Spring 2007/Pasadena
EV543
Peace
EV543: CONVERSION AND THE PROCESS OF CHANGE:
EVANGELISM AND SPIRITUAL
FORMATION. Richard Peace.
DESCRIPTION: This seminar examines the phenomenon of conversion from seven
different vantage points: the biblical, theological, historical, psychological,
sociological, anthropological, and experiential (personal documents). The aim
of the course is to understand better the process of Christian transformation
by using the experience of conversion as an extended case study.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have (1) developed an
understanding of conversion from seven different perspectives, (2) understood
how insight into conversion forms and shapes how one engages in the ministry of
evangelism and formation, (3) interpreted his or her own experience of
conversion theologically, as well as the experience of others, (4) demonstrated
the ability to plan outreach programs or develop outreach materials based on a
nuanced understanding of conversion.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Conversion is a prime example of the transformational
process. It is important to understand how and why transformation takes place
in the lives of men and women in a Christian context. In understanding
conversion in depth new insight is gained into the process of evangelism (where
conversion is the aim) and into the dynamics of Christian formation (in which
continued growth is the goal).
COURSE FORMAT: Meeting weekly for a three-and-one-half-hour session, the class
will consist of lecture, small group discussion, case studies, and interactive
dialogue.
REQUIRED READING:
- Kreider, Alan. The Change of Conversion and the Origin of
Christendom. Harrisburg, PA: Trinity Press, 1999.
- Peace, Richard. Conversion in the New Testament. Grand Rapids:
Eerdmans, 1999
- Rambo, Lewis. Understanding Religious Conversion. New Haven: Yale
University Press, 1993.
- Smith, Gordon T. Beginning Well: Christian Conversion & Authentic
Transformations. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2001.
- Readings in Conversion: A Collection of Articles and Papers.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- It is expected that each student will read the materials according to the
reading schedule and be prepared to participate in the classroom discussion and
exercises on that material (20%).
- Write a paper in which you explore the experience of Christian conversion,
by describing and providing a theological interpretation of your own initiation
to the Christian faith (5 pp.; 25%).
- Prepare and lead a small group discussion on one of the books or articles
from the required reading list. Submit an essay describing, analyzing, and
interacting with the book or article as well as detailing your planning for the
small group discussion (5 pp.; 25%).
- Plan an outreach event, experience, or program; or create outreach
materials. Explain how your understanding of conversion (from one or several
vantage points) underlies the program or materials (5 pp.; 30%).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Evangelism (MIN 3)
or the requirement in Ministry Foundations (MIN F) for other master's
degrees.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None