Increasing Understanding and Sharing of the Gospel Among Collegians at Arkansas State University Baptist Collegiate Ministry

Abstract

This project was designed to equip students involved in the Arkansas State University (ASU) Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) to better understand the gospel and share their faith. This equipping process involved assessing the level of understanding of the gospel and current evangelism habits. Using a newly developed curriculum, participants were challenged intellectually, spiritually, and practically. Chapter 1 introduces the BCM ministry context, the rationale, purpose, goals, research methodology, definitions, delimitations, and limitations of the project. Chapter 2 explores the biblical and theological implications of the gospel as found in several passages of Matthew by arguing that the gospel is the realized hope of Israel in Jesus the Messiah, the hopeful invitation for every man to be made right with God through Jesus the Savior, and the partially realized hope of God’s eternal reign with his covenant people in Jesus the bridegroom. Chapter 3 delves into the theoretical and practical characteristics of personal evangelism by considering evangelism as spiritual discipline, exploring effective communication of the gospel as well as contextualization of the gospel particularly among Generation Z. Chapter 4 details the project including data, surveys, and curriculum. Chapter 5 evaluates the project with suggestions for improvement and further development.