MC532/632: Evangelizing Nominal
Christians (4 units)
Ryan
Bolger, Assistant Professor of Church in Contemporary Culture
Summer 2007
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:
1. Understand the extent and complexity of
Nominal Christianity.
2. Identify the principal sources of nominality as they impact the life of the church and
individual.
3. 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:
1. Gibbs, Eddie. In Name Only.
2. Bruce, Steve. Religion in the Modern World: From Cathedrals to Cults.
3. Demarest, Bruce, Satisfy Your Soul.
4. Jamieson, Alan, A Churchless Faith.
5. Kallenberg,
Brad. Live to Tell.
6. Ogden, Greg, Transforming Discipleship.
RECOMMENDED
1. Breen,
Mike and Walt Kallestad, The Passionate Church.
2. Gallup, George, Jr. and Timothy
Jones. The Next
American Spirituality. Victor,
Cook Communications, 2000.
3. McDermott, Gerald R. Can Evangelicals Learn From World Religions?
4. They
Call Themselves Christians,
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. 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.
2. 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.
FINAL
EXAM: None.
PREREQUISITES:
None.
RELATION
TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Meets the Min 3 requirement in SOT.
Last Date Edited: April
16, 2007