Spring 2006/Pasadena
EV525
Peace

EV525: CONTEMPORARY CULTURE AND EVANGELISM. Richard Peace.


DESCRIPTION: The aim of this course is to look at evangelism from the point of view of those who are being evangelized. In order to do this it is necessary to engage in audience analysis: who is it we are trying to reach and what do we need to know about them and their personal environments? Then it is important to know how to express the gospel in words, images, and actions that will communicate the gospel accurately to such subcultures. A special emphasis in this course will be on reaching Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials. In addition, the course will explore evangelism in various ethnic subcultures.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: The student will

  1. understand the rudiments of communication theory and see its implications for evangelism;

  2. develop a new sensitivity to culture, an appreciation for subcultures, and skills in assessing subcultures with a special emphasis on generational analysis;

  3. analyze certain trends in American society and understand how the Christian message relates to these;

  4. study various culture-sensitive communication strategies;

  5. develop a new sensitivity to words and images used in evangelism and learn how to do "theological translation."

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Evangelism is a species of communication. So, it is necessary to understand something about communication theory in order to engage in evangelism. Within the communication process, the emphasis must be on the receiver, including understanding of his/her world view and social environment. Such an understanding produces new insight into the nature and process of audience-oriented evangelism.

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

REQUIRED READING:
Kallenberg, Brad. Live to Tell: Evangelism for a Postmodern Age. Brazos, 2002.

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

Webber, Robert. Ancient-Future Evangelism. Baker, 2003.

Wuthnow, Robert. All in Sync: How Music and Art Are Revitalizing American Religion. University of California, 2003.

Course Reader: Readings in Communication, Culture, & Evangelism.

Read 250 pages from one (or more) of the following four books:
Beaudoin, Tom. Virtual Faith. Jossey-Bass, 1998.

Flory, Richard & Donald Miller, eds. Gen X Religion. Routledge, 2000.

Roof, Ward Clark. Spiritual Marketplace: Baby Boomers and the Remaking of American Religion. Princeton University Press, 1999,

Strauss, William & Neil Howe. Millennials Rising. Vintage Books, 2000.

ASSIGNMENTS: It is expected that each student will read the materials (25%) and be prepared to participate in the classroom discussion and exercises. In addition, the student will write several short papers:
  1. translate a gospel term into contemporary images (4/5 pages) (20%);

  2. assess a subculture in terms of evangelism (5/6 pages) (40%);

  3. two book reviews of 2-pages each and one other short paper (15%).

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Evangelism (MIN 3).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.