MC532/632: Evangelizing Nominal
Christians (4 units)
Eddie Gibbs, Donald A.
McGavran Professor of Church Growth
Summer 2006 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; if you have previously read any of the required
texts, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a
book approved by the instructor:
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.
Jamieson,
Alan, A Churchless Faith. London:
SPCK, 2002.
Kallenberg,
Brad. Live to Tell. Grand Rapids:
Brazos Press, 2002.
Ogden, Greg, Transforming Discipleship. Downers
Grove:InterVarsity Press, 2003.
RECOMMENDED
READING:
Breen,
Mike and Walt Kallestad, The Passionate
Church. Colorado Springs, CO: Cook Communications, 2005.
Gallup,
George, Jr. and Timothy Jones. The Next
American Spirituality. Victor, Cook Communications, 2000.
McDermott, Gerald R. Can Evangelicals Learn From World Religions?
Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2000, 226 pp.
They Call Themselves Christians, London:
Christian Research, 1999. On library reserve.
ASSIGNMENTS:
A
6,000 word paper (double–spaced): The first half of the paper applies the
insights gained in defining and describing nominality, applying them to a
specific faith community or ministry situation. The second part addresses the
themes of discipleship and evangelism in relation to the student’s personal
life and the faith community with which he or she identifies.
Note: The paper must demonstrate a detailed
knowledge of, and reflective responses to, knowledge and insights gained from
the class and assigned reading.
Th.M.
students will be required to read two additional books and write a 7,500 word
paper. Their work should demonstrate a more thorough understanding of the
issues arising from their ministry experience.
PREREQUISITES:
None.
RELATION TO
CURRICULUM: Elective. Meets the Min 3 requirement in SOT.
FINAL EXAM:
None.