This course addresses a problem that is endemic among the older churches of the West and is an emerging problem in many areas of the non-Western world. Nominality represents sub-normal Christianity, which is deficient in terms of biblical knowledge, faith, devotional practice and a failure to apply Christian faith to daily life. The course defines nominality, assesses its extent and progress, and provides biblically informed reflection. Its causes are identified within the life of the individual, the institutional church, and society, with special reference to the impact of urbanization, secularization and pluralism. Strategies are outlined to address the problem through revitalizing the local church, developing outreach strategies to reach nominal Christians in the community, who have disassociated themselves from the church.

• Understand the extent and complexity of Nominal Christianity.
• Identify the principal sources of nominality as they impact the life of the church and individual.
• Address the root causes and be equipped to outline strategies to address the challenge of Nominal Christianity in a stated context.

Course will meet for three hours per day during a two-week intensive. Class discussions based on pre-reading of required reading and syllabus outline notes. Students will be required to demonstrate that they have adequately prepared for classes by having reflected on the issues covered in the notes, informed by their reading and applied to a stated context.

Gibbs, Eddie. In Name Only. Wheaton: Victor/Bridgepoint, 1994, 319 pp. Only available through the Fuller Bookstore.
Bruce, Steve. Religion in the Modern World: From Cathedrals to Cults. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996, 1997.
Netland, Harold. Encountering Religious Pluralism. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001, 348 pp.
Newbigin, Lesslie. The Gospel in a Pluralist Society. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1989.

Gallup, George, Jr. and Timothy Jones. The Next American Spirituality. Victor, Cook Communications, 2000.
Hunter, George G. How To Reach Secular People. Nashville: Abingdon. 1992, 171 pp.
McDermott, Gerald R. Can Evangelicals Learn From World Religions? Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2000, 226 pp.
They Call Themselves Christians, London: Christian Research, 1999. Only available through the Fuller Bookstore.

Two 3,000 word papers (double –spaced): The first paper applies the insights gained on defining and describing nominality, biblical insights, and renewal factors to the life of a specific congregation. The second paper explores the cultural and contextual factors of urbanization, secularization and religious pluralism, assessing their impact on the local church and suggesting ways in which the church might respond to these challenges.

Th.M. students will be required to read two additional books and write two 3,750 word papers. Their work should demonstrate a more thorough understanding of the issues arising from their ministry experience.
Note: Both papers must demonstrate a detailed knowledge of, and reflective responses to, knowledge and insights gained from the class and assigned reading.

None.

Elective. Meets the Min 3 requirement in SOT.

None.