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)