DESCRIPTION: This course, taught in Spanish, explores various concepts of family in the Bible, human history, and different cultures. Models of family ministry are examined for the American culture, with particular emphasis on the Latino contexts. Family interventions are analyzed to detect opportunities for ministry. Participants are invited to examine their families of origin as a way of getting a closer understanding of family systems theory, which is applied to the understanding of church dynamics. Pastoral care and pastoral counseling of families are examined in the light of helping professions.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will (1) gain a deeper theological understanding of family ministries; (2) acquire basic skills for self-differentiation using genograms; (3) gain insight on how to become a non-anxious leader at home and in the church; and (4) develop skills for better pastoral counseling.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Families are human groups of extreme complexity. Pastors and leaders-- besides having to deal with their own families--have to interact with families of their congregations and communities, especially in moments of crises and transitions. In addition to a healthy theological foundation for teaching and preaching about family, Christian leaders need practical tools for providing efficient education and counseling to individuals, couples, and families under their care.

COURSE FORMAT: A participatory methodology, including role-play and integrative exercises, will be used regularly in class. Students will be encouraged to share their family history through a genogram. Assigned readings will be discussed in depth. Special attention will be paid to personal and ministerial applications of all learning. The course will meet weekly for three-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

Balswick, J.O. & Balswick, J.K. The Family: A Christian Perspective on the Contemporary Home. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1999.

Balswick, J.O. & Lee, C. Life in a Glass House: The Minister's Family and the Local Congregation. Pasadena, Fuller Seminary Press.

Friedman, Edwin H. Generación a generación: El proceso de la familia en la iglesia y la sinagoga. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans/Desafío, 1997.

Maldonado, Jorge E. Aun en las mejores familias: La familia de Jesús y otras familias de la Biblia parecidas a las nuestras. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans/Desafío, 1996.

Maldonado, Jorge E., ed. Fundamentos Bíblico-teológicos del matrimonio y la familia. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans/Desafío, 1995.

Colapinto, Celia Jaes. Latino Families in Therapy. New York: The Guilford Press, 1998.

Maldonado, Jorge E. Crisis, pérdidas y consolación en la familia. Grand Rapids: Desafío, 2002.

__________. Introducción al asesoramiento pastoral de la familia. Nashville: Abingdon, 2004.

Minuchin, Salvador. La recuperación de la familia: Relatos de esperanza y renovación. Barcelona/Buenos Aires: Ediciones Paidos, 1994.

Walsh, Froma. Strengthening Family Resilience. New York: Guilford, 1998.