Evangelization & Church Growth

ME612 CHRISTIAN CONVERSION (3)

Staff
This course prepares students to analyze and understand the centrality of conversion in the Christian tradition. Students are introduced to classic Christian conversion narratives and reading strategies in order to leverage the wisdom of this tradition for their own spiritual formation and ministry, especially that of evangelization. Meets with MS612 on the Kentucky Campus. Prerequisite: IS501.

ME630 PLANTING NEW CHURCHES (3)

Crandall, McPhee
An orientation to the theological, sociological and practical dimensions of starting new churches in the United States and other lands. Includes one or more field experiences. Meets with ME 730 on the Kentucky Campus.

ME700 FOUNDATIONS OF CHURCH GROWTH (3)

Hunter, Crandall, McPhee
The foundational principles and strategies of the Church Growth Movement seen as one approach to the issues in mission strategy and evangelization and as a means to inform congregational outreach and expansion. Draws from the apostolic vision and legacy of Donald McGavran. Focuses on both Western and Two-Thirds World Case Studies. Meets with MS615 on the Kentucky Campus.

ME710 PRINCIPLES OF INTERPERSONAL EVANGELISM (3)

Crandall, McPhee
A survey of concepts, models, techniques and training methods employed in interpersonal evangelism. Some cross-cultural considerations. May include field experiences. Meets with MS625 on the Kentucky Campus.

ME725 ISSUES OF LITERACY, WORLD ENGLISH, AND COMMUNICATION OF THE GOSPEL WORLDWIDE (3)

Staff
An examination of the relevant history and selected theories of current discussions about the state of literacy (or illiteracy) and economic, social, political, and other implications for practicing the mission of the church in the spirit of John Wesley's theology, both in North American and global contexts. Discussions will also address ways in which the explosion of World English further enhances as well as complicates the situation.

ME730 PLANTING NEW CHURCHES (3)

Crandall, McPhee
An orientation to the theological, sociological and practical dimensions of starting new churches in both the United States and other lands. Includes one or more field experiences. Meets with ME 630 on the Kentucky Campus.

ME735 THEOLOGY OF EVANGELISM (3)

McPhee
Various theologies of evangelism will be examined in light of both their historical and contemporary expressions. The course seeks to clarify the basic gospel message and aid students in their design of theologically appropriate methods and motivations for its communication. Meets with MS692 on the Kentucky Campus.

ME740 TUTORIAL IN EVANGELIZATION AND CHURCH GROWTH (1-3)

Staff
For students with specialized interests/needs in selected areas of study. Consult syllabus for prerequisites and course requirements. See academic policy. May be repeated.

ME745 LEADERSHIP OF THE CHURCH FOR THE UNCHURCHED (3)

Hunter
Studies in organization leadership, especially the leadership of change, applied to the contemporary challenge of helping local churches move from tradition to mission and become effective "apostolic" churches. Draws from the writings and legacy of Lyle Schaller. Meets with MS620 on the Kentucky Campus.

ME750 ADVANCED CHURCH GROWTH (3)

Hunter
A seminar exploring advanced themes, issues, research principles, historical models, regional case studies and recent developments in the Church Growth School of missiology, including some attention to the strategies of Christian movements.

ME760 MINISTRY AND EVANGELISM IN THE SMALL CHURCH (3)

Crandall, McPhee
An intensive examination of the special historical, sociological and interpersonal dynamics of smaller congregations, with attention to the challenges and opportunities for evangelism effectiveness in such settings. Meets with MS630 on the Kentucky Campus.

ME770 RENEWING THE CHURCH FOR MISSION (3)

Pachuau
This course focuses on the recurring phenomenon of renewal in the Church as a key aspect of a biblical and contemporary ecclesiology. It seeks an understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit in renewing the Church, drawing from biblical foundations, historical models and contemporary examples of congregational renewal and renewal movements. Application is made especially to the life of the local congregation. Meets with MS635 on the Kentucky Campus.

ME780 SPIRITUAL WARFARE IN MISSION AND MINISTRY (3)

Staff
This course introduces students to the place of spiritual warfare in mission and ministry. During class topics such as the warfare perspective in scripture; the role of spiritual warfare in Christian history; warfare, worldview, and world religions; spiritual warfare in contemporary world mission; and the practice of ground level and strategic level spiritual warfare will be discussed. A wide variety of teaching methods (lectures, group discussion, videos, guest speakers, etc.) will be used during class sessions.

ME790 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH IN EVANGELIZATION AND CHURCH GROWTH (1-3)

Staff
Guided independent research for advanced students. See academic policy and procedures. By contract. May be repeated.

ME820 EVANGELISM SEMINAR: APPLIED HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES (3)

Crandall, Hunter
Readings in influential literatures in the history of Christian evangelism, and in authoritative literatures that interpret the history of the practice of evangelism, including one derivative approach to reaching people in the Recovery Movement. Students will contribute to most of the class sessions from their reading, research, and reflection. The seminar is offered for Th.M., D.Miss., and Ph.D. students, others by consent of the instructor.

ME830 EVANGELISM SEMINAR: APPLIED RHETORICAL PERSPECTIVES (3)

Hunter, Pasquarello
Readings in influential literatures, from the classical rhetoricians to more contemporary rhetorical theorists, on approaches to the planning and delivery of persuasive discourse, with application to rethinking the rationale, purposes, approaches, and dynamics in evangelistic preaching and other approaches to the public communication of Christianity's message. Students will contribute to most of the class sessions from their reading, research, and reflection.

ME840 EVANGELISM SEMINAR: APPLIED CONVERSION PERSPECTIVES (3)

Hunter, McPhee
Readings in influential liiteratures, both historic and modern and representing various cultures, that address the essence of Christianity and what it means to be "Christian." Attention will be given to how persons become Christians and the nature of Christian conversion and related topics. Students will contribute to most of the class sessions from their reading, research, and reflection.

Asbury Theological Seminary

Academic Catalog