DESCRIPTION:

How is the church to take seriously its task of "equipping the saints for the work of ministry" (Eph. 4:11-12)? If the work of Christ belongs to all the people of God, how are they to be adequately established, rooted, built up, and equipped for the varying ministries to which God is calling them?

The task, variously labeled "discipling," "teaching," "equipping," or "enablement," is central to the church's calling and purpose. A strong, well-developed adult education program in the local church can be a major tool for building healthy, effective Christians and spiritually vital congregations. This course is designed to "equip the equippers" to produce such a strong program through a study of philosophy, practice, and skills in adult education.

Subject areas include: biblical and theological foundations for adult education; adult characteristics, needs, life cycles, and learning patterns; societal and cultural impact on learning; "content-oriented" and "experiential" learning; developing or adapting curriculum; planning and implementing a total adult education program in the church.

This course helps those who minister to adults understand how adults learn, teaches skills to enable adults to move on in spiritual maturity and equips with philosophy and means for planning and carrying out the adult education program in the church.

The class will meet once a week for three hours. Methods of instruction will include lecture, interaction, Adult Education program observation, small groups, video viewing, survey, gaming, and skills work in class. Students will develop a sample course, seminar, or retreat for Adult Education as part of their coursework and in accord with their own needs and interests. They will also get in touch with who they are as adults and their stage of spiritual formation.

Gorman/Hestenes. Expanded Course Syllabus. Fuller Seminary, 1996.

Fowler, James. Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian. Harper & Row, 1984.

Hagberg, J. & R. Guelich. The Critical Journey: Stages in the Life of Faith. Sheffield, 1995 (reprint).

Sheehy, Gail. New Passages. Random House, 1995.

Dychtwald, Ken. Age Wave. Bantam, 1990.

Gangel, Kenneth O. & James C. Wilhout. The Christian Educator's Handbook on Adult Education. Victor Books, 1993.

Hudson, Frederic. The Adult Years. Jossey-Bass, 1991.

Knowles, Malcolm. The Modern Practice of Adult Education. Association Press, 1970.

McIntosh, Gary L. Three Generations. Revell, 1995.

Parks, Sharon. The Critical Years. Harper and Row, 1986.

Richards, Lawrence. A Theology of Adult Education. Zondervan, 1975.

Tillapaugh, Frank. The Church Unleashed. Regal Books, 1983.

1. A formal response comparing and contrasting two texts.

2. Interview three adults and report on insights; or view videos and age level materials and report.

3. Personal reflection on one's own Christian formation and discipleship.

4. Design an adult learning experience or other contractual agreement involving formation of adults on their spiritual journey.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Christian Formation and Discipleship (MIN 4).