DESCRIPTION: This course explores the biblical mandate to follow the call to "go to all nations," especially as it relates to adolescents. Students will learn how to articulate and pass on to others the biblical and theological view of evangelism and outreach. Through readings, lecture, projects, and discussion, students will learn how to design an incarnational as well as relational ministry program which takes seriously Christian care and evangelism with unbelieving students.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: In contemporary youth ministry evangelistic models abound, but are they truly effective, or even theologically advisable? This course will enable the student to develop a biblically sound as well as culturally relevant theology of youth outreach and evangelism. The student will develop an appreciation for the perspective of the secular person, thus fulfilling the call to "gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15), while engaging people with the gospel in word and deed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will (1) understand how people respond to persuasion; (2) develop a theology of evangelism, specifically targeted at adolescents; (3) understand how to design and implement relational strategies and programs that enable contextually applied participation in God's kingdom purposes; and (4) train others in a practical theology of evangelism.

COURSE FORMAT: Lectures, class discussion, and presentations by various guest experts will make up the class time. Each student will complete a final project. Class will meet weekly for a three-hour session .

REQUIRED READING:

Clark, Chap. Hurt: Inside the World of Today's Teenagers. Baker Academic, 2004.* ISBN 978-0801027321, $16.99.

Peace, Richard. Conversion in the New Testament. Eerdmans, 1999 (pp. 1-125, 285-346). ISBN 978-0802842350, $36.00.

Richardson, R. Evangelism Outside the Box. InterVarsity Press, 2000. ISBN 978-0830822768, $15.00.

Robert, Dana, ed. Redemptive Transformation in Practical Theology: Essays In Honor of James E. Loder Jr. Eerdmans, 2004 (pp. 1-41, 189-400). ISBN 978-0802826893, $24.00.

Roxburgh, Alan J., and M. Scott Boren. Introducing the Missional Church: What It Is, Why It Matters, How to Become One. Baker, 2009. ISBN 978-0801072123, $17.99.

Stetzer, Ed. Lost and Found: The Younger Unchurched and the Churches that Reach Them. B & H Publishing Group, 2009. ISBN 978-0805448788, $17.99.

(*If read for another class, please substitute with 300 pages from another book on adolescent culture or development.)

1. Submit for each required book a 2-page response and at least 2 pages of quotes (2, 3, 4) - 20% of grade.

2. There is a content exam on the lectures and readings (1, 2, 3, 4) - 40% of grade.

3. Complete a final project that reflects the course content (1, 2, 3, 4) - 40% of grade.