Spring 2013/Fuller Online

CF505

Ovando-Gibson

CF505: TEACHING THE BIBLE (4 units). Maria Ovando-Gibson.

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:

Bracke, John M., and Karen B. Tye. Teaching the Bible in the Church. Chalice, 2003. ISBN: 978-0827236431, Pub.price $19.99 [180 pp.].

Murphy-O’Connor, Jerome. The Theology of the Second Letter to the Corinthians. Cambridge University Press, 1991. ISBN: 978-0521358989, Pub.price $50.00 [180 pp.].

Richards, Lawrence, and Gary Bredfeldt. Creative Bible Teaching. Moody Press, 1998. ISBN: 978-0802416445. Pub.price $32.99 [360 pp.].

Online articles and handouts, including 2 Corinthians NIV link.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Brown, Jeannine K. Scripture as Communication. Baker, 2007. ISBN: 978-0801027888. Pub.price $27.99 [320 pp.].

Fee, Gordon D., and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. 3rd ed. Zondervan, 2003. ISBN: 978-0310246046 Pub.price $13.75 [288 pp.].

Smith, David I., and John Shortt. The Bible and the Task of Teaching. The Stapleford Centre, 2002. ISBN: 978-1902234212, Pub.price $20.00 [188 pp.].

Wilhoit, Jim, and Leland Ryken. Effective Bible Teaching. Baker, 1988. ISBN: 978-0801096853, Pub.price not available [258 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. Weekly Forum Discussion (20%)

  2. Weekly Assignments (17%)

  3. Two experiential teaching opportunities on the book of 2 Corinthians (35%)

  4. FINAL learning design focused on one concern featured in the theology of 2 Corinthians (23%)

  5. Reading (5%)

PREREQUISITES: None. Some background in CF and in biblical interpretation helpful. Current ministry experience recommended.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Christian Formation and Discipleship (MIN 4).


NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.