DESCRIPTION:

This course presents an analysis of the current understanding and "modes" of "family ministry" over against a theological, sociological, and developmental understanding of contemporary culture. Various models of family ministry will be examined, and through the use of case studies, lectures, and research students will learn how to create a family ministry that best suits the needs and vision of a given church or ministry organization.

While much has been written about family ministry the last few years, there are few comprehensive models. Even the term "family ministry" is not clear, for there are as many definitions as models. The western family, however, is in need of help. Churches have abandoned relational interconnectedness in favor of growth-oriented programming. This course will enable the student to understand the need for a comprehensive family-system strategy in the church (and parachurch), and provide tools to create an environment where individual families are being cared for and taken seriously and the church is a "family of families."

Lectures, class discussion, and presentations by various guest experts will make up the weekly class time. Each student will complete a detailed final project.

Guernsey, Dennis. A New Design for Family Ministry. David C. Cook, 1992.

Money, Royce. Ministering to Families: A Positive Plan of Action. Abilene Christian, 1987.

Sell, Charles M. Family Ministry. Zondervan, 1995.

Benson, P. L. and C. H. Elkin. Effective Christian Education: A National Study of Protestant Congregations--A Summary Report on Faith, Loyalty, and Congregational Life. Search, 1990.

Dobbins, Richard D. The Family-Friendly Church. Creation House, 1989.

Gorman, Julie. Community that is Christian. Victor, 1993.

Kehrwald, Leif. Caring that Enables: A Manual for Developing Parish Family Ministry. Paulist Press, 1991.

1. Quizzes on Ministering to Families and A New Design for Family Ministry.

2. A midterm exam on lectures and Family Ministry.

3. Write a three to five page personal philosophy of family ministry.

4. Design a family ministry program, including but not limited to every issue covered by the lectures and the majority of those covered by the texts.

None.

Required course for M.A./M.Div. Youth Ministries concentration;
Meets M. Div. core requirement in Christian Formation and Discipleship (MIN 4).

None.