Spring 2014/Houston
EV525
Powell
EV525: CONTEMPORARY CULTURE AND EVANGELISM (4 Units). Matt Powell.
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.
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; (2) an understanding of the process of evangelization; (3) an understanding of translating the gospel into a given context; (4) the ability to walk through the process of cultural exegesis and gospel translation within a given context; (5) not only the ability and tools but a greater confidence in his/her ability to engage in evangelism in our contemporary culture; (6) 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 during the term in three-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
Frost, Michael. Exiles: Living Missionally in a Post-Christian Culture. Baker Books, 2006. ISBN: 978-0801046278, Pub. Price $19.99 [352 pp.].
Guder, Darrell L. Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998. ISBN: 978-0802843500, Pub. Price $29.00 [288 pp.].
Hunter, George G. III. The Celtic Way of Evangelism.Abingdon Press, 2010. ISBN: 978-1426711374, Pub. Price $17.99 [144 pp.].
McKnight, Scot. The King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisited. Zondervan, 2011. ISBN: 978-0310492986, Pub. Price $19.99 [192 pp.].
Shaw, Daniel, Paul G. Hiebert, and Tite Tienou. Understanding Folk Religion. Baker Academic, 2000. ISBN: 978-0801022197, Pub. Price $34.00 [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:
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).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.