Quick Info:
Number of weeks: 6
Price: $125
CEUs: 3.0
Required books?: Yes
Live video session?: Yes
Part of a certification or series of courses?: Yes (IFD Certification in Evangelism)
This is the first of four classes in the Evangelism Certification program. It is a six-week study of the biblical message of the Old and New Testaments and the relation of the Bible to teaching Evangelism. It focuses primarily on Jesus, as revealed in the Gospels, and his strategy of evangelism in which his life was oriented while he walked on the earth. The motivating vision of Jesus’ earthly behavior will be given opportunity for application to the 21st century Church.
Students who complete this course successfully will be able to define “Evangelism” from a biblical perspective, interpret the eight guiding principles of Jesus’ master plan of evangelism, defend Jesus’ strategy of evangelism to the local church, and articulate the human condition and God’s response.
Students are expected to access the course site on Blackboard at least every Monday and Thursday each week for announcements, direction, and/or assignments. Blackboard will be available 24/7 to facilitate the completion of assignments according to their direction. Three live online class conferences will be held every other Thursday at 9:00pm (ET). Each student will be responsible to develop and lead a local small group for accountability, prayer, and practical application of materials.
Students are required to have the following books for this class:
- The Master Plan of Evangelism, 2nd edition, abridged, by Dr. Robert E. Coleman
- Seeker Small Groups: Engaging Spiritual Seekers in Life-Changing Discussions, by Garry Poole
(all required texts for the Evangelism Certification Program can be purchased individually or as a group at www.af180.org/store)
This course is eligible for 3.0 CEU.
About the Instructor
Rev. John Zimmerman grew up in the rural community of Stoystown, Pennsylvania which is a few miles from the terrorist crash site of USAir flight 93 on September 11, 2001. He heard the call into ministry just after graduation from high school and attended the University of Pittsburgh for his undergraduate degree and obtained his master’s degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. Pastor John served 28 years in pastoral ministry in local church settings. He has always recognized the spiritual gifts of preaching, healing, and evangelism in his Christian life. God has allowed these gifts to be used in a variety of local church settings which include rural, suburban and city.
In 2013 Pastor John left local church pastoral ministry and is appointed as General Evangelist in the United Methodist Church. He launched his current ministry as the founding director of About Face Church Outreach Consultants. He offers a consultant model of ministry with local churches around the country to engage in long-term relationships within the context of the local church mission field. He and his wife help churches move into this new paradigm of ministry that reflects more fully the New Testament Church. His evangelistic work has been recognized and honored as a recipient of the Harry Denman Evangelism Award by the Foundation for Evangelism.
He enjoys hunting, camping and opportunities to enjoy his family. His wife, Christine, also serves full time with John in the consultant ministry. Her interests include camping, traveling and crafts. The Zimmermans are blessed with four wonderful boys.
