Spring 2008/Pasadena
CF526
Branson

CF526: THE CONGREGATION AS A LEARNING COMMUNITY. Mark Lau Branson.


DESCRIPTION: This is a course on biblical, theological, and practical foundations for creating a learning community in which the whole people of God, laity and clergy, are formed to participate in God's love for the world. Many aspects of a church's life and activities (worship, small groups, story telling, education, spiritual disciplines, leadership) will be viewed regarding their role in forming and equipping the congregation toward gospel faithfulness. Topics include ecclesiology and missiology, the relationship between personal and corporate formation, intergenerational and intercultural life, multiple intelligences, social construction, and spiritual formation.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will learn conceptual frameworks of missional ecclesiology, practical theology method, multiple intelligences, constructivist learning, and leadership, as related to shaping a learning community (cognitive). Students will gain skills for discerning, experimenting with, and evaluating processes and resources for a learning community in a specific context (skills). Students will deepen their vision for and commitment to forming congregations as learning, missional, spiritual communities of faith (conation).

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: This course offers a range of learning experiences, resources, and opportunity for personal reflection, spiritual growth, and leadership frameworks for those ministering in any congregational setting.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions that include lectures, individual and group exercises, reflective discussions of materials and experiences, and group presentations.

REQUIRED READING:

Budde, Michael. The (Magic) Kingdom of God. Westview, 1997.

Everist, Norma Cook. The Church As Learning Community. Abingdon, 2002.

Pazmino, Robert. Latin American Journey. United Church Press, 1994.

Van Gelder, Craig. The Ministry of the Missional Church. Baker, 2007.

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

Additional articles on Moodle.

SMALL GROUPS WILL STUDY AND REPORT ON ONE OF THESE TEXTS:
Anderson, Herbert, and Edward Foley. Mighty Stories, Dangerous Rituals. Jossey-Bass, 1998.

Bass, Dorothy, ed. Practicing Our Faith. Jossey-Bass, 1997.

O'Connor, Elizabeth. Servant Leaders, Servant Structures. The Servant Leadership School, 1991.

Westerhoff, John H. Will Our Children Have Faith? Rev. ed. Morehouse, 2000.

Yaconelli, Mark. Contemplative Youth Ministry. Zondervan, 2006.

Yoder, John Howard. Body Politics. Discipleship Resources, 1994.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Foster, Charles. Educating Congregations. Abingdon, 1994.

Ogden, Greg. Unfinished Business: Returning the Ministry to the People of God. Zondervan 2003.

Van Engen, John, ed. Educating People of Faith. Eerdmans, 2004

ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Read assignments (texts, moodle) as scheduled; keep a reading log for submission; arrive ready to participate in class (20%). (2) In groups, study one of the selected books and provide a class presentation on concepts and implications, attentive to assigned learning styles (15%). (3) In groups, develop a multifaceted curriculum (including a written handout) for promoting congregational formation that moves toward being a learning community in which all members come to see themselves as ministers. Provide a 20-minute "briefing" to the class (15%). (4) Develop a course portfolio, including public writing (e.g. blogs, bulletin inserts), personal reflection/integrative writing (based on specified course resources) structured around the learning outcomes (above) (50%).

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv Christian Formation & Discipleship requirement (MIN4).

FINAL EXAMINATION: No.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (2/12/08)