Winter 2005/Pasadena
CF560
Gorman
CF560: ADULT FORMATION AND DISCIPLESHIP. Julie Gorman.
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.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- 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.
COURSE FORMAT:
- 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.
REQUIRED READING:
- Gorman, Julie. Expanded Course Reader. Fuller Seminary,
2004.
- Hagberg, J. & R. Guelich. The Critical Journey: Stages in the Life
of Faith. Sheffield, 1995 (reprint).
- Kimball, Dan. The Emerging Church. Zondervan, 2003.
- Merriam, Sharan B. & Rosemary S. Caffarella. Learning in Adulthood.
2nd ed. Jossey-Bass, 1999.
- Parks, Sharon Daloz. Big Questions, Worthy Dreams. Jossey-Bass,
2000.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- 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.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- (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.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in Christian Formation and
Discipleship (MIN 4).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.