Changing the World 101: Ending Hunger as a Case Study for System Change

Fall 2016 Class for Lifelong Learners at Christian Theological Seminary

Bringing real change to the world means changing its systems. Using the end of hunger — a goal now in reach within a generation — as a case study whose lessons can be applied to other pressing challenges and opportunities, Dr. Matthew Myer Boulton, CTS President and Professor of Theology, and Dr. David Miner, Board Chair Emeritus of Bread for the World and a CTS Trustee, will lead this course. Students will explore the key skills and best practices involved in changing systems, as well as the biblical and theological perspectives through which people of faith can lead systems change in the 21st century. Guest experts in theology, hunger and systems change will also contribute to the course.

The class will cover:

• God’s provision of abundance for all, and the deceptive models of scarcity that obscure it
• Biblical, theological, and practical approaches to effective advocacy
• The root causes, prevalence and impact of hunger in our communities
• Current progress toward ending hunger once and for all
• Local, national and international systems affecting food security, and how to change them
• Related issues vital to ending hunger: economic opportunity, climate change, immigration, mass incarceration, etc.

Each participant in the class will lead a hunger advocacy project with support from an experienced hunger activist.

The class meets at CTS on two Saturdays, September 10 and September 17, from 8:30 am to 5 pm.

Discounted cost is $340 for Lifelong Learners (non-degree students not seeking credit). Partial scholarships are also available. Students who want to take the course for seminary credit should consult with the CTS Registrar (LINK to Registrar page, http://www.cts.edu/academics/registrar.aspx_) and will attend the class on four Saturdays, September 10 and 17 and November 5 and 12.