MC532:
Evangelizing Nominal Christians (4
units)
Eddie Gibbs, Donald A. McGavran Professor of Church Growth
Summer 2005 Pasadena
DESCRIPTION:
This course addresses a problem that is endemic among the older churches
of the West and is an emerging problem in many areas of the non-Western
world. Nominality represents sub-normal
Christianity, which is deficient in terms of biblical knowledge, faith,
devotional practice and a failure to apply Christian faith to daily life. The course defines nominality, assesses its
extent and progress, and provides biblically informed reflection, identifying
itc causes within the life of the individual, the institutional church, and
society. Strategies are outlined to address the problem through revitalizing
the local church, the discipling of church members and the credible
communication of the good news of Jesus Christ.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Understand the extent and complexity of Nominal Christianity.
• Identify the principal sources of nominality as they impact the life of the
church and individual.
• Address the root causes and be equipped to outline strategies to address the
challenge of Nominal Christianity in a stated context.
COURSE FORMAT:
Course will meet for three hours per day during a two-week
intensive. Class discussions based on
pre-reading of required reading and syllabus outline notes. Students will be required to demonstrate
that they have adequately prepared for classes by having reflected on the
issues covered in the notes, informed by their reading and applied to a stated
context.
REQUIRED READING:
A minimum of 1000 pages is
required from the books listed below:
Gibbs, Eddie. In Name Only. Wheaton: Victor/Bridgepoint, 1994, 319 pp. Only available through the Fuller Bookstore.
Bruce, Steve. Religion in the Modern
World: From Cathedrals to Cults. New
York: Oxford University Press, 1996, 1997.
Demarest, Bruce, Satisfy Your Soul. Colorado
Springs:NavPress, 1999.
Kallenberg, Brad. Live to Tell. Grand
Rapids: Brazos Press, 2002.
Ogden, Greg, Transforming Discipleship. Downers
Grove:InterVarsity Press, 2003.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Gallup, George, Jr. and Timothy
Jones. The Next American Spirituality. Victor, Cook Communications, 2000.
Hunter, George G. How To Reach Secular People. Nashville:
Abingdon. 1992, 171 pp.
McDermott, Gerald R. Can Evangelicals Learn From World Religions?
Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2000, 226 pp.
They Call Themselves Christians, London:
Christian Research, 1999. Only
available through the Fuller Bookstore.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Two 3,000 word papers (double
–spaced): The first paper applies the
insights gained on defining and describing nominality, applying them to a
specific faith community. The second
paper addresses the themes of discipleship and evangelismin relation to the
student’s personal life and the faith community with which he or she
identifies.
Th.M. students will be required to read two additional books and write two
3,750 word papers. Their work should
demonstrate a more thorough understanding of the issues arising from their
ministry experience.
Note: Both papers must demonstrate a
detailed knowledge of, and reflective responses to, knowledge and insights
gained from the class and assigned reading.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATION TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Meets the Min 3 requirement in SOT.
FINAL EXAM: None.