Winter 2018/Pasadena

EV543

Peace

EV543: CONVERSION AND THE PROCESS OF CHANGE: EVANGELISM AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION (4 Units 160 hours). Richard Peace.

DESCRIPTION: This seminar examines the phenomenon of conversion from seven different vantage points: 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, and (4) demonstrated the ability to plan outreach programs or develop outreach materials based on a nuanced understanding of conversion.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets once per week for three-hour sessions for a total of 30 hours of classroom instruction for lecture and discussion plus 10 hours of directed learning activities for a total of 40 instructional hours.

REQUIRED READING: Approximately 1200 total pages required.

Kreider, Alan. The Change of Conversion and the Origin of Christendom. Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2007. ISBN: 978-1556353932, Pub. Price $20.00 [107 pp. assigned].

Peace, Richard. Conversion in the New Testament. Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1999. ISBN: 978-0802842350, Pub. Price $37.50 [353 pp. assigned].

Rambo, Lewis. Understanding Religious Conversion. Yale University Press, 1993. ISBN: 978-0300065152, Pub. Price $28.00 [176 pp. assigned].

Schaupp, Doug & Don Everts. I Once Was Lost. InterVarsity Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0830836086, Pub. Price $16.00 [134 pp].

Smith, Gordon T. Beginning Well: Christian Conversion & Authentic Transformation. InterVarsity Press, 2001. ISBN: 978-0830822973, Pub. Price $20.00 [233 pp. assigned].

Readings in Conversion: A Collection of Articles and Papers (available on eReserves) [approx. 175 pages assigned].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Read 1200 pages of the assigned reading (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2]. [70 hours].

2. Attend class and participate in classroom discussions, exercises, and small group conversation (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2].[40 hours, 10 hours of which involve the DLA of planning and executing a small group discussion].

3. Write a 5-page 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 (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3]. [10 hours].

4. Prepare and lead a small group discussion on one of the books or articles from the required reading list. Submit a 5-page essay describing, analyzing, and interacting with the book or article as well as detailing planning for the small group discussion. Lead the actual small group discussion. (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1]. [10 hours].

5. Write a 10-page paper in which the student plans an outreach event, experience, or program; or creates outreach materials. Explain how your understanding of conversion (from one or several vantage points) underlies the program or materials (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #4]. [30 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the EV requirement in the MDiv (Fall 2017). Option to meet the C3 requirement in the 120 MDiv and 80 MATM Programs (Fall 2015). Meets MDiv core requirement in Evangelism (MIN3), General Ministry & Spirituality (MIN1), and Ministry Foundations requirement (MIN F) for other master’s degrees.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.