MC520/620: Paradigms of the Church: Church Growth,
Ryan K. Bolger, Assistant Professor
of Church in Contemporary Culture
Winter 2008
DESCRIPTION:
This
course provides students with research tools to analyze churches and
cultures. Drawing on the field of
cultural studies, students will assess various church movements in light of
cultural analysis, drawing from case studies such as the church growth movement
pioneered by Donald McGavran as well as the emerging churches of today.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Understand the key church growth concepts as
developed by Donald McGavran in light of cultural analysis.
2. Present a missiological perspective
on Church Growth and
3. Become familiar with cultural
research methods by which to investigate the various dimensions of cultures and
churches.
COURSE FORMAT:
This
course is a two-week intensive that meets for three-hour sessions each
weekday. A lecture and class discussion
format based on pre-reading, reflection, and group interaction.
REQUIRED
1. Gibbs, Eddie and Ryan K. Bolger. Emerging Churches.
2. Johnson, Richard et al. The Practice of Cultural Studies.
3. McGavran, Donald A., Bridges of God. Wipf and Stock, 2005.
(174 pp.)
4. McGavran,
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. Read all books before the first day of class,
completing book reviews on each. (20%)
2. Participate in class (20%)
3. A 5000-6000 word paper entitled, “A
Picture of My Church,” which provides a qualitative study and assessment of
your church utilizing the insights gained during the course (60%).
PREREQUISITES:
3 years of cross-cultural ministry experience. Auditors are welcome, but are
required to complete all reading assignments and to fully participate in the
class.
RELATIONSHIP
TO CURRICULUM: Meets core competency in M.A. ICS.
FINAL EXAM: None.