DESCRIPTION:

To understand the mission of the Church in addressing the needs of over 70 million single adults in America today. To discover the effective models of implementing ministry with single persons. Subjects to be covered: Single Adults: Who are They? What is "ministry?" Developing a philosophy of ministry. Developing a program for ministry with single adults. How is integration (single/married) achieved within the church? What do we do with divorce and remarriage? A look at the issues of sexuality, loneliness, leadership.

The course will seek to develop awareness on the part of the students of the particular needs of single men and women, as well as the context for an integrated wholistic ministry within the total life of the church. Satisfactory completion of this course will enable the student to be more perceptive about never married, separated, divorced, and widowed persons of all ages and the needs they have, as well as the contribution they can make to the whole life of the church.

The course will be held as a two-week intensive, meeting daily, Monday through Friday, 5-9 p.m., for lecture and discussion. Outside reading and the visiting of a nearby singles ministry will be required for this course.

Fagerstrom, Douglas L., ed. Baker Handbook of Single Adult Ministry. Baker, 1996.

Flanagan, William L. Developing a Divorce Recovery Ministry--A How-To Manual. David C. Cook, 1991. (Out of Print.)

Jones, Jerry, ed. Growing Your Single Adult Ministry. David C. Cook, 1991.

Koons, Carolyn A. and Michael J. Anthony. Single Adult Passages--Uncharted Territories. Baker Book House, 1991.

A list of recommended reading will be given in class.

1. Book Report: (2-4 typed pages) on each of the course texts. Specify how the material helped you understand Single Adult Ministry.

2. Position Paper: (7-10 typed pages) on an ethical issue relevant to Single Adult Ministry. Potential topics will be discussed in class. The paper should have three areas of focus: 1) Background or overview of the ethical issue, 2) your personal stand, opinion, or observations, and 3) recommendation for practical applications--"What Can I Do?" "What Can the Church Do?"

3. Class Presentation: Based upon a visit to a local church. Assignment done in teams of three or four. Purpose: To present an individual ministry model, giving pro and con with regard to effective ministry.

None.

Elective.

None.