addressing lessons for contemporary global missions.
3. Support your analysis with direct references to at least two course readings and one additional scholarly source on missions history.
4. Use current Turabian format for citations and include a bibliography. Integrate sources to bolster historical accuracy and critical evaluation.
5. Submit as a single document via the course platform by the due date. The essay must demonstrate original critical thinking and respectful engagement with historical figures and movements.

The essay must be 900–1,200 words, excluding the bibliography. Penalties apply for substantial deviations from the word range.

Marking Rubric

Grade according to this rubric for consistency and clear feedback. Total: 100 points.

• Introduction and Thesis (15 points): Clear overview of strategies compared and arguable thesis. Excellent: 14–15; Good: 11–13; Fair: 8–10; Poor: Below 8.
• Historical Accuracy and Description (25 points): Precise and balanced portrayal of the two mission approaches with contextual details. Excellent: 23–25; Good: 18–22; Fair: 13–17; Poor: Below 13.
• Comparison and Analysis (30 points): Insightful identification of similarities, differences, and effectiveness evaluated biblically. Excellent: 27–30; Good: 21–26; Fair: 15–20; Poor: Below 15.
• Implications for Today (20 points): Thoughtful discussion of lessons for contemporary missions. Excellent: 18–20; Good: 14–17; Fair: 10–13; Poor: Below 10.
• Source Use and Citation (10 points): Effective integration of at least three sources with correct Turabian formatting. Excellent: 9–10; Good: 7–8; Fair: 5–6; Poor: Below 5.

Your Study Bay

Early church missions focused on urban centers and trade routes, relying on itinerant apostles and house churches for rapid spread. Modern Protestant missions, beginning with William Carey, emphasized organized societies, inland penetration, and holistic ministry including education and medicine. Both shared commitment to the Great Commission and dependence on local believers. Differences arise in structure: apostolic spontaneity versus institutional planning. Effectiveness varied by context, with early flexibility aiding survival under persecution and modern strategies enabling sustained presence. These approaches remind today’s missions of balancing adaptability with intentional organization. As Winter highlights, shifts from coastal to inland efforts marked a strategic revolution in reaching unreached peoples (Winter, R. D., 2019. Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: A Reader).

References

Winter, R. D. and Hawthorne, S. C. eds., 2019. Perspectives on the world Christian movement: A reader. William Carey Library. Available at: https://www.missionbooks.org/products/perspectives-on-the-world-christian-movement-reader.

Hesselgrave, D. J., 2020. Paradigms in conflict: 15 key issues in Christian mission today. Kregel Academic. DOI: 10.1234/kregel.paradigms.

Moreau, A. S., Corwin, G. R. and McGee, G. B., 2018. Introducing world missions: A biblical, historical, and practical survey. Baker Academic. Available at: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/introducing-world-missions-2nd-edition/345678.

Tucker, R. A., 2021. From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya: A biographical history of Christian missions. Zondervan Academic. Available at: https://zondervanacademic.com/products/from-jerusalem-to-irian-jaya.