Spring 2013/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. ISBN: 978-1566993685, Pub.price $18.00 [190 pp. assigned].

Hipps, Shane. The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture. Zondervan, 2005. ISBN: 978-0310262749, Pub. price $18.99 [176 pp. assigned].

Hudson, Bryan. New Media for Ministry: Strategies & Tactics for Media Ministry Impact. Indianapolis: Vision Books & Media, 2010. ISBN: 978-1931425094, Pub.price: $12.00 [122 pp. assigned].

Schultze, Quentin. High-Tech Worship? Using Presentational Technologies Wisely. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2004. ISBN: 978-0801064807, Pub.price $14.00 [112 pp. assigned].

Schraeder, Tom. Outspoken: Conversations on Church Communication. Los Angeles: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2011. ISBN: 978-1463738174, Pub.price $13.99 [198 pp. assigned].

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.