Fall 2003/Pasadena
CF530
Gorman
CF530: CHRISTIAN FORMATION OF CHILDREN. Julie Gorman.
DESCRIPTION:
- What does a person need to know about a child in order to
effectively promote formation? What factors affect who the child is today? What
skills and abilities has the Creator poured into these early years of life?
This course deals with the biblical and educational perspectives of the
foundation years in a life. What are the needs of the child that cause this to
be a vulnerable period of formation? How does it feel to be a child and see
life through limited perceptions? If these are to be years of formation for
Christian concepts, what do we know about how the child learns best? What can
we learn about the basis for his moral and valuation training? How the child
sees self and the significant others will further or hinder grasp and
application of biblical truth. What factors have been found to build
self-esteem and socialization in the person of the child? This course will aid
the student in becoming a Parent Equipper, Agent of Salvation, Discipline
Designer, Value Engineer, and Learning Enabler.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- This course enables participants to recognize the place of children
in the ministry of the home and church and equips with skills to minister to
and program for children.
COURSE FORMAT:
- Class meets for two-hour sessions twice a week with demonstrations,
discussion and small group involvement in class.
REQUIRED READING:
- Dawn, Marva J. Is It a Lost Cause? Eerdmans, 1997.
- Haystead, Wesley. Teaching Your Child about God. Rev. ed. Gospel
Light, 1995.
- Lester, Andrew D., ed. When Children Suffer. Westminster Press,
1987.
- Prichard, Gretchen. Offering the Gospel to Children. Cowley
Publications, 1992.
- Stonehouse, Catherine. Joining Children on the Spiritual Journey.
Baker, 1998.
- Additional reading will be on reserve.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- In addition to reading followed by short reflection responses and
participation in class discussion, class members will observe children's TV
programs and interview parents. To make practical the application of classroom
principles, each member will design a learning experience for children as well
as a children's talk/sermon.
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in Christian Formation and
Discipleship (MIN 4).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- None.