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.