Spring 2018/Fuller Online

MC541

Higgins

MC541: EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP IN CROSSCULTURAL CONTEXTS (4 Units: 160 hours). Kevin Stuart Higgins.

DESCRIPTION: This course provides an introduction to the cultural dimensions inherent in the tasks of evangelism and discipleship; and resources for developing a biblically rooted philosophy and practice of evangelism and discipleship. Students will be challenged to engage in critical thinking as they explore biblical, theological, and cultural implications of the gospel relative to the practical realities of evangelism and discipleship in cross-cultural settings. The relationship between evangelism and discipleship will be explored, as well as the relationship between discipleship and church planting.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon completion of this course, students will have (1) demonstrated the ability to compare and contrast different biblical presentations of the gospel; (2) explained the potential cultural factors behind those differences; (3) developed their own model for understanding the connections and contrasts between evangelism, discipleship, and church planting; and (4) delineate a personal ministry philosophy for cross-cultural 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: 1,080 pages of required readings. All required books are also available in Kindle.

Luke/Acts, Galatians, and 1 John [64 pp. assigned]

Richardson, F. Randolph, and O’Brien, Brandon. Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes. InterVarsity Press, 2012. ISBN: 978-0830837823, Pub. Price $17.00 [210 pp. assigned]

Salter McNeil, Brenda.A Credible Witness: Reflections on Power, Evangelism, and Race. InterVarsity Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0830834822, Pub. Price $17.00 [159 pp.]

Stone, Bryan. Evangelism After Christendom: The Theology and Practice of Christian Witness. Brazo Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-1587431944, Pub. Price $30.00 [310 pp. assigned]

Watson, David, and Watson, Paul. Contagious Disciple Making. Nelson, 2014. ISBN: 978-0529112200, Pub. Price $12.99 [230 pp. assigned]

And one of the following:

Accad, Fouad. Building Bridges: Christianity and Islam. NavPress, 1997. ISBN: 978-0891097952. Pub. Price $4.99 [170 pp.] (not available electronically)

Cioccolanti, Steve. From Buddha to Jesus. Sweet Life Intl., 2007. ISBN: 978-0980483901, Pub. Price $19.95 [235 pp. assigned]

Pennington, Paul. Christian Barriers to Jesus. William Carey Library, 2017. ISBN: 978-0878085453, Pub. Price $22.99 [278 pp. assigned]

RECOMMENDED READING:

Addison, Steve. Pioneering Movements: Leadership that Multiples Disciples and Churches. InterVarsity, 2015. ISBN: 978-0830844418, Pub. Price $16.00 [170 pp.]

Garrison, David. A Wind in the House of Islam. WIGTake, 2014. ISBN: 978-1939124036, Pub Price $18.95 [300 pp.]

Green, Michael. Evangelism in the Early Church. Eerdmans, 2004. ISBN: 978-0802827685, Pub. Price $30.00 [380 pp.]

Nyman, James, and Butler, Robby. Stubborn Perseverance. Mission Network, 2017. ISBN: 978-0996965279, Pub. Price $14.95 [300 pp.]

Smith, Steve, and Kai, Ying. T4T: A Discipleship Re-Revolution. WIGTake, 2011. ISBN: 978-0974756219, Pub. Price $18.95 [340 pp.]

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. 1,080 pages of required reading [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1 and 2] [65 hours].
  1. 150-250 word weekly posts, chat interactions, posting questions, responding to other student posts, and listening to audio lectures (30%). [This assignment is related to all learning outcomes] [40 hours].
  2. Three 500-word book reflections (15%). [This assignment is related to all learning outcomes] [9 hours].
  3. One 1,000-word essay on the nature of the Gospel (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3] [10 hours].
  4. One 3,000-word description of personal philosophy of evangelism and discipleship in cross cultural contexts (40%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #4] [36 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None. Auditors are required to complete all assignments.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.