DESCRIPTION:

What is "Christian Formation and Discipling" about? How do we foster spiritual growth? What principles and processes undergird the church's ministry of bringing believers to maturity in Christ? What do we need to become in discipling others? What guidelines help us become that? What is involved in calling others to discipleship? What foundations undergird our continuous growth in Christ? Because it is not enough just to know the truth, this course deals with the "how" and "why" of living and communicating God's truth to others with the purpose of growth and transformation into likeness. In Christian formation our focus is on life; our goal is transformation; the total community of believers is involved; modeling and interpersonal relationships are critical concerns, and equipping the laity is essential.

This course presents the basis for a philosophy of ministry with practical implications for implementation of a ministry of Christian formation through teaching.

The class will meet daily for four-hour sessions for two weeks, including a permanent in-class small group. Class sessions will include demonstrations, experiential learning, discussion, and small group involvement.

Galindo, Israel. The Craft of Christian Teaching. Judson Press, 1998.

Mulholland, M. Robert. Shaped by the Word. Upper Room, 1985.

Palmer, Parker J. To Know As We Are Known. HarperSanFrancisco, 1993.

Richards, Lawrence O. and Gary J. Bredfeldt. Creative Bible Teaching. Revised and expanded. Moody Press, 1998.

Course Reader.

Banks, Robert. Redeeming the Routines. Victor Books, 1987.

Chan, Simon. Spiritual Theology. InterVarsity Press, 1999.

Downs, Perry G. Teaching For Spiritual Growth. Zondervan, 1994.

Foster, Charles R. The Future of Christian Education: Educating Congregations. Abingdon, 1994.

Knight, George R. Philosophy and Education. Andrews University Press, 1998.

LeBar, Lois. Education that Is Christian. Victor Books, 1989.

Wimberly, Anne Streaty. Soul Stories: African American Christian Education. Abingdon, 1994

Students will read and respond via four short reflection papers plus one book response in the 4-Mat format, sharing insights from papers with a small group. To make practical the application of classroom principles, each member will respond to Mulholland through journal keeping and present a group demonstration that will be included in the final project which summarizes and illustrates elements of formation in a particular focus of ministry.

Meets MDiv core requirement in Christian Formation and Discipleship (MIN 4) and the MA in Theology requirement in Spirituality (SPIR).