CF503
Clark

CF503: FOUNDATION OF YOUTH MINISTRY. Chapman Clark.


DESCRIPTION:

This course gives an overview of contemporary culture, especially as it affects youth ministry; provides foundational and historical youth ministry concepts, models and philosophies; and also discusses new research in adolescent development and family systems. In addition, a broad spectrum of ministry programs and issues will be addressed, such as "the changing family," recruitment and care of volunteers, organizing a ministry program, missions and service, outreach to adolescents, camping, etc.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
From a human perspective, the future of the church rests in the hands of the next generation. How those in power pass on the Christian faith to children and adolescents will determine the shape of the church for years to come. Understanding the nature of human and spiritual development, how to read a culture, how to solicit support and adult ownership and how to develop programs and models that reach an adolescent subculture will honor God by preparing them for service in the Kingdom.

COURSE FORMAT:
Lectures, class discussion, and presentations by various guest experts will make up the class time. Each student will complete a detailed final project. The class will meet twice each week for two-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:
Campolo, T. Church and the American Teenager. Zondervan, 1995.

Dunn, R. and M. Senter, eds. Reaching a Generation for Christ. Moody, 1997.

Institute for Youth Ministry, Princeton Theological Seminary. The 1996 Princeton Lectures on Youth, Church, and Culture. Princeton, 1996.

Mueller, W. Understanding Today's Youth Culture. Tyndale, 1994.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Barna, G. Generation Next. Regal, 1995.

DeVries, Mark. Family-Based Youth Ministry. InterVarsity, 1994.

Neff, Miriam. Helping Teens in Crisis. Tyndale, 1993.

Rice, W. Junior High Ministry. Zondervan, 1987.

Senter, M. The Coming Revolution in Youth Ministry. Scripture Press, 1992.

Yaconelli, M. and Burns, J. High School Ministry. Zondervan, 1987.

ASSIGNMENTS:
Three quizzes on Reaching a Generation for Christ.

An analysis/reflection paper comparing the three other texts.

A midterm on the lectures.

A final project which reflects a programmatic interpretation of the course content.

PREREQUISITES:
None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
Meets M.Div. core requirement in Christian Formation and Discipleship (MIN 4); a required course for M.Div. and M.A. Youth Ministries concentration.

FINAL EXAMINATION:
None.