Winter 2011/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.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND 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.
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.
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. 190 pages. ISBN-13:
978-1566993685. Price $18.00.
- Cooke, Phil. Branding Faith: Why Some Churches and Nonprofits Impact
Culture and Others Don't. Regal, 2008. 224 pages. ISBN-13: 978-0830745630.
Price $17.99.
- Hipps, Shane. The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture. Zondervan,
2005. 176 pages. ISBN-13: 978-0310262749. Price: $18.99.
- Hudson, Bryan. New Media for Ministry: Strategies & Tactics for
Media Ministry Impact. Vision Books & Media, 2010. 122 pages. ISBN-13:
978-1931425094. Price $12.00.
- Schultze, Quentin. High-Tech Worship? Using Presentational Technologies
Wisely. Baker, 2004. 112 pages. ISBN-13: 978-0801064807. Price: $14.00.
- Additional brief readings may be assigned primarily as a basis for
class discussion.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: (1) Reading of assigned materials and preparation
of a 2-3 page reflection paper on each text (25%). (2) Each student will give a
5-7 minute PowerPoint presentation (10%). (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 (5%). (5) The design,
development, and presentation of a communication campaign for a church or
ministry (25%). (6) An oral presentation of the campaign (10%).
*Assignments subject to change pending number of students enrolled in the
course.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the Communication requirement (COMM) in MA
programs; the CO5 (CO500 + CO503) requirement of various degrees; and the Media
and Ministry requirement for MA in Worship, Theology, and the Arts and MDiv
concentration in Worship, Theology, and the Arts.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (November 2010)