DESCRIPTION:

This course, taught in Spanish, explores the various concepts of family in the Bible, human history, and different cultures. Models of family ministry are examined for both the wide American and the Latino contexts. Conjoint family development is analyzed to detect opportunities for ministry. Participants are invited to examine their families of origin as a way of getting a closer understanding of family systems theory, which is applied to the understanding of church dynamics. Pastoral care and pastoral counseling to families are examined in the light of modern helping professions.

Families are human groups of extreme complexity. Pastors and leaders--besides having to deal with their own families--have to interact with families of their congregations and their communities, especially in moments of crises and transitions. In addition to a healthy theological foundation for teaching and preaching about family, Christian leaders need practical tools for providing efficient education and counseling to individuals, couples and families under their care.

A participatory methodology will be applied. Students will be encouraged to share their family history through a genogram. Assigned readings will be discussed in depth. Role-play and integrative exercises will be used regularly in class. Special attention will be paid to personal and ministerial applications of all learning. The course will meet weekly for a three-hour session.

Friedman, Edwin H. Generación a generación: El proceso de la familia en la iglesia y la sinagoga. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans/Desafío, 1997.

Maldonado, Jorge E. Aun en las mejores familias: La familia de Jesús y otras familias de la Biblia parecidas a las nuestras. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans/Desafío, 1996.

Maldonado, Jorge E., ed. Fundamentos Bíblico-teológicos del matrimonio y la familia. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans/Desafío, 1995.

Carter, Betty & Monica McGoldrick. The Changing Family Life Cycle. 2d ed. Allyn &Bacon, 1989.

Colapinto, Celia Jaes. Latino Families in Therapy. New York: The Guilford Press, 1998.

Maldonado, Jorge E. Crisis, pérdidas y consolación en la familia. Grand Rapids: Desafío, 2002.

__________. Introducción al asesoramiento pastoral de la familia. Nashville: Abingdon, 2004.

Minuchin, Salvador. La recuperación de la familia: Relatos de esperanza y renovación. Barcelona/Buenos Aires: Ediciones Paidos, 1994.

Walsh, Froma. Strengthening Family Resilience. New York: Guilford, 1998.

1. Weekly tests on Generación a generación (Friedman) and Fundamentos biblico-teológicos (Maldonado) (25%).

2. A four-page middle-term report on Aun en las mejores familias (Maldonado) (25%).

3. An individual genogram to be presented in class (25%).

4. A Family Ministry Program design to be applied to the student's specific context (25%). No final examination is required.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Christian Formation and Discipleship (MIN4).