GC505DE, Section 10 Rev. Geoff Bohleen Bethel Theological Seminary Wooddale Church Fall, 2009 952-656-1071 InMinistry [email protected]

EVANGELISM FOR DISCIPLESHIP

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The goal of this course is to equip and motivate participants to develop and implement, in their ministry setting, effective, Spirit-directed, biblically-based strategies to introduce people to Jesus Christ and make disciples of all who believe.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1. To understand biblical and theological foundations for evangelism and discipleship. 2. To renew and strengthen a personal passion for evangelism and discipleship. 3. To develop a strategic, comprehensive understanding of how a local church can become effective as a center for evangelism and discipleship. 4. To grow in our ability to use our personal stories to interest and invite others to respond positively to God’s gift of salvation. 5. To identify how to lead an ingrown church or ministry into becoming evangelistically vibrant and effective. 6. To identify strategies for melding effective evangelism and discipleship into a seamless experience of God’s grace. 7. To identify ways in which evangelistic strategies must change in order to be effective in today’s cultural context.

REQUIRED:

Texts: 1. Everts, Don & Schaupp, Doug. I Once Was Lost. IVP, 2008. 0-8308-3608-X. 2. Keller, Timothy. The Reason for God. Dutton, 2008. 0-525-95049-4. 3. Kinnaman, David. unchristian. Baker Books, 2007. 0-8010-1300-3. 4. Willard, Dallas. The Great Omission. Harper San Francisco, 2006. 006-088243-3. 5. Mulholland, Robert. Invitation to a Journey. IVP, 1993. 0-8308-1386-1.

Equipment: Windows and Mac: Logitech USB ClearChat Comfort USB Headset (HWACHA199) PROVIDED TEXTS (Found on Course Document tab in Blackboard)

1. Bennett, Ron. "Authentic Church-Based Evangelism in a Relational Age." Chapter 19 in Telling the Truth: Evangelizing Postmoderns, edited by Carson, D.A., 270-92. Zondervan, 2000. 1. Effective Church Evangelism Lecture Notes (to be used with the “Effective Church Video Lecture” 2. John Stott. “A Manifesto of Evangelism”

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Reading and Discussion: Read the required texts and articles by the assigned dates. Participate in the discussion forums for each reading assignment by the assigned date.

2. FaithStory: Write a 2-page FaithStory according to the following guidelines: a. Focus on clearly telling how you came to faith and the difference it makes in your life. b. Be authentic; no one else has your story! Be honest about past mistakes, but don’t dwell there. Make Jesus the focus of your story, be concise, avoid “Christian lingo” and tell of how God has used you to introduce others to Jesus’ forgiveness. c. Finally, begin with a “hook” so people want to listen to your whole story. d. You will interact with three other students about your stories, following the guidelines provided in the assignment schedule. e. FaithStory due date is November 1; FaithStory Interaction due date is November 22.

3. Verbatim: Write a 5-6 page account and self-evaluation of a recent experience (post September 28, 2009) of witnessing to a “pre-Christian,” according to the following guidelines: a. Assess your effectiveness in three important areas; empathetic listening leading to accurate understanding, appropriate and assertive communication, and an effective explanation of the gospel message. b. Describe this person’s “spiritual address.” c. Describe the cultural, attitudinal, relational and emotional issues which impacted your conversation with this person. d. Provide some key segments of the conversation. Immediately after your conversation, write down key words, and notes to help you recall the conversation accurately. Also, describe how the conversation turned from the mundane to the spiritual. e. Reflect upon the impact this conversation may have upon the person’s life. What do you wish you would have done differently? What are you glad you did or said? What would be a good “next step” in your interaction with this person? f. Verbatim due date is November 15

4. Integrative Portfolio Assignment: This assignment consists of two parts….

a. In 2-3 pages, assess your level of passion for evangelism, explain ways in which you reach out to pre-Christians and tell of the major influences that have shaped your interest (or lack of) in evangelism. Also, reflect upon and respond to the following questions: i. How does your attitude toward evangelism reflect the current status of your faith relationship with Jesus? ii. Is it possible to be spiritually mature without regular involvement in evangelism? b. In 5 pages, respond to this scenario: You have just been chosen to plant a church, or begin a ministry, in your geographical area. Explain what you would specifically do to create a strong outreach culture in this new ministry. Finally, briefly describe ways you would lead this ministry in helping Christians grow toward spiritual maturity and explain why you believe these practices will be most helpful. c. NOTE: In addition to submitting this assignment to the course instructor, you are also required to upload your assignment to your Integrative Portfolio. For important uploading instructions, visit your Integrative Portfolio Blackboard course (GS002 or GS003). This requirement began in the fall quarter of 2008 and applies to all degree seeking students from that point forward. d. Integrative Portfolio Assignment is due December 6.

5. Final Integrative Project: Write a 15 page (3750 words) paper explaining your theology, philosophy of ministry and personal practice of evangelism and discipleship, according to the following guidelines. a. State the biblical foundation for your approach to evangelism and discipleship. b. Explain the ministry context in which you serve and how that impacts your approach to evangelism and discipleship. Explain resources available to help you proceed in effective evangelism as well as barriers that exist. c. Explain your philosophy of ministry and how that impacts your practice of evangelism and discipleship. d. Explain your approach to training others for effective outreach and discipleship. e. State specific plans you have for creating effective evangelistic and discipleship efforts in your ministry setting over the next two years. f. The paper should evidence interaction with the Bible, the content of course texts, lectures, class interaction, as well as at least five additional sources.

g. Final Integrative Project is due December 11. 6. Participate in an Adobe Connect Synchronous Discussion Session: a. Adobe Connect session for a real-time discussion in response to Keller’s talk will take place this week. Plan to attend one of the two 90 minute sessions. Begin your contribution to the conversation by highlighting what you found most significant and explain why. b. Dates for Adobe Connect Session: Tuesday, November 3, 1-2:30 p.m. central time Thursday, November 5, 6:30-8 p.m. central time c. To access your Adobe Connect Session: An “Adobe Connect tab” will be added to the menu in your Blackboard course. To access your scheduled Adobe Connect Session click on this tab five minutes prior to your session and then click on the Adobe Connect URL that you will find there and enter as a guest. You will want to use the required USB headset to maximize the sound quality for all those participating in your session. A short tutorial will also be located on the Adobe Connect Tab in Blackboard along with helpful troubleshooting information. See also the External Links tab on Blackboard for links to In- Meeting trouble shooting help. 24/7 help is available at United States 1- 800-42-ADOBE (800-422-3623). d. Sign-up for Adobe Connect Session: Sign-up on a first come first served basis using the course wiki found in Blackboard. Links to tutorials are available on the wiki. e. Bethel Connect Room: You have been enrolled in the Bethel Connect Room which is an Adobe Connect Room where you can familiarize yourself with the Adobe Connect technology and headset prior to your scheduled session. Participation is on a first come basis and the room holds three participants. Schedule a time with a classmate to check it out if you think it might be helpful for you.

COURSE GRADE:

Reading assignments and participation in discussion forums 25% FaithStory 10% Verbatim 15% Integrative Portfolio Assignment 15% Final Integrative Project 35%

GRADING SCALE:

A 95-100 B- 82-84 D+ 68-71 A- 92-94 C+ 78-81 D 65-67 B+ 88-91 C 75-77 D- 62-64 B 85-87 C- 72-74 F Below 62 ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE:

Week 1 September 28 – October 4

Theme: The Biblical/Theological Foundation for Evangelism and Discipleship Sign-up: By October 4th sign-up for a synchronous Adobe Connect Session to take place in week six. The two sessions to choose from are: Tuesday, November 3, 1-2:30 p.m. central time Thursday, November 5, 6:30-8 p.m. central time Read: The Reason For God, by Timothy Keller, Introduction, Part 1 and Intermission, pp. ix-xxiii, 3-123. Watch: “The Biblical/Theological Foundation for Evangelism and Discipleship” Video lecture (multimedia tab); outline in course documents. Interact: - Post an entry to introduce yourself, identify your ministry setting and your specific involvement and describe your convictions about evangelism and discipleship. - Post your answer to the question, “What is the gospel message that needs to be shared in effective evangelism? Both posts close October 4.

Week 2 October 5 - 11

Theme: Contemporary Challenges to the Practice of Evangelism Read: The Reason For God, by Timothy Keller, Part 2 & Epilogue, pp. 127-240. Watch: YouTube Video clip of Oprah discussing religion, “Oprah Denies Christ on TV (1 of 2)” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bESXATmQy5s (link available on Multimedia tab in Bb) Interact: - Post a response to The Reason for God, highlighting significant insights and/or reactions you have to the material. - Post a response to the Oprah video clip focusing on how best to respond to today’s popular belief in pluralism. Interact with the varied perspectives expressed on the video. - Read at least 5 other postings about the video clip, and post a response to at least two of them. Both posts close October 11.

Week 3 October 12 – 18

Theme: Personal “Prevangelism” Read: I Once Was Lost, by Don Everts and Doug Schaupp, pp. 11-134 Watch: “Personal Prevangelism” Video lecture (multimedia tab); outline in course documents. Interact: - Post a response to the “5 Thresholds” model presented by Everts and Schaupp and discuss how it could be applied to your ministry setting and experience. Post closes October 18.

Week 4 October 19 - 25

Theme: Church “Prevangelism” Read: unchristian, by David Kinnaman, Foreward, Chapters 1-5, pp. 7-119. Watch: “Church Prevangelism” Video lecture (multimedia tab); outline in course documents. Interact: - Write a post explaining one thing you have learned about personal prevangelism and one thing you have learned about church prevangelism, and how you will apply these new insights in your life and ministry setting. - Read 6 other posts and write about what you have learned from your colleagues’ insights and ideas. Post closes October 25.

Week 5 October 26 – November 1

Theme: Effective Personal Evangelism, Part 1 Read: unchristian, by David Kinnaman, Chapters 6-9, Afterword, pp. 121-246. Watch: “Effective Personal Evangelism” Video lecture (multimedia tab); outline in course documents. Interact: - Post a response to unchristian. Highlight three things that will help you be a more effective witness. Also, respond to this question; “The apostle Paul said he would become all things to all people in order to win some for Jesus Christ. Are there any limits to how this should be practiced and, if so, what are they and why? - Finally, read five other postings about this question, and post a response to at least two. - Post your faith story on the discussion forum (either as a post or as an attachment) by November 1. Read three of your classmates’ stories. Interact with them, stating what you appreciate about their story, what made the most impact, and what ideas you may have for further strengthening their story. Be affirming, even as you offer suggestions! Responses due by November 22. - Post closes November 1. Upload to the assignment link in Bb and to the Discussion Board the final draft of your FaithStory by November 1.

Week 6 November 2 - 8

Theme: Effective Personal Evangelism, Part 2 Watch: Prior to your scheduled Adobe Connect Session watch the online talk by Tim Keller, “The Supremacy of Christ and the Gospel in a Postmodern World” http://desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/MediaPlayer/1832/Video/ (this link is available in the Multimedia tab on Blackboard) The talk is a bit over one hour. Interact: - Adobe Connect session for a real-time discussion in response to Keller’s talk will take place this week. Plan to attend one of the two 90 minute sessions. Begin your contribution to the conversation by highlighting what you found most significant and explain why. - Dates for Adobe Connect Session: Tuesday, November 3, 1-2:30 p.m. central time Thursday, November 5, 6:30-8 p.m. central time To access your Adobe Connect Session: An “Adobe Connect tab” will be added to the menu in your Blackboard course. To access your scheduled Adobe Connect Session click on this tab five minutes prior to your session and then click on the Adobe Connect URL that you will find there and enter as a guest. You will want to use the required USB headset to maximize the sound quality for all those participating in your session. A short tutorial will also be located on the Adobe Connect Tab in Blackboard along with helpful troubleshooting information. See also the External Links tab on Blackboard for links to In-Meeting trouble shooting help. 24/7 help is available at United States 1-800-42-ADOBE (800-422-3623). Sign-up for Adobe Connect Session: The sign-up took place in week one. Check the course wiki on Blackboard for your scheduled date and time.

Week 7 November 9 – 15

Theme: Effective Church Evangelism, Part 1 Read: Article by Ron Bennett, “Authentic Church-Based Evangelism in a Relational Age.” Read: Article by John Stott, “A Manifesto of Evangelism.” Watch: Video clip of Ravi Zacharias speaking about how to approach people in non- adversarial ways with the gospel. This clip is 5:16 long. Go to… http://www.rzim.org/USA/Resources/Watch.aspx#approachGospel This link can also be found on the Multimedia tab on Blackboard. Interact: - Post a response to Bennett’s article. Do you think Bennett accurately describes the challenges facing today’s church? Why or why not? Do his ministry ideas seem credible? Why or why not? - Post a response to Stott’s article. What facet of his manifesto was most meaningful for you and why? Did any aspect of his manifesto cause you to think in new ways about evangelism? If so, please explain. Posts close November 15. Verbatim is due November 15 (upload to the assignment link on Blackboard). Week 8 November 16 – 22

Theme: Effective Church Evangelism, Part 2 Watch: “Effective Church Evangelism” Video lecture (multimedia tab); outline in course documents. Interact: - Post your faith story on the discussion forum (either as a post or as an attachment) by November 1. Read three of your classmates’ stories. Interact with them, stating what you appreciate about their story, what made the most impact, and what ideas you may have for further strengthening their story. Be affirming, even as you offer suggestions! Three responses need to be completed by November 22.

Week 9 November 23 – 29 Use this week to take a break, catch-up on work or work ahead as needed.

Week 10 November 30 – December 6

Theme: Spiritual Formation in Pre-Christians and Creating a Seamless Journey from Evangelism to Discipleship Read: The Great Omission, by Dallas Willard, , Sections 1 & 2, pp. ix-xv, 3-134; Sections 3 & 4, pp. 137-229. Watch: “Spiritual Formation” Video lecture (multimedia tab); outline in course documents. Interact: - Read Colossians 3:1-17 and post what you believe this passage most importantly teaches about spiritual formation. Read at least 4 other postings discussing Colossians 3, and respond to two. - Post a response to the following questions: “Why is there so often a disconnect between evangelism and discipleship? Does something need to change in how we evangelize? Does our definition of and practice of discipleship need to change? Both posts close December 6. Integrative Portfolio Assignment due Dec. 6 (upload to assignment link in Blackboard). In addition to submitting this assignment to the course instructor, you are also required to upload your assignment to your Integrative Portfolio. For important uploading instructions, visit your Integrative Portfolio Blackboard course (GS002 or GS003). This requirement began in the fall quarter of 2008 and applies to all degree seeking students from that point forward.

Week 11 December 7 – 11

Theme: What Does a Disciple of Jesus Look Like? Read: Invitation to a Journey, by M. Robert Mulholland Interact: - Post one paragraph responding to Mulholland’s definition of spiritual formation, especially noting the last phrase, “for the sake of others.” - Post a summary of what you have learned from this class experience, ideas you plan to implement both personally and in your ministry setting, and ideas you have for helping others grow stronger in their witness for Jesus and their daily life with Him. Both posts close December 11. Final Integrative Project is due December 11 (upload to the assignment link in Blackboard)