DESCRIPTION: This course explores the biblical mandate to follow the call to "go to all nations," especially as it relates to adolescents. 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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will (1) understand how people respond to persuasion; (2) develop a theology of evangelism, specifically targeted at adolescents; (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.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: 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 perspective of the secular person, thus fulfilling the call to "gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15), while engaging people with the gospel in word and deed.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet for ten three-hour sessions (Jan. 3, 8, 10; Feb. 5, 12, 26, 28; March 5, 7, 12). Lectures, class discussion, and presentations by various guest experts will make up the class time. Each student will complete a detailed final project.

REQUIRED READING:

Kallenberg, Brad J. Live to Tell: Evangelism for a Postmodern Age. Brazos Press, 2002.

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.

Read an additional 500 pages from the recommended reading list.

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

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

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

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

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. Submit for each required book a 2-page response and at least 2 pages of quotes (2, 3, 4) - 20% of grade.

2. There is a content exam on the lectures and readings (1, 2, 3, 4) - 40% of grade.

3. Complete a final project which reflects the course content (1, 2, 3, 4) - 40% of grade.