Spring 2008/Pasadena
YF504
Clark
YF504: INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY MINISTRY. Chapman Clark.
DESCRIPTION: This course presents an analysis of the current understanding and
"modes" of "family ministry" over against a theological, sociological, and
developmental understanding of contemporary culture. Various models of family
ministry will be examined, and through the use of case studies, lectures, and
research, students will learn how to create a family ministry that best suits
the needs and vision of a given church or ministry organization.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will be able to (1) grasp a comprehensive
theological understanding of the nuclear family and the church as a "family"
(cognitive); (2) recognize and appreciate the unique challenges families
face in any social context (affective); and (3) create relational
programs and parish strategies that enable both the strengthening of
marriages, families, and the church as a multi-generational missional community
(skills).
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: While much has been written about family ministry the
last few years, there are few comprehensive models. Even the term "family
ministry" is not clear, for there are as many definitions as models. The
western family, however, is in need of help. Churches have abandoned relational
interconnectedness in favor of growth-oriented programming. This course will
enable the student to understand and practically respond to the needs of
singles, couples, and families while building the local church into a "family
of families."
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet weekly for three-hour sessions of lectures,
class discussion, and presentations by guest experts. Each student will
complete a detailed final project.
REQUIRED READING:
- Clapp, Rodney. Families at the Crossroads: Beyond Traditional
and Modern Options. IVP, 1993.
- Elkind, David. Ties That Stress: The New Family Imbalance. Harvard
University Press, 1994.
- Garland, Diana. Family Ministry: A Comprehensive Guide. InterVarsity
Press, 1999.
- Gibbs, Eddie. Church Next. InterVarsity Press, 2000.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Balswick, J., Balswick, J., Piper, B., & Piper, D.
Relationship-Empowerment Parenting. Baker, 2003.
- Marquardt, E. Between Two Worlds: The Inner Lives of Children of
Divorce. [ISBN #0-307-23710-9].
- McKenna, Theresa. The Hidden Mission Field: Caring for Single Parent
Families in the 21st Century. Winepress Publishing, 1999.
- Perkins, James C. Building Up Zion's Walls: Ministry for
Empowering the African American Family. Judson Press, 1999.
- Ramsay, Nancy. Pastoral Care and Counseling: Redefining the
Paradigms. Abingdon, 2005
- Thomas, Steve. Your Church Can Be Family Friendly. College Press,
1997.
- Verrier, Nancy Newton. The Primal Wound: Understanding the Adopted
Child. Gateway, 1993.
- Wallace, Eric. Uniting Church and Home: A Blueprint for
Rebuilding Church Community. Lorton, VA: Solutions for Integrating Church
and Home, publishers [703-455-5163], 1999.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Reflection papers (2-3 pp.) on Ties That Stress, Church Next, and
Families at the Crossroads (30%).
- Midterm exam on lectures and Family Ministry (25%).
- Write a three- to five-page practical theology of "family ministry in the
local church" (10%).
- Design a family ministry program, including but not limited to every issue
covered by the lectures and the majority of those covered by the texts
(35%).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Christian Formation
and Discipleship (MIN 4); fulfills requirement for the Family course for MDiv,
Youth, Family and Culture concentration; MA in Youth, Family and Culture; and
MACL-YM.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (1/08)