Assignments for this course take the form of written summaries, research, and analysis. They are designed to help us work through the course objectives, while keeping a focus on our spiritural growth through conceptual learning.

For each assignment, please develop a document and submit it to me in either Microsoft Word or HTML format (your word processing software should permit you to do a "save as" and choose either of those formats).

This course is based on the premise that the bible is the best source of study for the Philosophy of Evangelism. Answers for every life question can be found in the Word. Therefore, for each assignment it will be necessary to search the scriptures extensively. The tools provided via the course Resource page, along with the bible itself, are sufficient for this task.

Assignment 1
Course Objective: Read and discuss the Great Commission of Jesus Christ, and important commentaries on it.

A "philosophy" of evangelism suggests a "way of thinking" about the process called evangelism. "Evangelism" refers to the habits and practices related to spreading the word about an idea one holds passionately. A person can be an "evangelist" for any cause or concept they consider worthy of their passionate efforts.

Jesus instructed His followers to practice a particular form of evangelism, when He commanded them to "go into the world, making disciples in every land" (Gospel of Matthew 28 18-20). This instruction is widely considered the "Great Commission."

Assignment: Read Jesus' original statement (Matthew 28 18-20) as well as Wilkipedias Article on the great commision .Provide a review the following commentaries and applications of the Great Commission based on your reading of Jesus' own words.
STING Youth Ministries
Crossroads Ministries
American Anglican Council

Your review should include a summary of each organization's position on the Great Commission and their efforts to carry it out. It should also include your own evaluation as to whether or not each organization's efforts align appropriately with Jesus' instruction.

Assignment 2
Course Objective: The tradition of evangelism

In the Christian tradition, "evangelism" has referred to spreading the Gospel message, the "good news" about Jesus Christ. Throughout His ministry, Jesus is characterized as traveling about, preaching the "good news" and doing great deeds.

Question 1: Jesus went about preaching the good news of the "Kingdom of God." Using biblical references, what is the "Kingdom of God" that Jesus preached? (Part 2 of the same question) How does Jesus' preaching and teaching about the "Kingdom of God" compare and contrast with the work of our modern Christian "evangelists." Use biblical references and non-biblical external resources in your response.

Question 2: Using the Book of Acts, trace the history of evangelism as practiced by the following characters: The Apostle Paul, Philip, Barnabus, Timothy, Apollos. Who were these characters? How did they practice evangelism?

Assignment 3
Course Objective: The evangelistic mindset

External resource for this assignment: Greg Bahnsen's Evangelism and Apologetics

In his article linked above, Greg Bahnsen makes the argument that "evangelism" in our age is as much a matter of giving a "reason" for the hope that is in a Christian as it is a matter of simply spreading the word. Please provide a thorough review and critique of Bahnsen's article, in light of scripture.

Your review should include a summary of Bahnsen's work, and an evaluation of his ideas in light of scripture. Are there scriptural examples that agree with Bahnsen? Disagree? Please be complete, using biblical references and non-biblical resources where needed.

Assignment 4
Course Objective: The personal philosophy that contributes to evangelism

External resource for this assignment: Cultural Materialism's Philosophy of Evangelism

Some consider Christian evangelism a believer's "duty," others consider evangelism a source of great joy. The difference in personal philosophies is a result of backgrounds, experiences, and understandings.

Question 1: Is evangelism--spreading the good news--a Christian's "duty" to be done under constraint, or a Christian's "joy" to be done with relish? Please use biblical references in your response, as well as non-biblical external resources.

Question 2: What is "lifestyle evangelism"? Please review the following article  Lifestyle evangelism and develop your own description of "lifestyle evangelism."

Read the following article against Lifestyle Evangelism and write out your views on this based on both philosophies. Article By Pastor Jack Hyles

Assignment 5
Course Objective: Challenges to effective evangelism

Ever since, the Great Commission, there have been many sources of resistance to the spread of the Gospel. Yet, it has continued to reach around and change the world.

Assignment: Using the bible (your own copy, plus the bible study tools listed on the course Resource page), develop a report on resistance to evangelism in the ancient church, then compare your findings to our current situation.

Your report should include instances in which evangelism was and is challenged by:

Organizations (including religious)
Interpersonal strife among the evangelists
Natural conditions (weather, geography)
Lack of resources
Political and governmental resistance

Assignment: Develop a short (3-5 page) report entitled "The Spiritual Dimension of Evangelism" based on the bible (and using the tools featured on the course Resource page). Using biblical references only, your report should act as a guide for evangelists who are seeking to understand the spiritual realm as it relates to evangelism.

Final Paper Assignment

External resource for this assignment: " Tell It Often, Tell It Well" Online Book

Using only the scriptures, develop a personal philosophy of evangelism that could be taught to teenagers and college students. Design your system so that it reflects the reality of today's culture and the urgency of the need to share the Gospel. Use the scriptures to back your arguments.

Make sure your philosophy includes:

• A description of your evangelistic method;
• Scriptural justifications for your approach to evangelism (how to approach; who to approach)
• Clear guidelines for the user;
• A strategy that helps the user lead others toward God's truth and salvation