Spring 2011/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 goal
of this extended study of conversion as a species of Christian transformation
is to develop a nuanced understanding of the ministry of evangelism since how
one views conversion determines how one does evangelism.
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, and (5) begun to understand the ministry
of evangelism through the lens of a missional understanding of the church and
the methodology of practical theology.
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 -hour session, the class will consist
of lecture, small group discussion, case studies, media input, and interactive
dialogue.
REQUIRED READING:
- Kreider, Alan. The Change of Conversion and the Origin of
Christendom. Harrisburg, PA: Trinity Press, 1999. 126 pages. ISBN:
978-1556353932. Pub. Price $17.00.
- Peace, Richard. Conversion in the New Testament. Grand Rapids:
Eerdmans, 1999. 185 pages. ISBN: 978-0802842350. Pub. Price $36.00.
- Rambo, Lewis. Understanding Religious Conversion. New Haven: Yale
University Press, 1993. 176 pages. ISBN: 978-0300065152. Pub. Price $22.00.
- Smith, Gordon T. Beginning Well: Christian Conversion & Authentic
Transformations. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2001. 233 pages. ISBN:
978-0830822973. Pub. Price $17.00.
- Readings in Conversion: A Collection of Articles and Papers
(including articles on conversion as well as on ecclesiology, practical
theology method, and evangelistic strategies) (approx. 200 pages)
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 the student explores his or her experience of
Christian conversion, by describing and providing a theological interpretation
of that student's own initiation into the Christian faith (5 pp.; 20%).
- 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 planning for the
small group discussion (5 pp.; 20%).
- 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 (5-8 pp.; 40%).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Evangelism (MIN 3),
General Ministry and Spirituality (MIN 1), or the requirement in Ministry
Foundations (MIN F) for other master's degrees.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (revised February 15, 2011)