2011-2012 Academic catalog
Advanced Research course descriptions 227
ME914 Theology of Evangelism (3) Previously ME735 Examines various theologies of evangelism in light of both their historical and contemporary expressions. Course seeks to clarify the basic gospel message and aid students in their design of theologically appropriate methods and motivations for its communication. Required for evangelization studies major. Meets with MS714.
ME930 Small Church Case Studies (3) Previously ME760 Students examine and present case studies on ministry and evangelism in house churches, small traditional churches, and cell-based churches and networks. The focus is on rural and urban ecclesial communities in both domestic and international settings. Meets with MS630.
ME915 Principles of Church Growth (3) Previously ME700 The foundational principles and strategies of the Church Growth Movement seen as one approach to the issues in mission strategy and evangelization and as a means to inform congregational outreach and expansion. Draws from the apostolic vision and legacy of Donald McGavran. Focuses on both Western and Two-Thirds World case studies. Required for evangelization studies major. Meets with MS615. ME920 Leadership of the Church for the Unchurched (3) Previously ME745 Studies in organization leadership, especially the leadership of change, applied to the contemporary challenge of helping local churches move from tradition to mission and become effective apostolic churches. Fulfils the United Methodist ordination requirement in evangelism. Prerequisite: IS501. Meets with MS620. ME921 Mission Biography Seminar (3) Previously MI720 Teaches a biographical approach to mission history, including an introduction to historiography and writing scholarly biography. Students prepare a biographical prospectus and profiles of mission figures for presentation and discussion. Meets with MS721. ME925 Dynamics of Interpersonal Evangelism (3) Previously ME710 A survey of concepts, models, techniques and training methods employed in interpersonal evangelism. Some apologetic aspects for intellectual non-believers and follow-up ministries for new believers considered. Meets with MS625. ME928 Global Change and Christian Witness (3) Previously ME612 Course is conducted around case studies in evangelization from various global settings. The cases focus on such themes as evangelism and worldview, contextual strategies and holistic evangelism.
ME934 Case Studies in Contemporary Church Planting (3) Previously ME730 Students examine and present cases representing an array of twenty-first century church planting patterns, both domestic and cross-cultural. The cases will be analyzed from theological, sociological, and methodological perspectives. Meets with MS634. ME935 Renewing the Church for Mission (3) Previously ME770 This course focuses on the recurring phenomenon of renewal in the Church as a key aspect of a biblical and contemporary ecclesiology. It seeks an understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit in renewing the Church, drawing from biblical foundations, historical models, and contemporary examples of congregational renewal and renewal movements. Application is made especially to the life of the local congregation. Meets with MS635. ME944 Leading Missional Churches (3) Studies in the history, theology, and practical application of missional Church ecclesiology, focusing especially on leading traditional churches to embrace and effectively participate in God’s mission in the world. Meets with MS644. ME946 Theology of the Great Commission (3) Studies the Great Commission as a lifestyle incumbent on every follower of Jesus Christ. Students will examine the Great Commission’s theological basis and its practical implications in biblical perspective. Meets with MS646. ME950 Tutorial in Evangelization Studies (1-3) Previously ME740 For students with specialized interests in selected areas of study and/or professors wishing to teach specialized areas of research. Topics change annually. May be repeated. ME955 The Christian Witness in Secular Societies (3) Explores studies in the secularization of the West (and other societies, including postmodernity and ascendant public atheism) with attention to understanding people influenced by these trends and approaches to communication and ministry for engaging them. Meets with MS755.