Winter 2004/Pasadena
YF504
Clark

YF504: INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY MINISTRY. Chapman 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.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
While much has been written about family ministry the last few years, there are few comprehensive models. Even the term "family ministry" is not clear, for there are as many definitions as models. The western family, however, is in need of help. Churches have abandoned relational interconnectedness in favor of growth-oriented programming. This course will enable the student to understand the need for a comprehensive family-system strategy in the church (and parachurch), and provide tools to create an environment where individual families are being cared for and taken seriously and the church is a "family of families."

COURSE FORMAT:
Lectures, class discussion, and presentations by various guest experts will make up the weekly class time. Each student will complete a detailed final project. The class will meet weekly on Mondays for three-hour sessions and also on Wednesday January 21 and 28 for two-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:
Clapp, Rodney. Families at the Crossroads: Beyond Traditional and Modern Options. InterVarsity Press, 1993.
Elkind, David. Ties That Stress: The New Family Imbalance. Harvard University Press, 1994.
Garland, Diana. Family Ministry: A Comprehensive Guide. InterVarsity Press, 1999.

Gibbs, Eddie. Church Next. InterVarsity Press, 2000.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Guernsey, Dennis. A New Design for Family Ministry. David C. Cook, 1982.

Gorman, Julie. Community that is Christian. 2nd ed. Baker, 2002.
McKenna, Theresa. The Hidden Mission Field: Caring for Single Parent Families in the 21st Century. Winepress Publishing, 1999.
Perkins, James C. Building Up Zion's Walls: Ministry for Empowering the African American Family. Judson Press, 1999.

Sell, Charles M. Family Ministry. Zondervan, 1995.

Thomas, Steve. Your Church Can Be Family Friendly. College Press, 1997.

ASSIGNMENTS:
  1. Quizzes on Ties That Stress, Church Next, and Your Church Can Be Family Friendly.

  2. A midterm exam on lectures and Family Ministry.

  3. Write a three- to five-page personal philosophy of family ministry.

  4. 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.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
Meets M. Div. core requirement in Christian Formation and Discipleship (MIN 4);
Required course for M.A./M.Div. Youth Ministries concentration.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.