DESCRIPTION:

This course explores the biblical mandate to "go and make disciples" as it relates to the adolescent subculture. Students will learn how to articulate and pass on to others the biblical and theological view of evangelism and outreach. Through readings, lecture, projects, and discussion, students will learn how to design an incarnational as well as relational ministry program which takes seriously Christian care and evangelism with unbelieving students. Issues covered are: the content and message of the Gospel as it relates to an age-specific population, contemporary models of youth evangelism, and the partnership and networking of local parishes and the parachurch.

In contemporary youth ministry evangelistic models abound, but are they truly effective, or even theologically advisable? This course will enable the student to develop a biblically sound as well as culturally relevant theology of youth outreach and evangelism. The student will develop an appreciation for the thoughts and motivation of the secular person, thus enabling the Spirit to work in the lives of those we are trying to reach.

Class will meet weekly for three-hour sessions. Lectures, class discussion, and presentations by various guest experts will make up the class time. Each student will complete a detailed final project.

Brueggemann, Walter. Biblical Perspectives on Evangelism: Living in a Three-Storied Universe. Abingdon, 1993.

Clark, Chap. Hurt: Inside the World of Today's Teenagers. Baker Academic, 2004.

McLaren, Brian. A Generous Orthodoxy. Zondervan, 2004.

Peace, Richard. Conversion in the New Testament. Eerdmans, 1999 (pp. 1-125, 285-346).

Van Gelder, Craig, ed. Confident Witness--Changing World: Rediscovering the Gospel in North America. Eerdmans, 1999.

Theology, News and Notes. Fuller Theological Seminary. Fall 2004 (available online).

There is also a required reader that will be available through the Fuller bookstore.

Dockery, D. S., ed. The Challenge of Postmodernism: An Evangelical Engagement. Baker, 1997.

Guder, D. The Continuing Conversion of the Church. Eerdmans, 2000.

Guder, D., ed. Missional Church. Eerdmans, 1998.

Hauerwas, S. With the Grain of the Universe. Brazos Press, 2001.

Klaiber, W. Call and Response: Biblical Foundations of a Theology of Evangelism. Abingdon, 1997.

Kreider, A. The Change of Conversion and the Origin of Christendom. Trinity Press, 1999.

Parker, Evelyn. Trouble Don't Last Always. Pilgrim Press, 2003.

Richardson, R. Evangelism Outside the Box. InterVarsity Press, 2000.

Wood, Christine. Character Witness. InterVarsity Press, 2002.

1. Interview a full-time youth ministry parachurch staff member and submit a paper comparing and contrasting the organization's philosophy, theology, and methodology to content of course.

2. Submit for each required book a 1-page response and 2 pages of quotes.

3. Complete a midterm on the lectures and readings.

4. Complete a final project which reflects the course content.