DESCRIPTION: The Bible is meant to communicate! So how do we join God in
provoking conversations between twenty-first-century persons and this God who
sends his interpersonal messages via multiple first-century and earlier authors
who tell stories, write letters, admonish, and encourage? The course is
intended for all who value this message, want to understand it more fully,
inhabit it more completely, communicate it more effectively, and enable others
to know God more holistically. Therefore, this course will be equipping in the
attracting, training, and growing of lay volunteers within the ministry of
Christian community. Utilizing faith formation and learning theories such as
experiential learning (constructivism) will be part of recognizing how persons
hear and learn, and becoming aware of ways we become part of the teaching
process in a learning situation. In addition, by providing opportunity for
theological reflection through Biblical analysis, this course is also an
integral part of the praxis of Christian discipleship.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Emphasis will be on what the Author of the
Book we study communicates and how we through the teaching ministry can enable
those who learn to become aware of relevance and implications that can
transform their lives as they hear and dialog with him, consequently,
contributing to spiritual growth and discipleship for both teacher and
learner.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Cognitively: The learner will know more about concepts for interpreting and
teaching the Bible: guidelines for interpreting the text, selecting topic and
theme, designing outcomes, and developing a teaching plan. Skills in
theological reflection, integration, and praxis.
2. Affectively: The learner will gain more confidence and motivation in
studying and teaching the Bible. Skills for nurture of faith.
3. Behaviorally: The learner will incorporate teaching insights by actually
implementing teaching sessions. Skills in experiential learning that also
mentor volunteers.
4. Existentially: The learner will actively pursue opportunities to study and
to teach the Scriptures to others. Skills in equipping, attracting, and growing
of lay volunteers for Christian ministry and discipleship.
COURSE FORMAT: Conducted online, the ten-week lesson program aligns with
Fuller's academic calendar. Each week, students and the instructor will
interact with the material and each other through threaded discussions,
journaling, along with creative experiential learning with actual experience in
teaching.
REQUIRED READING: