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: Lectures, class discussion, and presentations by various guest
experts will make up the class time. Each student will complete a final
project. Class will meet for a three-hour session every Monday of the quarter,
including week 11 (March 16), but not including the Martin Luther King
holiday (January 19).
REQUIRED READING: