Evangelism (2MS508) Reformed Theological Seminary Orlando Summer 2012 Instructor: Bob Orner, Guest Lecturer of Practical Theology. Phone: 407-366-9493, ext.233 E-mail: Borner@rts.edu 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 (4 th 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 B. Tuesday 2. Introductions and Evangelism Stories. 3. Biblical Foundations 1. Theological influences on Evangelism. 2. A Brief History of Evangelism a. Second through Eighteenth Centuries. b. Nineteenth Century through Today. 3. Obstacles to Evangelism. a. Internal/Personal b. External/Cultural
5 C. Wednesday 1. What is Not Evangelism. 2. What is the Gospel? 3. Armoring Up. 4. Accountability. D. Thursday 1. Who Should We Evangelize? 2. How Should We Evangelize? a. Sacramental Evangelism. b. Community Evangelism. c. Personal Evangelism. 3. Finding Your Evangelistic Groove a. The Diagnostic Questions b. The Romans Road E. Friday 1. Wrap up. 2. Final Exam
Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes Course: Evangelism (02MS508) Professor: Dr. Robert H. Orner Campus: Orlando Date: July 23-27, 2012 MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes In order to measure the success of the MDiv curriculum, RTS has defined the following as the intended outcomes of the student learning process. Each course contributes to these overall outcomes. This rubric shows the contribution of this course to the MDiv outcomes. *As the MDiv is the core degree at RTS, the MDiv rubric will be used in this syllabus. Articulation (oral & written) Scripture Reformed Theology Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, historical, and cultural/global information, including details, concepts, and frameworks. Significant knowledge of the original meaning of Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research further into the original meaning of Scripture and to apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances. (Includes appropriate use of original languages and hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical, and cultural/global perspectives.) Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and practice, with emphasis on the Westminster Standards. Rubric Minimal None Minimal Mini-Justification 1) Student will prepare an evangelistic approach that they will practice it with a classmate, as well as non-believer. 2) Student will submit a paper summarizing their experience and future implementation. 1) Direct engagement with Scripture in the original languages will not be required. 2) Student will demonstrate suitable use of Scripture and hermeneutical methods in the integration of theological, historical and cultural perspectives. 1) Material will be presented through the grid of Reformed Theology and Practice. 2) Minimal emphasis will be placed on the Westminster Standards. Sanctification Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student s sanctification. By God s grace, the student will die more to self, and deepen their affection for the Triune God as well as their lost neighbor. Desire for Worldview Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of God. Student will gain a deep understanding of the Mission of God, particularly as it applies to role of the Church and Evangelism. Winsomely Reformed Preach Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians, especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the Gospel in a God-honoring manner to non-christians; and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.) Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm. Student reads books by authors that are not Reformed, and discusses the value of ecumenicalism as it applies to Evangelism. Materials will be presented that give the students a better understanding on how to teach and preach Evangelistically. Worship Shepherd Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christianworship forms; and ability to construct and skill to lead a worship service. Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings; and encouraging a concern for non-christians, both in America and worldwide. Church/World Ability to interact within a denominational context, within the broader worldwide church, and with significant public issues. Minimal Materials will be presented that give the student a better understanding of how the proper administration of the sacraments are a means of Evangelism. The student will grow in their nderstanding of the role of a shepherd as Evangelist. The student will learn about various Evangelistic approaches with the worldwide church and out to interact with them.