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Title: BIB 623: Evangelism in a Postmodern World
Subtitle: Effective Witnessing in Contemporary Culture
Course Name & Level: Evangelism in a Postmodern World, Master Degree
Number of Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Keywords: Evangelism, Postmodernism, Witnessing
1. Introduction:
This course explores strategies for effective evangelism in a postmodern world, focusing on how to communicate the gospel in ways that resonate with contemporary culture. Students will learn to navigate the challenges and opportunities of evangelism in today’s diverse and pluralistic society.
2. Course Description:
An advanced course that examines the principles and practices of evangelism in a postmodern context. Emphasis is placed on understanding cultural shifts, developing relevant evangelistic methods, and engaging effectively with individuals in a postmodern society.
3. Course Purpose:
To equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective evangelism in a postmodern world, centered on King Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Great Commission.
4. Course Objectives:
To explore and apply evangelistic strategies that are effective in a postmodern context, understanding cultural dynamics and developing relevant approaches to sharing the gospel.
5. Key Terms Defined & Key Concepts Explained:
- Postmodernism: A philosophical and cultural movement characterized by skepticism towards grand narratives, emphasis on relative truths, and focus on individual perspectives.
- Evangelism: The act of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others, aiming to lead them to faith.
- Contextualization: Adapting the presentation of the gospel to different cultural contexts while maintaining its core message.
- Relativism: The belief that truth and morality are relative to individual or cultural perspectives.
- Pluralism: The coexistence of multiple religious beliefs and worldviews within a society.
6. Specific Topics with Descriptions:
- Introduction to Postmodernism: Overview of postmodernism and its impact on contemporary culture.
- Biblical Foundations for Evangelism: Examination of biblical principles and examples of evangelism.
- Understanding Cultural Shifts: Analysis of cultural shifts and their implications for evangelism.
- Challenges of Evangelism in a Postmodern World: Identifying and addressing the challenges of evangelism in a postmodern context.
- Building Authentic Relationships: Strategies for building genuine relationships as a foundation for evangelism.
- Communicating the Gospel: Effective communication techniques for sharing the gospel in a postmodern context.
- Apologetics in a Postmodern World: Approaches to defending the Christian faith in a relativistic culture.
- Using Technology and Media: Leveraging technology and media for evangelistic purposes.
- Engaging with Different Worldviews: Strategies for engaging with people from diverse religious and philosophical backgrounds.
- Ethical Considerations: Addressing ethical issues in evangelism and maintaining integrity.
- Case Studies: Examination of successful evangelistic efforts in postmodern contexts.
- Developing an Evangelism Plan: Creating a comprehensive evangelism plan tailored to a specific postmodern audience.
7. Assessments with Descriptions:
- Quizzes: Regular quizzes to test knowledge of key concepts and strategies related to evangelism in a postmodern world.
- Reflection Papers: Written reflections on personal insights and learnings from specific topics.
- Evangelism Plan: Development of a comprehensive evangelism plan tailored to a postmodern audience.
- Case Study Analysis: Analysis of case studies to identify effective evangelistic methods and strategies.
- Research Paper: An in-depth research paper on a chosen aspect of evangelism in a postmodern context.
- Midterm Exam: An exam covering the first half of the course material.
- Final Exam: Comprehensive exam covering the entire course.
- Participation: Active participation in class discussions and group activities.
- Presentation: A presentation on a significant aspect of evangelism in a postmodern world.
8. Research References:
- The Church in a Postmodern World: Living with Uncertainty by Leonard Sweet. eBook format. MLA Citation: Sweet, Leonard. The Church in a Postmodern World: Living with Uncertainty. Zondervan, 1999.
- Evangelism in a Skeptical World: How to Make the Unbelievable News About Jesus More Believable by Sam Chan. eBook format. MLA Citation: Chan, Sam. Evangelism in a Skeptical World: How to Make the Unbelievable News About Jesus More Believable. Zondervan, 2018.
- The Gospel in a Pluralist Society by Lesslie Newbigin. eBook format. MLA Citation: Newbigin, Lesslie. The Gospel in a Pluralist Society. Eerdmans, 1989.
- Postmodernism 101: A First Course for the Curious Christian by Heath White. eBook format. MLA Citation: White, Heath. Postmodernism 101: A First Course for the Curious Christian. Brazos Press, 2006.
- Preaching to a Post-Everything World: Crafting Biblical Sermons That Connect with Our Culture by Zack Eswine. eBook format. MLA Citation: Eswine, Zack. Preaching to a Post-Everything World: Crafting Biblical Sermons That Connect with Our Culture. Baker Books, 2008.
This comprehensive curriculum ensures that students gain a deep understanding of effective evangelism strategies in a postmodern world, focusing on King Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Great Commission.
