Spring 2018/Fuller Online

MO507

Travis

MO507: POWER ENCOUNTER (4 Units: 160 Hours). John J. Travis.

DESCRIPTION: The term “power encounter” refers to signs and wonders, healing and deliverance, dreams and visions, and other such acts of God’s power, often experienced in the context of sharing Christ and extending His Kingdom. The theme of power encounter is developed in both the Old and New Testaments and is a key aspect of intercultural ministry. The course will focus on worldview and spiritual power, the biblical validity and contemporary relevance of power encounter, power encounter and evangelism and various ministry models including healing and deliverance, spiritual warfare and the three encounters model of power, truth and allegiance. Numerous case studies will be discussed in class.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: (1) Acquire an awareness of the nature of spiritual power(s) as a global phenomenon and its impact on intercultural ministry; (2) develop a framework for understanding the activities of evil spirits and how to stand against them; (3) understand how power encounters, alongside truth and allegiance encounters, are central in demonstrating and articulating the Gospel and inviting people by faith to follow Jesus Christ in particular local contexts; and (4) become familiar with a number of ministry models that involve power encounter.

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. 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: 1,400 pages of required reading. If you have previously read any of the required texts, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a book approved by the instructor.

Beilby, James and Paul Rhodes Eddy. Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Four Views. Baker Academic, 2012. ISBN: 978-0801039362, Pub. Price $19.99 [240 pp.]. Available for Kindle E-Reader $7.95.

Kraft, Charles H. Defeating Dark Angels: Breaking Demonic Possession in the Believers Life. Chosen Books, 2016. ISBN: 978-0800798116, Pub. Price $16.99 [304 pp.]. Available for Kindle E-Reader $11.99.

Wagner, C. Peter and Douglas Pennoyer, eds. Wrestling with Dark Angels: Toward a Deeper Understanding of the Supernatural Forces in Spiritual Warfare. Wipf & Stock, 2001. ISBN: 978-1579107154, Pub. Price $29.60 [370 pp.] Available as Google E-Book $29.60.

Other select articles and books to be selected from Recommended Readings list at Professor’s discretion.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. Instructional online videos. [10 hours].
  2. 250-word weekly forum posts (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2 & 3] [10 hours].
  3. 250-word weekly forum responses (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2 & 3] [10 hours].
  4. Directed Learning Activity (DLA) - Through this activity, you will become familiar with the various ministry models covered in class. This DLA involves at least 5 hours of power encounter ministry observation (e.g., physical healing, inner healing, deliverance, etc.) and 5 hours of personal ministry engagement. Students may work together on this field assignment. (10% of overall grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 3 & 4]. [10 hours].
  5. Write up of DLA fieldwork (non-research writing) - This paper, 1,250 words in length, is a write up of your experience in observing and participating in power encounter ministry (the class DLA). The paper will include what ministries you observed or engaged in, what took place, and what you learned. Include insights from class lecture and readings in your paper. (10% of overall class grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcome 3 & 4]. [8 hours].
  6. 1,400 pages of required reading. See books listed above. [This assignment relates to all learning outcomes]. [82 hours].
  7. Research writing - A 3,000 word paper focusing on one’s personal ministry context (current or upcoming) or an aspect of power encounter discussed in class (theology, theory and/or practice). In either case the paper is to demonstrate an understanding of how power encounter is part of the demonstration and articulation of the Gospel and the process of inviting others by faith to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in particular local cultural contexts (30% of grade). [This assignment, depending on the topic chosen, could relate to any or all of the class learning outcomes]. [30 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the C1 requirement in the 120 MDiv and 80 MATM Programs (Fall 2015).

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.