DESCRIPTION:

How is the church to take seriously its task of "equipping the saints for the work of ministry" (Eph. 4:11-12)? If the work of Christ belongs to all the people of God, how are they to be adequately established, rooted, built up, and equipped for the varying ministries to which God is calling them? The task, variously labeled "discipling," "teaching," "equipping," or "enablement," is central to the church's calling and purpose. A strong, well-developed adult education program in the local church can be a major tool for building healthy, effective Christians and spiritually vital congregations. This course is designed to "equip the equippers" to produce such a strong program through a study of philosophy, practice, and skills in adult education.

Subject areas include: biblical and theological foundations for adult education; adult characteristics, needs, life cycles, and learning patterns; societal and cultural impact on learning; "self-directed" and "transformational" learning; gender strengths; developing or adapting curriculum; planning and implementing a total adult education program in the church.

This course helps those who minister to adults understand how adults learn, teaches skills to enable adults to move on in spiritual maturity and equips with philosophy and means for planning and carrying out the adult education program in the church.

The class will meet twice a week for ninety minute sessions. Methods of instruction will include lecture, interaction, small groups, video viewing, surveying, gaming, and skills work in class. Students will develop a philosophy of ministry for Adult Formation. They will also get in touch with who they are as adults and their stage of spiritual formation.

Gorman, Julie. Expanded Course Reader. Fuller Seminary, 2003.

Hagberg, J. & R. Guelich. The Critical Journey: Stages in the Life of Faith. Sheffield, 1995 (reprint).

Merriam, Sharan B. & Rosemary S. Caffarella. Learning in Adulthood. 2nd ed. Jossey-Bass, 1999.

Parks, Sharon Daloz. Big Questions, Worthy Dreams. Jossey-Bass, 2000.

Belenky, Mary Field, et al. Women's Ways of Knowing. San Francisco: Basic Books, 1986.

Daloz, Laurent A. Mentor. 2nd ed. Jossey-Bass, 1999.

Dychtwald, Ken. Age Wave. Bantam, 1990.

Fowler, James. Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian. Harper & Row, 1984.

Gangel, Kenneth O. & James C. Wilhout. The Christian Educator's Handbook on Adult Education. Victor Books, 1993.

Knowles, Malcolm. The Modern Practice of Adult Education. Association Press, 1970.

McIntosh, Gary L. Three Generations. Revell, 1995.

Sheehy, Gail. New Passages. Random House, 1995.

1. Biblical study of adult formation with personal implications.

2. Reflection on their on adult development.

3. Group classroom presentation of an adult learning theory by demonstration.

4. Personal reflection on one's own Christian formation and discipleship.

5. Creation of a personal and ministry response to adult faith and learning.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Christian Formation and Discipleship (MIN 4).