Fall 2016/Online
YF503
Draffin
YF503: EVANGELISM, JUSTICE AND EMERGING GENERATIONS (4 Units: 160 Hours). Sophie M. Draffin.
DESCRIPTION: This course explores the biblical mandate to “so I send you” (John 20:21) and to “be (Christ’s) witnesses” (Acts 1:8), especially as it relates to adolescents and emerging/young adults. Historical, ecclesial, biblical and theological perspectives of witness will be explored as expressed in corporate and personal acts of gospel proclamation and justice. Through readings, lecture, projects, and discussion, students will learn how to articulate and pass on to others a well-formed theology of witness as well as design and implement a contextual and relational ministry strategy that takes seriously Christian care, justice and evangelism.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will (1) understand how people respond to persuasion; (2) develop a theology of witness, evangelism, and acts of justice, specifically targeted at those in their 30s and younger; (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: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours, which is outlined below in the assignment and assessment section. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.
REQUIRED READING: 1,201 pages.
Barry, Carolyn McNamara and Mona M. Abo-Zena (eds). Emerging Adults Religiousness and Spirituality: Meaning Making in an Age of Transition. Oxford University Press, 2014. ISBN: 978-0199959181, Pub. Price $55.00 [280 pp.].
Clark, Chap. Hurt 2.0: Inside the World of Today’s Teenagers. Baker Academic, 2011. ISBN: 978- 0801039416, Pub. Price $19.99 [288 pp.].
Peace, Richard. Conversion in the New Testament. Eerdmans, 1999. ISBN: 978-0802842350, Pub. Price $37.50 [196 pp. assigned, 1-125, 285-356].
Romero, Robert Chao. Jesus for Revolutionaries: An Introduction to Race, Social Justice, and Christianity. Lulu.com, 2013. ISBN: 978-1304513984, Pub. Price $15.00 [262 pp.].
Simmons, Brian. Wandering in the Wilderness: Changes and Challenges to Emerging Adults Christian Faith. Abilene Christian University Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-0891122852, Pub. Price $14.99 [176 pp.].
RECOMMENDED READING:
Sunquist, Scott. Understanding Christian Mission: Participation in Suffering and Glory. Baker Academic, 2013. ISBN: 978-0801036156, Pub. Price $34.99 [234 pp. assigned, 177-411].
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: The final grade for the course will be assessed from the following assignments:
Weekly lessons (video lectures) [20 hours].
Weekly threaded discussions (15%). Includes, both: 250-word weekly forum posts [5 hours] and 250-word weekly replies [5 hours]. [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1-4]. [10 hours total].
1,503 pages of required reading [82 hours].
Submit for three of the required books a 2-3 pages response (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome 2, 3, 4]. [15 hours].
There is a content exam on the lectures and readings (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome 1, 2, 3, 4]. [8 hours].
Complete a final project that reflects the course content (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome 1, 2, 3, 4]. [25 hours].
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the C3 requirement in the 120 MDiv Program. Meets the 144 MDiv Core requirement in General Ministry/Spirituality (MIN 1) and in Evangelism (MIN 3). Meets the MA and MACL Youth, Family, and Culture program requirement.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.