Spring 2009/Pasadena
CO515
Gordon
CO515: COMMUNICATION FOR CHURCH AND COMMUNITY MINISTRY. Carolyn L. Gordon.
DESCRIPTION: This course explores the practical and theological dimensions of
media technology, church computer usage, organizational, verbal, and non-verbal
communication in establishing, strengthening, promoting, and sustaining church
and community ministries. Special attention will be given to practical
applications necessary for creating, developing, and implementing public
communication and marketing strategies within the context of the local church
to reach the community in which it serves.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will (1) identify and define a God-centered
approach to the communication process; (2) understand the proper and effective
use of a variety of technologies, including audio and visual systems
(microphones, soundboards, PowerPoint, projection, use of video clips), and
online resources (web pages, e-mail marketing, video streaming); and (3)
demonstrate the proper and effective use of those technologies in the context
of ministry.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: As media and technology pervade present-day culture,
including the church, they increasingly present themselves as significant
influences upon ministry and congregational formation. This course will teach
basic skills regarding media and technology, and provide a basis for
theological reflection regarding media in ministry settings.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet once a week for three-hour sessions.
Classes will involve lecture and demonstration, small group activities and
projects, technical instruction seminars, and field trips to ministry and
industry sites.
REQUIRED READING:
- Baab, Lynne. Reaching Out in a Networked World: Expressing Your
Congregation's Heart and Soul. Alban Institute, 2008
- Hipps, Shane. The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture. Zondervan,
2005.
- Mitchell, Jolyon, and Sophia Marriage. Mediating Religion: Conversations
in Media, Religion & Culture. T. & T. Clark, 2003.
- Schultze, Quentin. High-Tech Worship? Using Presentational Technologies
Wisely. Baker, 2004.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Andriacco, Dan. Screen Saved: Peril and Promise of Media in
Ministry. Saint Anthony Messenger Press and Franciscan, 2001.
- Wilson, Len. Digital Storytellers: The Art of Communicating the Gospel
in Worship. Abingdon, 2001.
ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Reading of assigned materials and preparation of a 2-3 page
reflection paper on each text. (15%). (2) Each student will give a 5-7 minute
PowerPoint presentation. (3) A written facility analysis of a church or
ministry setting. What is communicated by the building, its contents, color
schemes, the architectural design, the way space is used and things are placed? What
communication is intended? What communication is actually happening? (25%). (4)
An oral report of the analysis (10%). (5) The design, development, and
presentation of a communication campaign for a church or ministry (35%). (6) An
oral presentation of the campaign (15%). (7) Attendance and participation (5%).
*Assignments subject to change pending number of students enrolled in the
course.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meet the Communication requirement (COMM) in MA
programs, and the Media and Ministry requirement for MA in Worship, Theology,
and the Arts and MDiv concentration in Worship, Theology, and the Arts
degrees.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (3/9/09)