Theological Foundations for Evangelism
Dr. William J. Abraham

This course provides an overview and examination of some of the foundational themes and concepts in the contemporary debate about the nature and scope of evangelism. Texts from a variety of perspectives and ecclesial locations will be read and evaluated in order to develop a critically-attained vision of evangelism for the modern church. 

Evangelism and The Logic of Renewal
Dr. William J. Abraham

This course pursues a critical examination of various proposals for the renewal of the church that have emerged over the last generation and an exploration of their significance for the revitalization of evangelism in the 21st century.

William Abraham is the Albert Cook Outler Professor of Wesley Studies at Perkins School of Theology. A native of Ireland and graduate of Oxford University, Dr. Abraham identifies himself as a philosophical and systematic theologian, working in conversation with Wesley and the Methodist tradition. He takes a lively interest in evangelism, attending to developments both inside and outside North America. He has a special interest in the renewal of evangelism in the post-Soviet world. He is the author of The Logic of Evangelism, The Divine Inspiration of Holy Scripture, An Introduction to Philosophy of Religion, Divine Revelation and the Limits of Historical Criticism, and Canon and Criterion in Christian Theology: From the Fathers to Feminism.

Into the Future: Evangelism and Postmodernity
Instructor to be announced 

Gain an understanding of the ministry within the context of postmodern culture. This course provides a critical evaluation of the conflicting accounts of postmodernity and their implications for evangelism. Participants will be encouraged to concentrate on evangelistic strategies for the third millennium. 

Spiritualities and Evangelism
Instructor to be announced

A look at the mission of the Church in the light of different modes of spirituality. Due emphasis will be given both to contemplative and active approaches, and attention will be given to key texts.

The Relevant Church: Images of the New Testament Church in Its Social Context
Dr. J. Scott McDermott 

A critical examination of the evangelistic outreach of the New Testament communities. Focus is given to how the three communities represented in the writings of Luke, I Corinthians, and the Pastorals each addressed the needs of its cultural environment. Special attention will be given to the identification of the cultural and contextual issues, the strategy of the writer in addressing those concerns, the impact this strategy had upon the community’s message, catechesis, and community self-definition. The participants will learn to identify and clarify the contextual concern and response of each writing through the use of social science models to evaluate and develop an intentional outreach and discipleship program in their local parish.

Scott McDermott is senior pastor of the Washington Crossing United Methodist Church in Pennsylvania. Prior to this he served on the staffs of First United Methodist Church in Marietta, Georgia, and First United Methodist Church in Bedford, Texas. Scott holds his Ph.D. in New Testament studies from the Theological School at Drew University. His dissertation was on “The Quest for Community: A Social Science Interpretation of the Pastoral Epistles.” He combines his New Testament studies with his ministry in a growing church. He has written articles and has been a contributing author to two books: Power, Holiness and Evangelism compiled by Randy Clark, and Experience the Blessing, edited by Jon Arnott.

Reaching the Unchurched
Dr. Stanley J. Menking

The purpose of this course is to equip participants to develop an understanding of the principles of church growth in order to create strategies for reaching the unchurched that have theological integrity and practical effectiveness. Participants learn how to use demographics, congregational surveys, and local church audits in order to develop an evangelistic strategic plan. 

Stan Menking retired in January 1998 after serving 13 years as Associate Dean of External Affairs and Professor of Practical Theology at Perkins School of Theology. His experience includes 24 years in pastoral ministry, 11 in the inner city, and more than 20 years in theological education directing D.Min. programs at Drew University and Perkins. Author of two books on the ministry of the laity, Helping Laity Help Others and God’s Partners, coauthored with Barbara Wendland, Menking now consults with congregations and annual conferences to develop their evangelistic ministry.

Practice of Evangelism
Instructor to be announced 

This course provides a critical examination of the fundamental features of evangelistic practice as related especially to the ministry of evangelism in the local church. Attention is given to the following: the congregation’s cultural context, evangelistic preaching, faith-sharing, Christian initiation, and equipping local church members for the tasks of evangelism.