DESCRIPTION:

This course explores the biblical mandate to "go and make disciples" as it relates to the adolescent subculture. Students will learn how to articulate and pass on to others the biblical and theological view of evangelism and outreach. Through readings, lecture, projects, and discussion, students will learn how to design an incarnational as well as relational ministry program which takes seriously Christian care and evangelism with unbelieving students. Issues covered are: the content and message of the Gospel as it relates to an age-specific population, contemporary models of youth evangelism, and the partnership and networking of local parishes and the parachurch.

In contemporary youth ministry evangelistic models abound, but are they truly effective, or even theologically advisable? This course will enable the student to develop a biblically sound as well as culturally relevant theology of youth outreach and evangelism. The student will develop an appreciation for the thoughts and motivation of the secular person, thus enabling the Spirit to work in the lives of those we are trying to reach.

Class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Lectures, class discussion, and presentations by various guest experts will make up the class time. Each student will complete a detailed final project.

Posterski, D. Reinventing Evangelism. InterVarsity Press, 1990.

Stott, J. Christian Mission in the Modern World. InterVarsity Press, 1978.

Webster, D. Selling Jesus. InterVarsity Press, 1995.

Arias, M. and A. Johnson. The Great Commission. Abingdon, 1992.

Dyrness William. How Does America Hear the Gospel? Eerdmans, 1991.

Pipher, M. Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls. Ballantine, 1994.

Schultze, Q. et al. Dancing in the Dark. Eerdmans, 1991.

St. Clair, Barry. Taking the Campus for Christ. Victor, 1992.

Strommen, M. Five Cries of Children. Harper and Row.

Veerman, David and Dwight Spotts. Youth Evangelism, Victor, 1987.

1. Interview a full-time youth ministry parachurch staff member and compare and contrast philosophy, theology and methodology to content of course.

2. Complete a midterm on the lectures and readings.

3. Complete a final project which reflects the course content.

None.

Required course for M.A./M.Div. Youth Ministries concentration;
Meets M. Div. core requirement in Evangelism (MIN 3).

None.