Evangelism: Theology & Praxis

🎓 Course Title: Evangelism: Theology & Praxis

📚 Course Headline: A deep dive into the Biblical and Theological foundations of evangelism, coupled with a comprehensive overview of practical methodologies.

Introduction: Investigating the Literature on this Subject Dive into the rich tapestry of evangelism as we explore the literature and biblical texts that lay the foundation for our understanding of this essential Christian practice.

1. What is Evangelism? (Matthew)

• Sharing "good news" and making disciples: Explore Matthew's portrayal of Jesus' mission and how it informs our own.
• Reading the Gospels "backwards": A unique approach to understanding the progression of evangelism in the life of Christ.
• The Theology of Mission in the Gospel of Matthew: Analyze the Great Commission and its implications for today's disciples.

2. What is a disciple? (Mark)

• Learners and Followers: Discover what it truly means to be a disciple through the eyes of Mark, from the calling of the disciples to the ultimate sacrifice.
• The Story of the disciples in the Gospel of Mark: Trace the journey of these early believers and their role as fishers of men.
• Fisher of Men: Understand the metaphor and its relevance to our call to evangelize.
• The Sower: Reflect on the parable that illustrates the nature of the Gospel's spread.
• Who do men say I am?  Take up your Cross: Grapple with identity and discipleship as Jesus himself defines it.
• The Naked Disciple: An intriguing narrative that challenges conventional understanding.
• Alternative Endings: Consider the different ways the story of the disciples could have concluded, and what that might teach us about our own journeys.

3. What do disciples do? (Luke)

• Speakers and Doers - "Simple, mobile & urgent": Engage with Luke's account of Jesus' actions, which serve as a template for active evangelism.
• The activity of evangelism in the Gospel of Luke: Examine how Jesus embodied the message of salvation.
• Genealogy & Prophecy: Unpack the significance of Jesus' lineage and its fulfillment of prophetic promises.
• "The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost": Reflect on Jesus' mission statement and its modern relevance.

4. What do disciples say? (John)

• A series of Encounters: Journey through a succession of profound interactions between Jesus and various individuals.
• The Word and the world: Explore John's portrayal of the incarnate Word and its impact on humanity.
• Nathanael: Learn from the surprising encounter that underscores the importance of humility in discipleship.
• Nicodemus: Delve into the dialogue that reveals the necessity of being born again.
• The Woman at the Well: Reflect on a transformative conversation about faith and identity.
• Pilate: Consider the role of questioning and declaration in the Gospel message.

5. Acts: The Church in Action

• Witness the birth of the Church and its immediate response to the Great Commission.
• Power for Witness (Acts 2): Experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and its transformative effect on early Christians.
• Persecution & Prayer (Acts 3,4): Study how the Church responds in times of trial and opposition.
• A Model Evangelist (Acts 8): Analyze the life of Philip as a paradigm for effective evangelism.
• The Importance of Story (Acts 9): Discover how Saul's transformation becomes a powerful tool in sharing the Gospel.
• A Sending Church (Acts 13): Understand the role of the local church in equipping and sending out missionaries.
• Athens & the Gospel in our world (Acts 17): Grapple with the challenge of presenting the Gospel in a pluralistic context.
• Church Planting (Acts 19): Explore the strategies used to establish new communities of faith.

6. The Letters of Paul: Ambassadors, Mobile teams, Spiritual Gifts, Cultural contexts

• Church as the basis of evangelism: Examine Paul's epistles to understand the foundational role of the Church in the evangelistic mission.
• Speech as the process of communication: Learn how Paul articulates the message of the Gospel in various cultural settings.
• Hospitality as Evangelism: Explore the practice of hospitality as a form of evangelism and its impact on communities.

7. Rethinking Evangelism

• Consider contemporary approaches to sharing the Good News, informed by ancient practices.
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities faced in our modern context, including cultural shifts and technological advancements.

8. Acts: The Church in Action (continued)

• The Journeys of Paul: Trace the apostle's missionary journeys and their impact on the early Christian movement.
• Paul's Letters to the Churches: Dive deep into Paul's guidance for churches facing diverse challenges and opportunities.

8. The Book of Revelation: A Call to Faithful Witness

• The End Times: Explore the apocalyptic vision of John and its implications for Christian witness in our times.

9. Contemporary Evangelism

• Engaging with the Modern World: Discuss how to effectively communicate the Gospel message today, taking into account contemporary issues like secularism, postmodernism, and pluralism.
• Evangelism in Action: Learn from case studies of evangelistic outreach in different cultural settings.

10. Practical Evangelism: A Hands-On Approach

• Building Relationships: Understand the importance of forming genuine connections as a basis for sharing faith.
• Sharing Your Testimony: Learn how to articulate your personal journey and its significance in leading others to Christ.
• Teaching and Discipleship: Explore strategies for teaching biblical truths and nurturing growth in new believers.

11. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Evangelism

• The Empowerment of the Holy Spirit: Reflect on how the Holy Spirit works through us to bring about spiritual transformation.
• Prayer and Evangelism: Learn the power of prayer as a tool in evangelism, both for personal strength and for God's guidance in reaching others.

12. Final Thoughts and Application

• Integrating What We've Learned: Apply the principles and insights from scripture to your own life and context.
• Living as Witnesses: Consider how you can live out your faith in a way that naturally leads others to Christ.

This comprehensive curriculum is designed to take participants through a journey of understanding both the historical and contemporary aspects of evangelism, equipping them with knowledge and tools to effectively share their faith in today's world. Whether you are a seasoned Christian looking to deepen your understanding or someone new to the concept of evangelism, this course will provide valuable insights and practical guidance for fulfilling the Great Commission in your own life.