Evangelism (2MS508) Reformed Theological Seminary – Orlando Summer 2012 Instructor: Bob Orner, Guest Lecturer of Practical Theology. Phone: 407-366-9493, ext.233 E-mail: [email protected] I. Purpose of the Course The purpose of this course is to train students to be effective evangelists and to understand and use biblical principles and methods of church growth. Emphasis is placed on having an intense desire to reach the lost for Christ. The value of small group ministries and mobilizing the laity for growth and ministry are considered II. Course Objectives A. A Mind for Truth: Transforming Your Understanding 1. To understand and articulate a biblical theology of evangelism. 2. To understand the role of the church in evangelism, especially as it relates to church planting, growth, and multiplication. 3. To understand the cultural barriers to the gospel. 4. To understand the role of discipleship, spiritual multiplication, and transferability in evangelism. 5. To understand the nature of the gospel and the essential elements of an evangelistic presentation. B. A Heart for God: Transforming Your Affection 1. To have a deep, personal conviction concerning the biblical priority of evangelism in Christian ministry. 2. To have a broken heart for the lost, especially for those who are presently in your network of relationships. 3. To have a personal commitment to pray for evangelistic ministries and for the lost, especially for those who are presently in your network of relationships. C. A Life for Ministry: Transforming Your Behavior 1. To learn how to present the gospel effectively to individuals, groups, and large gatherings. 2. To learn how to start and lead an evangelistic program in the ministry of a local church. 3. To be a personal soul winner, “doing the work of an evangelist” (2 Tim. 4:5) as a way of life. 4. To be involved in a ministry of spiritual multiplication that is “winning, building, and sending” those who will “win, build, and send” others.2 III. Course Texts A. Required 1. Arn, Charles and Win, The Master's Plan for Making Disciples: Every Christian an Effective Witness through an Enabling Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1998 (978-0801090516) 2. Bonar, Horatius, Words to Winners of Souls, Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 1995 (ISBN: 978-0875521640) 3. Coleman, Robert, E., The Master Plan of Evangelism. Revel, 2006. (ISBN: 978-0800731229 4. Packer, J.I., Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001. (ISBN: 9780830834129) 5. Reid, Alvin, Evangelism Handbook: Biblical, Spiritual, Intentional, Missional. Nashville, TN: 2009. (ISBN: 978-0805445428) B. Highly Recommended 1. Barrs, Jerram, The Heart of Evangelism. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2001. (ISBN: 9781581347159) 2. Devor, Mark The Gospel and Personal Evangelism. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2007. (ISBN: 978-1581348460) 3. Green, Michael, Evangelism in the Early Church. Grand Rapids, MI, Eerdmans: 2004. (ISBN: 978-0802827685) 4. Hybels, Bill and Mittelberg, Mark, Becoming a Contagious Christian. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishers, 1996. (ISBN: 9780310210085) 5. Keller, Timothy, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism, New York, NY: Penguin Group, 2009. (ISBN: 9780525950493) 6. Kennedy, D. J., Evangelism Explosion (4th Edition), Carol Stream, IL, Tyndale House: 1996. (ISBN: 9780842307642) 7. Miller, C. John, Powerful Evangelism for the Powerless. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 1997. (978-0875523835) 8. Kuiper, R.B., God-Centered Evangelism, Carlisle, PA, Banner of Truth: 1978. (ISBN: 9780851511108)3 9. Pippert, Rebecca Manley, Out of the Salt Shaker & Into the World: Evangelism as a way of life. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. (ISBN: 978-0830822201) 10. Stott, John R. W., Basic Christianity (2nd Edition). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press: 1971. (ISBN: 9780877846901) IV. Course Requirements A. Class Attendance and Participation 1. This course requires attendance and involvement in the learning process. 2. Lectures and discussions will be based on the assumption that you have completed all assigned readings before the week of class. B. Evangelism Assignment and Paper– Due August 17th, 2012 1. Pray a. That God would lead you to the person with whom you will share the Gospel. b. That God would prepare your heart and give you compassion and wisdom. 2. Identify and Interact a. Identify a person within your existing networks with whom you can meet face to face. It is strongly recommended that this person be of the same gender. b. Look for way to show them hospitality with the goal of building a relationship. c. Look for a “Gospel Door.” (This will be explained more in class). 3. Share a. Based on what you have learned about the person look for an opportunity to share the Gospel. b. Using the model selected in class, modified by what you have learned about the person, present the plan of Salvation. 4. Evaluate and Apply: Write a 6-8 page double spaced paper that includes: a. The name and description of the person you met with and how you met them. b. A forthright description of your feeling throughout the process. c. The lessons you learned from the exercise. d. An overall summary of what you learned from this exercise and the class. C. Required Reading and Reports 1. You must thoroughly read the books on the required reading list before the first day of class. 2. You are required to submit a single page double spaced summary of each book that includes the following: a. An overview of the book. b. A personal reaction to the book. c. How you can apply this to your life and ministry.4 V. Grading Grading Scale Grades will be assigned according to the RTS grading system: 100-97=A, 96-94=A-, 93-91=B+, 90-88=B, 87-86=B-, 85-83=C+, 82-80=C, 79-78=C-, 77-75=D+, 74-72=D, 71-70=D-, below 70=F. Late Assignments Policy Please do not ask me for permission to turn in an assignment late. All late assignments will automatically be penalized. If you have truly been providentially hindered from completing an assignment on time (such as a death in the immediate family) please turn in a written request. Grading Percentages: • Class Participation (20%) • Required Reading & Reports (20%) • Evangelism Assignment and Paper (30%) • Final Examination (30%) VI. Course Schedule A. Monday 1. Course Overview 2. Introductions and Evangelism