Spring 2012/Houston

EV525

Powell

EV525: CONTEMPORARY CULTURE AND EVANGELISM. Matt Powell.

Subject to review by the Division of Ministry

DESCRIPTION: The aim of this course is to look at evangelism from the point of view of those who are being evangelized. This course teaches a practical theology method that connects biblical and theological resources, socio-cultural studies, and the communal and personal work of discernment leading to a contextual expression of ministry. In order to do this it is necessary to study and analyze the target culture to which the gospel will be communicated. What are the cultural/social pressures of living in the culture? What unique characteristics mark the culture? How does the culture approach sacred and/or spiritual things? It is important to understand the culture so that the gospel can be contextually embodied into the context. These cultures can be ethnic or social in nature.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Evangelism will never exist apart from a cultural context. Therefore, the tools learned in this course can be applied throughout the life of any Christ-follower living under the Great Commission. This course will provide the tools necessary for the student to exegete a culture and participate in the creation of a contextual expression of faith within that culture.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who have completed the course will have demonstrated (1) a growing appreciation for cultural exegesis and will have displayed the tools necessary to exegete a host culture. The student will have (2) an understanding of the process of evangelization as well as (3) an understanding of translating the gospel into a given context. Aided by the feedback of the class and professor (4) the student will have walked through the process of cultural exegesis and gospel translation within a given context. (5) The student will emerge with not only the ability and tools but a greater confidence in his/her ability to engage in evangelism in our contemporary culture. Finally, (6) the student will gain an increased commitment to integrating academic studies, experiences, and other resources into personal and communal ministry praxis.

COURSE FORMAT: Includes a mixture of lecture, discussion, small groups, media, case studies, and interactive dialogue. The class will meet weekly for a three-hour session.

REQUIRED READING:

McKnight, Scot. The King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisited. Zondervan, 2011. ISBN: 031049298X. Retail: $20.

Guder, Darrell. Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998. ISBN: 0802843506. Retail: $30.

Frost, Michael. Exiles: Living Missionally in a Post-Christian Culture. Baker Books, 2006. ISBN: 192120284X. Retail: $20.

Hunter, George. The Celtic Way of Evangelism. Abingdon Press, 2010. ISBN: 1426711379. Retail: $17.

Shaw, Hiebert, and Tienou. Understanding Folk Religion. Baker Books, 1999 ISBN: 0801022193. Retail: $34. (Selections by Professor)

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: It is expected that each student will attend the classes, read the materials, and be prepared to participate in the classroom discussion and exercises. The student will write several papers and make one presentation:

1. Cultural exegesis paper (5 pages) and class presentation/discussion (20%);

2. Participation in peer presentations/discussions framed by the course's PT method (20%)

3. Gospel translation paper (5 pages) (20%);

4. A paper using PT method, describing the application of a culturally relevant approach to evangelism within the chosen context (7 pages) (30%);

5. Read and produce brief book critiques of required reading (2 pages) (10%).

PREREQUISITES: None. RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in General Ministry (MIN 1) or Evangelism (MIN 3); also meets the MACL in Integrative Studies requirement for an interdisciplinary course (IDPL).