A soteriological analysis of evangelism training programs of the Home Mission Board and the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention

Abstract

Chapter 1 introduces the project, research problem, purpose, and methodologies. It includes an introduction to selected evangelism training programs produced by the Home and North American Mission Boards of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Chapter 2 provides a definition of evangelism, developed through analysis of the concepts of preaching, witness, and gospel in the New Testament, the Great Commission statements of Jesus Christ, the church's evangelism in Acts, and teaching of the New Testament. The conclusions were compared with a survey of select definitions of evangelism.

Chapter 3 sets forth a biblical theology of the gospel, defending the conclusion that 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 is a summary of the gospel. To be saved one must believe in the death and resurrection of Christ "according to the Scriptures," a phrase that points to the eschatological context that gives meaning to the work of Christ. Gospel proclamation, therefore, must include a message about God, humanity and sin, the work of Christ, and the call to respond.

Chapter 4 sets forth the proper response to the gospel: repentance from sin and faith in the finished work of Christ upon the cross. Repentance is defined as a godly sorrow for and turning away from sin. In addition to trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ, saving faith includes submission to Christ's lordship in obedience to the gospel. The expectation that all true believers will persevere in the faith is also demonstrated to be a vital part of New Testament evangelism.

Chapter 5 provides a summary and analysis the selected evangelism training programs identified in chapter 1. Each program is analyzed in the areas of the definition of evangelism, the summary of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the stated summary of the proper response to the gospel.

Chapter 6 is the conclusion of the dissertation. In addition to a summary of the author's conclusions, suggestions for future study are offered.

Several appendices follow the main chapters. They offer no contribution to the research project other than to provide the reader with access to the selected programs' summaries of the gospel.