Winter 2007

FTX

EV525

Singleton

EV525: CONTEMPORARY CULTURE AND EVANGELISM. Jim Singleton

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course will explore ways to share the gospel understandably and relevantly with people in our contemporary culture. We will examine the meaning of evangelism and conversion, the relationship between Christianity and culture, ways to analyze popular culture in order to ascertain people's worldview and values, historical and contemporary strategies for evangelism, and ideas for empowering believers to witness more effectively to those around them. There will be a concentration on understanding postmodern culture and discussing ways to contextualize, communicate, and validate the gospel within it because postmodern culture is becoming predominant in America as well as strongly influencing many other areas of the world.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1) an understanding of evangelism from biblical, historical & theological perspectives, (2) knowledge about how the ministry of evangelism translates into outreach, (3) greater motivation to engage in evangelism (4) an ability to plan outreach programs, and (5) better ability to critique outreach programs, organization, and activities in terms of their faithfulness to theological traditions and effectiveness in reaching a particular audience

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:

All Christian ministries should incorporate sharing the good news of Christ and encouraging people to commit to following him, whether through direct evangelistic programs, worship services, training, encouragement and accountability, or representing the love of Christ through our lives and communities. Awareness of contemporary culture and attention to understanding culture is important both for evangelistic purposes and for Christian discipleship, as we reflect on how to minister to others and live ourselves as followers of Christ in our cultures.

COURSE FORMAT:

Intensive course with morning, afternoon and evening sessions, including some on-site visits to local places of ministry. February 26 – March 3, 2007. 32 contact hours

REQUIRED READING:

Abraham. William J. The Logic of Evangelism. Eerdmans, 1989. ISBN# 0-8028-0433-0.

Gibbs, Eddie and Ryan Bolger. Emerging Churches: Creating Christian Community in Postmodern Cultures. Baker Academic, 2005. ISBN# 0-8010-2715-2.

Hunter, George C. The Celtic Way of Evangelism: How Christianity Can Reach the West . . . Again. Abingdon, 2000.

Newbigin, Lesslie. Foolishness to the Greeks. Eerdmans, 1985. ISBN# - 0-8028-0176-5

Whitefield, George. Is Your Christian Faith Real? Institute of Evangelism, Billy Graham Center, 1999. ISBN# - 10879089-32-7

Selected articles to be distributed in a class reader with a diversity of perspectives on evangelism and culture.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Burke, John. No Perfect People Allowed: Creating a Come As You Are Culture in the Church. Zondervan, 2005. ISBN# 0-310-25655-0

Escobar, Samuel. The New Global Mission: The Gospel from Everywhere to Everyone. InterVarsity, 2003. ISBN# 0-8308-3301-3.

Long, Jimmy. Generating Hope: A Strategy for Reaching the Postmodern Generation.: InterVarsity, 1997. ISBN# 0-8308-1680-1.

Miller, Donald. Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality. Thomas Nelson, 2003. ISBN# 0-7852-6370-5.

Morgenthaler, Sally. Worship Evangelism: Inviting Unbelievers into the Presence of God. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995/1999. ISBN# 0-310-22649-X.

Peace, Richard. Holy Conversation: Talking About God in Everyday Life. InterVarsity Press, 2006, ISBN# 0830811192

ASSIGNMENTS:

Students are expected to attend class, prepare for and participate in class small group discussions, read required texts and articles (approximately 1200 pgs) (10%), write two short papers (3-4 pgs) due during the course of the class (20% each – 40% total), and one major paper (8-10 pgs) due by March 16^th. (50%).

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:

M.Div. MIN3 core requirement; MAT: Elective; MACL: core requirement in concentration.

FINAL EXAM: No