COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In the 1980’s and beyond, an emphasis on building and expanding the Kingdom of God through church growth methodology has come to the forefront. This course will examine some of the primary strategies for church growth used today and will provide the Biblical model for ministry development as revealed in the Word of God.

I. RATIONALE:
Although success in ministry should not be measured solely in congregation size or financial growth, it is one of the barometers of vitality in church life. Understanding the biblical pattern for growth and various methods which may be applied will open the student to God’s possibilities for the growth of His church.

II. PREREQUISITES:
None

III. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES AND RELATED SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
A. Cognitive:

1. The student will understand some of the modern models for church growth and determine those most applicable to their ministry.

2. The student will gain the understanding for and cognitively apply techniques for church growth.

3. The student will gain a knowledge of biblical principles for church growth.

B. Performance:

1. The student will develop a model for church growth utilizing information gained through required and outside readings.

2. The student will be able to articulate a philosophy or theology of church growth as applied to their present or future ministry.

IV. PREASSESSMENT:
A. The student will write a brief paper on course goals.

V. INSTRUCTIONAL/LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

1. The textbook(s) must be read in its entirety.

2. The student will develop detailed teaching notes for each chapter of the textbook. These notes should expound on the material in the textbook and not simply rewrite it. Write these notes as if you were preparing to teach this course to others.

3. The student will complete the Study Guide.

4. The student will write a 5–7 page paper titled: Church Growth: Theology and Application. In the paper, the student will develop a theoretical model for church growth as applied to their church ministry, present or future.

VI. SELF-EVALUATION:
A. The student will reread their brief paper on course goals.

VII. POST ASSESSMENT:
A. The student will read the course instructor’s comments and make the appropriate corrections.

VIII. CORRECTIVE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
A. The course instructor may require the student to do additional recommended reading on the subject matter of the text.

IX. LEARNING RESOURCES, MATERIALS, TOOLS, ETC.
A. The Bible
B. Biblical Management Principles, Patricia Hulsey, Vision Publishing

*Outline/Description prepared by: DeKoven. rev. 7/8/99.*

Please let me know if you would like any further adjustments to this syllabus.