Episcopal Diocese of Dallas

Stanton Center Evangelism Class

Register Here:

Evangelism: Sharing the Good News

(Missional Theology & Practice)

Jesus said, “Go into the world and preach the good news to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15)

Our Baptismal Covenant asks: “Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.” And we Respond, “I will with God’s Help.” (BCP, p.305)

The mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. (BCP, p. 855)

This Evangelism Course is designed to equip students in sharing their faith in daily life and to serve as missional catalysts for their parish. Students who complete this course will be eligible to be nominated to be members of the EDOD Order of Evangelists.

This 9-month course will be conducted through the Stanton School for Ministry and will meet every third Saturday of the month in person at Church of the Incarnation from 9:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m. For those taking the course out of town, we will have an online connection to the class meeting in person.

September 17, 2022: Mission of God: Introduction to Evangelism and Salvation History Overview

October 22: What is the Gospel and how do we share the Gospel Narrative?

November 1: Personal Evangelism: Sharing Faith in Daily Life.

December 17: Jesus: The Missionary and the Message. How did Jesus engage in evangelism? How can His example inform our witness?

January 21, 2023: Preaching the Gospel. Giving an Evangelistic Talk.

February 18: Student Evangelistic Talks and Introduction to Christian Apologetics

March 18: Conversational Apologetics: Engaging the Questions. Engaging the Questioner. Answering some of the top questions of the Christians Faith.

April 15: Being an Evangelistic Church. Mission Vision for Your Parish.

May 20: Parish Evangelism Project Presentations

Instructor: Canon Carrie Headington. Carrie is an evangelist whose passion is to share the good news of Jesus Christ and to equip the church to spread the Gospel in word and action. Carrie is in her 18^th year serving as the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas’ evangelist equipping congregations in personal and parish evangelism. In addition to her diocesan work, Carrie is a published author on evangelism, teaches evangelism at Fuller Theological Seminary, and is part of the Presiding Bishop’s Evangelism Team travelling the country teaching on mission. Carrie is the Founder of the Good News Initiative and is a graduate of Yale and Harvard with degrees in evangelism and apologetics from Oxford University.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon completion of this course, students will have demonstrated the following:

An ability to reflect theologically and practically on the meaning of evangelism and its role in the life of the church.

A firm grasp of the nature of the Gospel and an ability to express the Good News of Jesus in a clear manner.

A capacity to engage in conversations about faith and an ability to equip others (i.e. members of the church) to do the same.

An understanding of the way Jesus evangelized and an ability to apply these lessons to their parish context.

An ability to preach an evangelistic message.

An understanding of the questions people in their surrounding community are asking about the Christian faith and an ability to engage both the question and questioner.

An ability to teach and to motivate their congregations in evangelism.

A capacity to create an evangelistic action plan for their parish.

COURSE FORMAT:

This course will be conducted over the course of one year (9 months total meeting for class once per month) at the Stanton School for Ministry and online.

REQUIRED READING:

Abraham, William J. The Logic of Evangelism. Wm. B. Eerdman’s Publishing Co., 1989. ISBN: 978-0-8028-0433-4, Pub. Price $24.00 [Chapter 8, The Ministry of Evangelism, 20 pages]

Chan, Sam. Evangelism in a Skeptical World. Zondervan Academic, 2018. ISBN: 978-0-310-53471-6. [Chapters 3-9]

Chilcote, Paul W., Warner, Laceye C. The Study of Evangelism: Exploring a Missional Practice of the Church. 2008. ISBN: 978-0-8028-0391-7, Pub.Price $40.00 [Chapter 1, pp. 4-17; Ch. 2 pp. 18-32; Ch.13, pp. 185-204, 51 pages total assigned]

Coleman, Robert. Master Plan of Evangelism. Baker Book House, 2006. ISBN: 0800731220, Pub. Price $12.99 [pp. assigned 191 total]

Green, Michael. Compelled by Joy. InterVarsity Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-1-84474-542-5, Pub. Price N/A [Ch. 5, pp. 67-85, Ch. 12, pp. 181-193]

John, J. Natural Evangelism. Philo Trust, 2014. ISBN: 978-0992839956, Pub. Price $10.23 or Digital $4.99 [108 pages]

Keller, Timothy. The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism. Riverhead Books, 2009. ISBN: 9781594483493, Pub. Price $16.00 [352 pp.]

Mittelberg, Mark. Contagious Faith. Zondervan Reflective, 2021. ISBN: 978-0-310-11328-7

Packer, J.I. Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God. InterVarsity Press, 2012. ISBN-13: 978-0-8308-3799-1, Pub. Price $12.00 [126 pp. assigned]

Pippert, Rebecca Manley, Stay Salt. InterVarsity Press, 2020. ISBN: 9781784984366, Pub. Price $13.60, [pp. assigned 243 total]

Reese, Martha Grace. Unbinding the Gospel. Chalice Press, 2008, ISBN: 9780827238084, Pub. Price $10.50 [148 pages]

Schaller, Mary and Crilly, John. The 9 Arts of Spiritual Conversation: Walking Alongside People Who Believe Differently. Tyndale Momentum, 2016, ISBN: 9781496405760, [269 pages]

Stott, John. Basic Christianity. IVP Books, 2012. ISBN: 978-0-8308-3413-3, Pub. Price $4.80, [192 pages]

Woodward, JR. Creating Missional Culture: Equipping the Church for the Sake of the World. IVP Books, 2012. ISBN: 9780830836536

Wright, N.T. Simply Christian. Harper One Publishing, 2010. ISBN: 9780061920622, Pub Price $24.99 [256 pages]

RECOMMENDED READING:

Chilcote, Paul W., Warner, Laceye C. The Study of Evangelism: Exploring a Missional Practice of the Church. 2008. ISBN: 978-0-8028-0391-7, Pub.Price $40.00 [Chapter 4, pp. 46-54- Lesslie Newbigin, “Evangelism in the Context of Secularization”]

Green, Michael. Compelled by Joy. Inter-Varsity Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-1-84474-542-5, Pub. Price N/A [Ch. 4, pp. 51-66]

Green, Michael. Who is This Jesus? Regent College Publishing, 2007. ISBN: 978-1-57383-408-7, Pub. Price $8.17 [145 pages]

Green, Michael. Evangelism in the Early Church. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2004. ISBN: 978-0-8028-2768-5, Pub. Price $30.00 [474 pages]

Green, Michael. 30 Years That Changed the World: a fresh look at the book of Acts. Inter-Varsity Press, 2002. ISBN: 0-85111-482-2, Pub. Price

Harney, Kevin G. Organic Outreach for Churches. Zondervan, 2011, ISBN: 9780310273967 [ 192 pages]

Newbigin, Lesslie, Foolishness to the Greeks. Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1988. ISBN: 978-0-8028-0176-0, Pub. Price $17.00 [ 160 pages]

Newbigin, Lesslie. The Gospel in a Pluralistic Society. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1989. ISBN: 978-0-8028-0426-6, Pub. Price: $14.65 [244 pages]

Richard, Ramesh. Preparing Evangelistic Sermons. BakerBooks, 2015. Paperback ISBN: 9780801018381, Pub. Price $20.00 or E-Book ISBN: 9781441227140, Pub. Price $20.00 [pp.272]

Stott, John. The Cross of Christ. IVP Books, 2006. ISBN: 978-0-8308-3320-7, Pub. Price $21.60 or e-book $17.60 [352 pages]

Yancey, Philip. The Jesus I Never Knew. Zondervan, 2002. ISBN: 9780310219231, Pub. Price: $16.99 [304 pages] *Also has a series for seekers connected with this book.

*Apologetics books by G.K. Chesterton, Norman Geisler, Michael Green, Peter Kreeft, C.S. Lewis, Lee Strobel, Tim Keller.

September 17, 2022: Mission of God - Introduction to Evangelism.

Discussion topics: Perceptions of Evangelism.

Evangelism as Overflow. Life of the spirit.

2 Corinthians 5:16- 6:2

September Lecture: Salvation History Overview

Assignments Due October 22

Assignment 1: Readings (Due October 22)

Abraham, William J. The Logic of Evangelism. Wm. B. Eerdman’s Publishing Co., 1989. ISBN: 978-0-8028-0433-4, Pub. Price $24.00 [Chapter 8, The Ministry of Evangelism, 20 pages]

Packer, J.I. Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God. InterVarsity Press, 2012. ISBN-13: 978-0-8308-3799-1, Pub. Price $12.00 [126 pp. assigned]

Assignment 2: Essay (Due October 22)

What is evangelism? What role does evangelism play in the church? What comprises evangelism, specifically addressing proclamation and social action? Reflection no longer than 800 words.

Assignment 3: Write a definition of evangelism in no more than a few sentences.

October 22: What is the Gospel and how do we share the Gospel Narrative?

*Discussion of readings and essay: What is evangelism?

*Lecture: What is the Good News? What is the Gospel? How do we share it?

*Tools: Circles, Bridge, and more.

Assignment Due November 19, What is the Gospel?

Assignment 1: READINGS (Due November 19)

Wright, N.T. Simply Christian. Harper One Publishing, 2010. ISBN: 9780061920622, Pub Price $24.99 [256 pages]

SUGGESTED READING:

Stott, John. Basic Christianity. IVP Books, 2012. ISBN: 978-0-8308-3413-3, Pub. Price $4.80, [192 pages]

Green, Michael. Compelled by Joy. InterVarsity Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-1-84474-542-5, Pub. Price N/A [Ch. 4, pp. 51-66]

Stott, John. The Cross of Christ. IVP Books, 2006. ISBN: 978-0-8308-3320-7, Pub. Price $21.60 or e-book $17.60

Wright, N.T. Surprised by Hope. Harper Collins Publishing, 2008. ISBN: 0061551821

Assignment 2: ESSAY. Write a reflection on the nature of the Christian Gospel, addressing what is the Good News we share? How is this message unique? Why do we as followers of Jesus share it? What is the best part of the good news for you. No more than 800 words. (Due November 19)

Assignment 3: Describe one or more basic ways we can explain the Gospel message to others? Feel free to use illustrations, video, narrative. Be clear, simple, and brief. We will share these presentations in class. (Due November 19)

NOVEMBER 19- Personal Evangelism: Sharing Faith in Daily Life.

Discussion of Readings: What is the Good News?

Class Practice: Sharing the Basic Gospel in 3-4 minutes

Lecture: PERSONAL EVANGELISM: Sharing Faith in Daily Life (Personal Faith Stories, role of prayer and the Holy Spirit in Evangelism)

Assignment Due December 17

Assignment 1: Readings (Due December 17)

Pippert, Rebecca Manley, Stay Salt. InterVarsity Press, 2020. ISBN: 9781784984366, Pub. Price $13.60, [pp. assigned 243 total]

Assignment 2: Reflection Essay. What does it look like to share our faith in our daily lives? What holds us and others back from sharing faith in our particular context? What are the obstacles? What are the opportunities? What are ways we can personally engage in evangelism with others? (Due December 17)

Assignment 3: Reflection Essay. Write and map your personal faith story. Be prepared to shared it with the class in a longer and shorter form. 4-minute version. (Due December 17)

Assignment 4: Write a prayer that you can lead someone in who is ready to make a commitment to Jesus. Also write what you tell the new believer is the next step now that they have made this commitment? Read and respond to fellow students in class. (Due December 17)

DECEMBER 17: Jesus: The Missionary and the Message. How did Jesus engage in evangelism? How can this be applied to our context?

Discussion: Part 1: Essay discussion, Sharing our personal faith stories, sharing our prayer.

Lecture: Jesus. The Missionary and the Message. How did Jesus evangelize? How can this be applied to our context?

ASSIGNMENTS Due January 21, 2023

Assignment 1: Readings (Due January 21)

Coleman, Robert. Master Plan of Evangelism. Baker Book House, 2006. ISBN: 0800731220, Pub. Price $12.99 [pp. assigned 191 total] 9 Hours (Due January 21)

*Read 2 of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) (Due January 21)

SUGGESTED READING:

Green, Michael. Who is This Jesus? Regent College Publishing, 2007. ISBN: 978-1-57383-408-7, Pub. Price $8.17 [145 pages]

Yancey, Philip. The Jesus I Never Knew. Zondervan, 2002. ISBN: 9780310219231, Pub. Price: $16.99 [304 pages] *Also has a series for seekers connected with this book.

Assignment 2: Reflection Essay. Write an essay on the key components of how Jesus evangelized. How does this inform our evangelism today? How did Jesus equip His disciples to engage in mission? (Due January 21)

Assignment 3: Notes for Discussion. What aspect of Jesus’ example stood out for you and how does this impact the way you evangelize personally and the way you will equip your congregation to share their faith? Read aloud your reflections and respond to fellow students. (Due January 21)

January 21- Preaching the Gospel. Giving an Evangelistic Talk.

Discussion: Discuss essays, What aspect stood out for you of Jesus’ example?

Lecture: Preaching the Gospel. Giving an Evangelistic Talk.

*Looking at key examples and discuss.

Assignments for February 18.

Assignment 1: Readings (Due February 18)

Green, Michael. Compelled by Joy. InterVarsity Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-1-84474-542-5, Pub. Price N/A [Ch. 12, pp. 181-193] 1 Hour

Chan, Sam. Evangelism in a Skeptical World. Zondervan Academic, 2018. ISBN: 978-0-310-53471-6. [Chapters 3-9]

SUGGESTED READING:

Richard, Ramesh. Preparing Evangelistic Sermons. Baker Books, 2015. Paperback ISBN: 9780801018381, Pub. Price $20.00 or E-Book ISBN: 9781441227140, Pub. Price $20.00 [pp.272]

Assignment 2: Evangelistic Talk. (Due February 18)

Write and deliver an evangelistic talk no more than 15 minutes. You will give this talk to the class on January 15. 12 -15 Hours

FEBRUARY 18, 2023- EVANGELISTIC TALKS

*Each student will deliver an evangelistic talk of no more than 12-15 minutes.

Lecture: Introduction to Apologetics. How do we know God exists?

ASSIGNMENTS due March 18:

Assignment 1: Readings (Due March 18)

Keller, Timothy. The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism. Riverhead Books, 2009. ISBN: 9781594483493, Pub. Price $16.00 [352 pp.] 10 Hours

Packet by Carrie Boren Headington on Conversational Apologetics. [30 pages] 1.5 Hours

SUGGESTED READING:

Green, Michael. Compelled by Joy. InterVarsity Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-1-84474-542-5, Pub. Price N/A [Ch. 5, pp. 67-85] 1.5 Hours

Green, Michael. Evangelism in the Early Church. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2004. ISBN: 978-0-8028-2768-5, Pub. Price $30.00 [474 pages]

Green, Michael. 30 Years That Changed the World: a fresh look at the book of Acts. Inter-Varsity Press, 2002. ISBN: 0-85111-482-2, Pub. Price

Newbigin, Lesslie. The Gospel in a Pluralistic Society. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1989. ISBN: 978-0-8028-0426-6, Pub. Price: $14.65 [244 pages]

Assignment 2: Essay. What is the mission of the church? What does it mean to be an evangelistic church? Between 500-1,000 words. (Due April 15)

Assignment 3: ESSAY. What are the different ways the church collective and individuals evangelized in the Book of Acts? What can we learn from these first followers of Jesus’ example? No more than 600 words. 4-6 Hours (Due April 15)

April 15- Being an Evangelistic Church. PARISH MISSION VISION.

April discussion: essays (Book of Acts, Mission of the church)

April Lecture: Images of the church in scripture.

Being an Evangelistic Church.

The 5 M’s of Mission. Parish Mission Vision.

Watch Missional Church Simple

May Assignment Due May 20

Assignment 1: Readings (Due May 20)

READINGS:

Mittelberg, Mark. Contagious Faith. Zondervan Reflective, 2021. ISBN: 978-0-310-11328-7

CHOOSE 1-2:

John, J. Natural Evangelism. Philo Trust, 2014. ISBN: 978-0992839956, Pub. Price $10.23 or Digital $4.99 [108 pages] 2 Hours

Schaller, Mary and Crilly, John. The 9 Arts of Spiritual Conversation: Walking Alongside People Who Believe Differently. Tyndale Momentum, 2016, ISBN: 9781496405760, [269 pages]