Details for Theory and Practice of Evangelism

This unit is an examination of theory and practice of evangelism in the Australian context.  

The unit Theory and Practice of Evangelism is part of the subject area Ministry and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Master of Arts (Christian Studies) (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

At the successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the impetus for evangelism as found in the story of Scripture and tradition of the Church;
2. display an understanding of  various evangelistic techniques practiced in Australia
3. utilise competently a variety of evangelistic resources
4. display developing skills necessary to extend an evangelistic invitation, both in church and in a personal interaction
5. develop effective approaches to evangelistic ministry;
appreciate the place of outreach and evangelism in the mission of the church 

Subject Content

1. Christianity: the communicative Word
2. Evangelism in the story of Scripture and tradition of the Church
3. Theories of evangelism
4. Models and approaches to evangelism in the current Australian context
5. A practical element by involvement in/observation of an evangelistic program;
Practical challenges in evangelism 

Assessment Methods

Oral presentation, book review, field project, exam.

Prescribed Text

• Hybels, Bill. Just Walk Across the Room. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006.

Representative References

Abraham, W. “The Art of Evangelism” Clergy Journal 82:8 (2006):13-15

Bailey, A. Good News Down Under: Sharing the Gospel with Australians. Sydney, NSW: Anzea Lancer, 1992.

Carson, D. A. (ed.).Telling the Truth: Evangelizing Postmoderns. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000.

Comfort, R. & Cameron, K.  The School of Biblical Evangelism.  Alachua, FL:  Bridge-Logos, 2004.

Dawson, S. (ed),  The Complete Evangelism Guidebook:  Expert Advice on Reaching Others for Christ.  Grand Rapids:  Baker, 2008.

Drayton, R. D.Which Gospel? Keswick, S.A.: Mediacom, 2005.

Finney, John. Emerging Evangelism. London: Dart, Longman & Todd, 2004.

Hughes, Bronwyn, and John Bellamy. A Passion for Evangelism. Adelaide: Openbook, 2004.

Hunter, George G. III. Radical Outreach: The Recovery of Apostolic Ministry and Evangelism. Nashville, Abingdon, 2003.

Kimball, Dan. The emerging church: Vintage Christianity for new generations. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2003.

McLaren, Brian. More Ready than You Think. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002.

Geisler, Norman L. and David Geisler, Conversational evangelism, Eugene, Or.: Harvest House Publishers, 2009.

Sjogren, Steve. 101 Ways to Reach Your Community. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2001.

Stone, Bryan P. Evangelism after Christendom: The Theology and Practice of Christian Witness.  Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2007.