MO507/607: Power Encounter (4 units)

John J. Travis, Adjunct Instructor in Islamic Studies and Spiritual Dynamics
Winter 2008 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

“Power encounter” (as defined by Tippett) refers to the process of people coming to Christ and new communities of faith being formed with the aid of such acts as healing, deliverance, dreams, visions and other such demonstrations of God’s power. In both the Old and New Testaments, one aspect of God's activity in the world is presented in a context of the opposition between His Kingdom and that of opposing evil spiritual powers. That encounter has been and continues to be a major factor in Christ-centered life and mission. The course will focus on the biblical validity and contemporary relevance of spiritual power encounters in the extension of the Kingdom of God. Topics treated will include: western worldviews and spiritual power, power encounter defined, power encounters in the Bible, power encounters in the historical extension of the Church, relationships between power encounters and allegiance and truth encounters, as well as discussing various ministry models for physical and inner healing, deliverance, and corporate spiritual warfare prayer in cross-cultural ministry. Many case studies from the field will be shared.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Understand the nature of power encounters and their place in God’s mission in the world
2. Understand the relationship between power, truth and allegiance encounters
3. Understand the activities of Satan and demons in the contemporary world and what to do about them
4. Become familiar with a number of ministry models that involve power encounter

COURSE FORMAT:

The class will be taught as an intensive meeting daily for two weeks, three hours daily. Class sessions will follow a seminar format, consisting of Biblical reflections, lecture, and both large and small group discussions. There will also be training in various ministry models involving power encounter.

REQUIRED READING: (1,000 pages) 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. Travis, John J. MO507 Class reader and Syllabus (200 pages)
2. Clinton, Arnold Three Critical Questions Regarding Spiritual Warfare. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1997.
3. Kraft, C.H. Defeating Dark Angels. Ann Arbor, Michigan: Servant Publications. (250 pages)
4. Wagner, C. Peter and D. Pennoyer. Wrestling with Dark Angels. Regal Books, 1992. (357 pages)

RECOMMENDED READING: (500 pages)

1. Anderson, Neil. Bondage Breaker Eugene, Oregan: Harvest House Pubishers, 1993.
2. Eldridge, John. Waking the Dead. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003.
3. Kraft, Charles I Give You Authority. Grand Rapids, MI: Chosen Books, 1997.
4. Murphy, Edward Handbook for Spiritual Warfare. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1996.
5. Wimber, John and Kevin Springer Power Evangelism. San Fransisco, CA: Harper and Row Publishers, 1986.

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED READING:

1. Boyd, Gregory. God at War. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1997.
2. Clinton, Arnold. Powers of Darkness. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1992.
3. Kraft, Charles H. and Mark White. Behind Enemy Lines Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2000.
4. Kraft, C.H. Confronting Powerless Christianity, Grand Rapids: Chosen Books, 2002.

5. MacNutt, Francis Healing Notre Dame, IN: Ave Maria Press, 1974.
6. Rumph, Jane Stories from the Front Lines Grand Rapids, MI: Chosen Books, 1996.
7. Sheets, Dutch. Intercessory Prayer. Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1996.
8. Wagner, Peter Engaging the Enemy. Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1991.
9. White, Thomas The Believers Guide to Spiritual Warfare. Ann Arbor, MI: Servants Publications, 1990.
10. Wimber, John. Power Healing. San Fransisco, CA: Harper and Row Publishers, 1986.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Required Reading (1,000 pages from required books and 500 additional pages for MA students; 800 additional pages for Th.M. Students)
2. Four interactive papers on the reading – 625 words each for MA students; 850 words for Th.M. students
3. Ministry/research paper: M.A. students—2,500 words; Th.M. students—3,250 words
4. Alternate assignments can be arranged with instructor. First interactive paper due end of first week.

PREREQUISITES: None. M0506 recommended.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAM: Yes

Note: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design, but is subject to modification. Last Date Edited: 24 October 2007