Historic Ministry SW America

This course will examine the comparatively long and diverse history of Christian ministry in the American Southwest; particularly, West Texas and New Mexico. It will allow students to see and experience historic ministries between colonial Spanish priests and Native American populations during the early days of European arrival in this geographic area, and to experience contemporary ministries to oil field workers, Native Americans, rural mountain populations, nuclear scientists and cowboy churches. Some time will also be expended to study Christian cultures specific to areas of North Central New Mexico; i.e., Los Hermanos Penitentes. When completed, students should be able to identify and more fully understand ministries that are concurrent to the 21st century among ethnic, geographic, and profession-related subcultures in the American Southwest, as well as have an appreciation for the historical influence of Christian ministry on this unusual and isolated area contingent to the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.