A study of childhood, the theological and theoretical foundations of educational ministry to children, contemporary Christian educational needs of children, and programs designed to meet those needs.
The following learning objectives will be achieved by this course:
- To review and analyze biblical references to children and use these to help develop an overall theology and philosophy of Christian Education with specific emphasis on the spiritual formation of children within the church context.
- To integrate an understanding of unique developmental characteristics of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, early elementary, and late elementary-aged children with learning theory in order to develop and implement effective, age-appropriate ministries with children.
- To demonstrate an understanding of the roles, responsibilities and skills necessary for organizational leadership of a children's ministry program within the context of the ministry teams of various sized churches.
- To develop the skills to analyze and evaluate appropriate professional and curricular resources for use in developing effective children's ministries.
- To explore current models of ministry to children, specifically within the context of the family.
- To identify and develop strategies to assess and address the educational and spiritual needs of children, parents, and volunteers in the church community.
The following are competencies for Ministry as outlined in the Sourcebook for Ministerial Development that will be addressed in this course:
- Ability to envision, order, and participate in contextualized, theologically grounded worship and to develop and lead appropriate services for special occasions (i.e. wedding, funeral, baptism, and Lord's Supper). (CP11)
- Ability to prepare and lead discipleship ministries that are biblically sound, age-appropriate, intergenerational, and culturally sensitive. (CP15)
- Ability to assess contemporary approaches to ministry in light of enduring theological and contextual perspectives. (CP16)