CF560
Gorman
CF560: ADULT FORMATION AND DISCIPLESHIP. Julie Gorman.
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.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- 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.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The class will meet Tuesday mornings 8-9:50 and 10:50-12:15.
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.
REQUIRED READING:
- 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.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- 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.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- A formal response comparing and contrasting two texts.
- Interview three adults and report on insights; or view videos and age level
materials and report.
- Personal reflection on one's own Christian formation and discipleship.
- Design an adult learning experience or other contractual agreement
involving formation of adults on their spiritual journey.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in Christian Formation and
Discipleship (MIN 4).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.