ASSEMBLIES OF GOD THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY A Continuing Education Credit Option in Conjunction with the Alabama District Boot Camp November 17-20, 2003 PTHE 640 SPECIALIZED STUDIES: REVITALIZING THE CHURCH (3 Credits) Jay P. Taylor, D. Min. Fall 2003 COURSE SYLLABUS COURSE DESCRIPTION This course examines the foundational biblical principles of church revitalization as well as contemporary strategies for revitalizing established churches. Emphasis will be given to practical methods for planting, developing, and effectively transitioning existing churches. Special attention will be given to helping participants develop a viable personal church revitalization strategy. COURSE OBJECTIVES Each participant should demonstrate through the academic, relational and spiritual requirements of this course that he or she has satisfactorily met the following objectives: Knowledge 1. Have a good understanding of the biblical foundation for establishing healthy churches and, 2. Be familiar with the current body of literature pertaining to church planting, healthy church development, and revitalizing churches, 3. Be acquainted with various models and methods of revitalizing churches, 4. Be familiar with particular qualities, gifts, and character traits of effective church leaders, 5. Have an awareness of the unique challenges of transitioning church in a postmodern society, 6. Be familiar with principles/techniques proven effective in contemporary healthy churches. Attitudes 1. Have an appreciation for the ministry of those who are actively involved in the revitalization of established churches, 2. Develop a growing burden for reaching unsaved people, 3. Have an appreciation of the importance of understanding and catering to a target audience, 4. Have a realistic understanding of the personal cost of revitalizing a church, 5. Have a healthy self-critical perspective toward one's personal ministry giftings, 6. Demonstrate a sensitivity to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in personal life and ministry, 7. Share in the burden of prayer for the ministry of revitalizing churches. Skills 1. Develop a network of people who can be of assistance during a church transitioning process, 2. Be able to articulate several keys to effective church revitalization in contemporary society, 13. Be able to recognize and address common barriers to effective church revitalization, 4. Be able to formulate a strategic plan for transitioning a church, 5. The ability to identify and maximize one's personal giftings in ministry. REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS Select and read at least six of the books listed below. (Note: book cannot have been previously read.) Barna, George. Turnaround Churches: How to Overcome Barriers to Growth and Bring New Life to an Established Church. GospelLight Publications, Nov. 1993. Southerland, Dan. Transitioning. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000. (240 pages) Malphurs, Aubrey. Planting Growing Churches for the 21st Century: A Comprehensive Guide for New Churches and Those Desiring Renewal. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1998. Kotter, John. Leading Change. Jossey Bass, 1997. Mittelberg, Mark. Building a Contagious Church. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000. (320 pages) Emory White, James. Rethinking the Church. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1997. (128 pages) Hybels, Lynne and Bill. Rediscovering Church. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997. (224 pages) Macchia, Stephen. Becoming a Healthy Church. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1999. (240 pages) Swartz, Christian. Natural Church Development. Carol Stream, IL.: 1998. Warren, Rick. The Purpose-Driven Church. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995. Cordeiro, Wayne. Doing Church as a Team. Oshu, HI: New Hope Christian Fellowship, 1998. McIntosh, Gary and Glen Martin. Finding Them, Keeping Them: Effective Strategies for Evangelism and Assimilation in the Local Church. Baptist SS Board, 1992. BOOT CAMP OUTLINE (Revitalization Track) Clarifying Core Values Focusing Vision Defining a Mission Statement Mobilizing People to Pray Mobilizing People to Lead Assimilating People Designing a Ministry Flow Chart 2Building Shared Vision Launching Public Service Improving First Impressions Planning for Implementation METHODOLOGY This course will be structured around the "Church Planting and Revisioning Boot Camp" being sponsored by the Division of Home Missions of the Assemblies of God, to be held in the Alabama District November 17-20, 2003. This 4 day intensive seminar includes daily sessions, focus groups, and reading interaction. While the course will have a strong cognitive component, it is intended to be a deeply personal and practical experience in the student's ministry preparation process. COURSE REQUIREMENTS Pre-Session Requirements 1. Complete Required Reading: Read a minimum of six of the required texts in their entirety (approximately 1200-1300 pages). If the student has previously read a textbook for academic credit, they may simply substitute another book from the list. 2. Complete Reading Reports: Complete a 1-2 page reading report for each book read. This report should answer the following questions: • What is the author's main purpose in writing this book? • What was the most helpful part of this book for you, and why? All pre-session work is due on the first day of boot camp: November 17, 2003. Session Requirements 1. Attend and be an active participant in all seminar sessions and services. This means being prompt in attendance, taking thorough notes, and participating in discussions, groups, etc. Post-Session Requirements 1. Conduct Church Revitalizer Interview. Interview by phone or in person, a pastor who has attempted to revitalize a church within the last two years. Write the results of this interview giving attention to strategies/methods used, difficulties encountered, what would be done differently, where would greater emphasis be placed, what help did they need that they did not have, etc. Interview report should be at least 4-5 pages. 2. Complete Church Revitalizer Project: The student will complete a 10-15 page "Church Revitalization Strategy." You are wanting to revision a church. Develop a church revisioning strategy. This is intended to be a step-by-step process that you could follow in an real life situation. (If possible, make this an actual proposal; however, a fictitious setting is acceptable.) The issues of demographics, mission, personnel, structure, finances, plan, facilities, etc. should be engaged.