Fall 2013/Fuller Online

CF526

Hendrickson

CF526: THE CONGREGATION AS A LEARNING COMMUNITY. Craig S. Hendrickson.

DESCRIPTION: This is a course on biblical, theological, and practical foundations for creating a learning community in which the whole people of God, laity and clergy, are formed to participate in God’s love for the world. Many aspects of a church’s life and activities (worship, small groups, story telling, education, spiritual disciplines, leadership) will be viewed regarding their role in forming and equipping the congregation toward gospel faithfulness. Topics include ecclesiology and missiology, the relationship between personal and corporate formation, intergenerational and intercultural life, multiple intelligences, social construction, and spiritual formation.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: This course offers a range of learning experiences, resources, and opportunity for personal reflection, spiritual growth, and leadership frameworks for those ministering in any congregational setting.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have (1) learned conceptual frameworks of missional ecclesiology, practical theology, constructivist learning, intercultural church life, and leadership as they relate to shaping a learning community (cognitive); (2) acquired skills for discerning, experimenting with, and evaluating processes and resources for shaping a learning community in a context of cultural diversity (skills); and (3) deepened their vision for and commitment to forming congregations that embody intergenerational, intercultural, theological, and missional faithfulness in a specific context (conation).

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted completely online using a 10-week lesson program aligned with Fuller's academic calendar; it does not demand class meetings at a particular time. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING: 1500 pp. required. If student has read any of the required texts previously, choose a replacement text from the recommended reading list.

Bordas, Juana. Salsa, Soul, and Spirit. 2nd ed. ReadHowYouWant, 2012. ISBN: 978-1459636736, Pub. Price $29.99 [226 pp. assigned].

Branson, Mark Lau, and Juan Martinez. Churches, Cultures, and Leadership. IVP Academic, 2011. ISBN: 978-0830839261, Pub. Price $25.00 [245 pp. assigned].

Branson, Mark Lau. Hopes, Memories, and Conversations. Alban, 2004. ISBN: 978-1566992886, Pub. Price $18.00 [156 pp.].

Everist, Norma Cook. The Church As Learning Community. Abingdon, 2002. ISBN: 978-0687045006, Pub. Price $31.00 [391 pp.].

Van Gelder, Craig. The Ministry of the Missional Church. Baker, 2007. ISBN: 978-0801091391, Pub. Price $16.99 [208 pp].

Wimberly, Anne Streaty. Soul Stories: African American Christian Education. Abingdon, 1994. ISBN: 978-0687494323, $20.00 [168 pp.].

Course Reader [100 pp. assigned].

RECOMMENDED READING:

Morris, Danny & Charles Olsen. Discerning God’s Will Together. Alban, 1997.

Van Engen, John, ed. Educating People of Faith. Eerdmans, 2004.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: 110-120 hours total structured time.

  1. Students will submit a weekly post (250-300 words) tied to the weekly readings, and provide two weekly responses to classmates’ posts (75-100 words each) (35%). [6–8 hours/week]

  2. In groups, students will develop a multifaceted curriculum communicated through a power point presentation designed to form a congregation towards becoming an intercultural, missional, learning community (15%). [12–15 hours meeting online, preparing, and writing]

  3. Journal at least weekly on your personal and professional learning and reflection on the course (1/2–1 hour per week); interview 2-3 persons regarding their experiences and hopes for Christian education (2–3 hours); provide summaries to your group (in moodle); submit cumulative midterm reflective essay (500 words–10%) and final portfolio (2000 words–15%). [10-12 hours writing time for essays]

  4. Final paper (2,500-3,000 words) utilizing PT method that provides a curriculum for several church subgroups that deepens intercultural life and promotes engagement with context; include management of programs (25%). [12-15 hours preparing and writing]

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv Christian Formation & Discipleship requirement (MIN4).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.


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.