COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The Great Commission of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18–20) is the continuing mandate of the church. Though methods of evangelism and church planting have changed, the mandate remains the same. How to “grow the church” is the focus of this course.

I. RATIONALE:
Church growth must begin with biblical and theological foundations, which produce action in the expansion of the Kingdom of God.

II. PREREQUISITES:
Evangelism – RS103

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

1. The student will explain the biblical and historical foundations for church growth, with emphasis on supernatural and natural methodology.

2. The student will gain insight into the philosophical underpinnings of the church growth movement.

3. The student will understand the importance of contextualization of mission as related to church growth strategy.

B. Performance:

1. The student will be able to develop effective strategies for church planting and building.

2. The student will be able to develop a strategy for building a strong church in compliance with biblical principles.

IV. PREASSESSMENT:
A. The student must 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 write detailed teaching notes for each chapter of the textbook.

3. The student will develop a detailed 5–7 page strategy (typewritten) for planting a church among an unreached people group according to biblical principles.

4. The student will complete the self-test at the end of each chapter.

VI. SELF-EVALUATION:
A. Reread the self-evaluation and comments by the instructor.

VII. POST ASSESSMENT:
A. The student will reread their brief paper on course goals.
B. The student will complete the course instructor evaluation.

VIII. CORRECTIVE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
A. The student is expected to be in contact with the mentor to correct any problems encountered during the course of this study.

IX. LEARNING RESOURCES, MATERIALS, TOOLS, ETC.
A. Required Text:
Environmental Analysis, Patricia Hulsey, Vision Publishing, Ramona, CA

B. Additional Bibliography:

1. Cairns, E. Christianity Through the Centuries: History of the Christian Church. Zondervan.

2. Feeney, J. The Team Method of Church Planting. Good Shepherd Ministries International.

3. George, C. How to Build Growth Barriers.

4. McBirnie, W. The Search for the Early Church. Tyndale House.

5. Wagner, C. Spiritual Power and Church Growth.

*Outline/Description Prepared by: Dr. Stan DeKoven. Rev. 6/26/00.*