Spring 2012/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 communications 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 communication 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) be able to develop a communication
plan for any ministry or organization; (3) learn how to conduct communication
assessments of organizational structures; (4) develop a philosophy and
theology for communication and all that it represents within the context of
ministry; and (5) develop skills in oral communication and public delivery
systems.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet once a week for three-and-a-half-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? (20%). (4) An oral report of the analysis (5%). (5) The design,
development, and presentation of a communication campaign for a church or
ministry (20%). (6) An oral presentation of the campaign (10%). (7) Small group
participation (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. (February 2012)