This course explores the theory, strategy, and methodology of evangelism. It argues that to do effective, holistic, biblical evangelism that takes seriously the culture and needs of those one seeks to reach, it is necessary to build a proper theoretical foundation (that sees the Bible with fresh eyes), adopt an appropriate strategy (that makes sense to the given situation), and understand the wide range of methodologies that exist for doing evangelism (by exploring an array of outreach options). In some churches, evangelism has been the touchstone by which orthodoxy is measured. In other churches evangelism has been something not quite respectable. In fact, in neither sort of church has much evangelism actually been done. It will be argued in the course that it is possible to do evangelism in ways that are natural, appropriate, and effective. In other words, evangelism is not the odious task that it has been made out to be. In the course, the church is seen as the prime evangelizing agency; lay people are understood to be the prime carriers of the message; and pastors are called to be the prime trainers. Furthermore, it will be argued that holistic evangelism must take into account the variety of ways in which people come to faith and the integral connection between evangelism, spiritual formation, and discipleship. 

What Others Have Thought:   

"This course has thoroughly broadened my understanding of evangelism. I feel I have years and years of material to work through and implement."   

"I have found that this class is a great resource for evangelism, and a wonderful personal renewal."     

Course Project:    

All students will do a project in which they describe a strategy for doing outreach in their community via their church. Students will analyze the theological foundations that inform their strategy and discuss why they chose a particular methodology to reach those people.    

Sample Readings From This Course May Include:   

Celek, Tim and Dieter Zander. Inside the Soul of a New Generation . Zondervan, 1996.     

Henderson, David W. Culture Shift: Communicating God's Truth to Our Changing World . Baker Books, 1998.   

Mittelberg, Mark. Becoming a Contagious Church: Increasing Your Church's Evangelistic Temperature . Zondervan, 2000. 

Peace, Richard. Conversion in the New Testament: Paul and the Twelve . Eerdmans, 1999.   

If you would like more information about this course please email the DMIN office at dmin@fuller.edu 

For a sample course description please click here.  NOTE: This is not to be used as a source for course preparation.