Individualized Distance Learning

YF503

Clark

YF503: YOUTH OUTREACH AND EVANGELISM (4 units).

Chapman R. Clark, Professor of Youth, Family, and Culture

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 young people.

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Students will:

• Understand how people respond to persuasion

• Develop a theology of evangelism, specifically targeted at adolescents

• Understand how to design and implement relational strategies and programs that enable contextually applied participation in God's kingdom purposes

• Train others in a practical theology of evangelism.

 

COURSE FORMAT :

The course uses recorded lectures, a detailed independent study guide, and readings. It is designed to be completed in an 11-week period while allowing for flexibility in the student’s schedule. Students will spend a minimum of 20 hours in a school or other setting where they engage adolescents, and will complete a detailed final project based upon their field research.

REQUIRED READING:

  • Kallenberg, Brad J. Live to Tell: Evangelism for a Postmodern Age. Brazos Press, 2002
  • McLaren, Brian. A Generous Orthodoxy. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2004.
  • Peace, Richard. Conversion in the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 1999.
  • Van Gelder, Craig, ed. Confident Witness-Changing World. Grand Rapids; Eerdmans, 1999.
  • Additional 500 pages of reading from the recommended reading list.

ASSIGNMENTS:

  • Four two-page quote sheets covering the required texts.
  • 4-5 page paper reflecting on the practicum involved in the course
  • 8-12 page paper examining an organization which specializes in youth evangelism
  • 10-12 page final paper based on student field research
  • Comprehensive examination of the course content

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM : Meets MDiv core requirement in Evangelism (MIN 3) ; Required course for MA/MDiv Youth Ministries concentration

FINAL EXAM: Yes

Updated August 2007