Spring 2004/Pasadena
YF502
Clark
YF502: LEADERSHIP IN YOUTH MINISTRY. Chapman Clark.
DESCRIPTION:
- The purpose of this course is to teach students the calling, roles,
and responsibility of Christian leadership in any context, but especially youth
ministry. Issues discussed are: the meaning of being a Christian leader; how to
develop a volunteer leadership program, how to recruit, initiate, train,
nurture and care for volunteer leadership, the necessity for encouraging people
in their giftedness, even if that may mean helping them to move on from youth
ministry, and how to lead, equip and best utilize interns and paid staff.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- The New Testament makes clear that leadership is the recognition
that God works through every individual as their gifts are encouraged and
exercised. Leading a ministry team, however, is not for many a natural talent,
and even the most experienced of leaders have a hard time allowing for the free
expression of the giftedness of others. The student will learn how to care for
people in a way that allows the Spirit to move in and through a community of
Christian men and women.
COURSE FORMAT:
- Lectures, class discussion, and presentations by various guest
experts will make up the class time. Each student will complete a final
project. Class meets once a week for a three-hour session.
REQUIRED READING:
- Larson, Carl E. and Frank LaFasto. Teamwork: What Must Go Right,
What Can Go Wrong. Sage Publications, 1989.
- Nouwen, H. J. M. In the Name of Jesus. Crossroads, 1990.
- Reed, Bobbie; John F. Westfall; and John Maxwell. Building Strong
People: How to Lead Effectively. Baker Book House, 1997.
- Houston, James M. The Mentored Life. NavPress, 2002.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Borthwick, P. Organizing Your Youth Ministry. Zondervan,
1988.
- Johnston, R. Developing Student Leaders. Zondervan, 1992.
- June, Lee N. Evangelism and Discipleship in African-American
Churches. Zondervan, 1999.
- Ratcliff, Donald and Blake J. Neff. The Complete Guide to Religious
Education Volunteers. Religious Education Press.
- Wilson, Marlene. How to Mobilize Church Volunteers. Augsburg
Fortress, 1990.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Write a personal philosophy of Christian leadership paper.
- Create a one-page case study dealing with volunteers and bring six copies
to class on the day assigned.
- Design a volunteer leadership program, including but not limited to,
recruitment, initiation, training, fellowship and nurture opportunities,
regular training times, camp counselor training, and evaluation.
- Complete two quizzes on the lectures and readings.
- Complete a midterm exam.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Elective for general M.Div. Required course for Youth, Family, and
Culture concentration in the M.Div. and for the M.A. in Youth, Family, and
Culture.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.