Winter 2017/Houston
YF503
Alston
YF503: EVANGELISM, JUSTICE AND EMERGING GENERATIONS (4 Units: 160 Hours). Chris Alston.
DESCRIPTION: This course explores the biblical mandate to “so I send you” (John 20:21) and to “be (Christ’s) witnesses” (Acts 1:8), especially as it relates to adolescents and emerging/young adults. Historical, ecclesial, biblical and theological perspectives of witness will be explored as expressed in corporate and personal acts of gospel proclamation and justice. Through readings, lecture, projects, and discussion, students will learn how to articulate and pass on to others a well-formed theology of witness as well as design and implement a contextual and relational ministry strategy that takes seriously Christian care, justice and evangelism.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will (1) understand how people respond to persuasion; (2) develop a theology of witness, evangelism, and acts of justice, specifically targeted at those in their 30s and younger; (3) understand how to design and implement relational strategies and programs that enable contextually applied participation in God’s kingdom purposes; and (4) train others in a practical theology of evangelism.
COURSE FORMAT: This class meets once per week for three-and-a-half-hour sessions for a total of 30 hours of classroom instruction for lecture and discussion plus 10 hours of directed learning activities for a total of 40 instructional hours.
REQUIRED READING: 1,500 pages required.
Barry, Carolyn McNamara and Mona M. Abo-Zena (eds). Emerging Adults Religiousness and Spirituality: Meaning Making in an Age of Transition. Oxford University Press, 2014. ISBN: 978-0199959181, Pub. Price $58.00 [280 pp.].
Clark, Chap. Hurt 2.0: Inside the World of Today’s Teenagers. Baker Academic, 2011. ISBN: 978-0801039416, Pub. Price $19.99 [288 pp.].
DeYoung, Kevin and Greg Gilber. What is the Mission of the Church?: Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission. Crossway, 2011. ISBN: 978-1433526909, Pub. Price $15.99 [274 pp.].
Pathak, Jay and Dave Runyon. The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door. Baker, 2012. ISBN: 978-0801014598, Pub. Price $14.99 [184 pp.].
Simmons, Brian. Wandering in the Wilderness: Changes and Challenges to Emerging Adults Christian Faith. Abilene Christian University Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-0891122852, Pub. Price $14.99 [176 pp.].
Wright, Christopher J. H. The Mission of God’s People: A Biblical Theology of the Church’s Mission. Zondervan, 2010. ISBN: 978-0310291121, Pub. Price $24.99 [297 pp.].
RECOMMENDED READING:
Peace, Richard. Conversion in the New Testament. Eerdmans, 1999. [recommended pp. 1-125, 285-356].
Romero, Robert Chao. Jesus for Revolutionaries: An Introduction to Race, Social Justice, and Christianity. Lulu.com, 2013. [262 pp.].
Sunquist, Scott. Understanding Christian Mission: Participation in Suffering and Glory. Baker Academic, 2013. [recommended pp. 177-411].
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
Attend class [30 hours].
1,500 pages of required reading [88 hours].
Submit for three of the required books a 2-3 pages response and at least 2 pages of quotes [This assignment is related to learning outcome 2, 3, 4] [30% of grade] [15 hours, including 10 hours of DLAs].
There is a content exam on the lectures and readings [This assignment is related to learning outcome 1, 2, 3, 4] [35% of grade] [5 hours].
Complete a final project that reflects the course content [This assignment is related to learning outcome 1, 2, 3, 4] [35% of grade] [25 hours].
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the C3 requirement in the 120 MDiv Program. Meets the 144 MDiv Core requirement in General Ministry/Spirituality (MIN 1) and in Evangelism (MIN 3). Meets the MA and MACL Youth, Family, and Culture program requirement.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.