Spring 2014/Fuller Live!
Atlanta, Pasadena, Sacramento, Seattle
YF504
Clark
YF504: INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY MINISTRY (4 Units). Chap Clark.
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.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will be able to (1) grasp a comprehensive theological understanding of the nuclear family and the church as a “family” (cognitive); (2) recognize and appreciate the unique challenges families face in any social context (affective); (3) create relational programs and parish strategies that enable both the strengthening of marriages, families, and the church as a multi-generational missional community (skills).
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet weekly for three-hour sessions of lectures, class discussion, and presentations by guest experts. Each student will complete a detailed final project.
REQUIRED READING:
Anthony, Michael and Michelle Anthony (eds). A Theology for Family Ministry. B & H Academic, 2011. ISBN: 978-0805464214, Pub. Price $34.99 [304 pp.].
Elkind, David. Ties That Stress: The New Family Imbalance. Harvard University Press, 1998. ISBN: 978-0674891500, Pub. Price $20.00 [272 pp.].
Garland, Diana. Family Ministry: A Comprehensive Guide. 2nd ed. InterVarsity Press, 2012. ISBN: 978-0830839711, Pub. Price $50.00 [300 pp. assigned].
Lencioni, Patrick. Silos, Politics and Turf Wars: A Leadership Fable about Destroying the Silos that Turn Colleagues/Competitors. Jossey-Bass, 2006. ISBN: 978-0787976385, Pub. Price $24.95 [224 pp. assigned].
Parrett, Gary A. and S. Steve Kang. Teaching the Faith, Forming the Faithful. InterVarsity Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0830825875, Pub. Price: $30.00. [200 pp. assigned]
Zimbardo, Phil and Nikita Duncan. The Demise of Guys: Why Boys Are Struggling and What We Can Do About It (TED Books series) available for the Kindle and Nook as well as on Apple’s iBookstore for $2.99 (http://tinyurl.com/7noz76y) [109 pp.].
RECOMMENDED READING:
Balswick, Jack, Judy Balswick, and Boni and Don Piper. Relationship-Empowerment Parenting. Baker Books, 2003. ISBN: 978-0801064029, Pub. Price $15.00 [208 pp.].
Clapp, Rodney. Families at the Crossroads: Beyond Traditional and Modern Options. InterVarsity Press, 1993. ISBN: 978-830816552, Pub. Price $21.00 [208 pp.].
Marquardt, Elizabeth. Between Two Worlds: The Inner Lives of Children of Divorce. Three Rivers Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-0307237118, Pub. Price $15.00 [288 pp.].
McKenna, Theresa. The Hidden Mission Field: Caring for Single Parent Families in the 21st Century. WinePress Publishing, 1999. ISBN: 978-1579211714, Pub. Price $12.95 [155 pp.].
Perkins, James C. Building Up Zion’s Walls: Ministry for Empowering the African American Family. Judson Press, 1999. ISBN: 978-0817013370, Pub. Price $16.00 [101 pp.].
Ramsay, Nancy. Pastoral Care and Counseling: Redefining the Paradigms. Abingdon, 2004. ISBN: 978-0687022243, Pub. Price $27.99 [256 pp.].
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
Reflection papers (2-3 pp.) on Ties That Stress, Silos, and Families at the Crossroads (30%).
Midterm exam on lectures, A Theology for Family Ministry and Family Ministry (25%).
Write a three- to four-page practical theology of “family ministry in the local church” (10%).
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 (35%).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv Core requirement in Christian Formation and Discipleship (MIN 4); fulfills requirement for the Family course for MDiv, Youth, Family and Culture concentration; MA in Youth, Family and Culture; and MACL–YM.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.