CONG - Congregational Formation

This course presents a careful explanation of how almost any church or ministry can utilize key research-based steps to grow into a healthy multi-generational ministry. The course traces the root of congregational and organizational conflict to the differences between generational perspectives and preferences. Topics covered in the course include: Defining the multi-generational model, the sources of inter-generational harmony, and methods of identifying generational needs. Finally, effective ministry strategies that build multi-generational congregations and ministries will be explored. (Practical)

This course examines the critical issues that determine whether newcomers to a church become active, regular participants, or stop coming. Focus will be on the key elements and events in this process of inclusion, beginning with the first visit and ending one year after membership. Students will be introduced to the most current research and strategic thinking in the field, and will develop a workable "system" that will significantly increase their church's retention of visitors.

This course explores the sociological dynamics of family systems in order to develop appropriate models of care, counseling, and ministry programming for families. Students examine potential dysfunctions present in the home and explore effective communication within the family, spiritual formation in the home, and ways to create partnerships between the church and home. The course also looks at various models of family ministry in the local church.

This course explores the administrative dimensions of youth and family ministry, how to bring the resources of an organization together in such a way as to maximize working relationships of people and programs for the benefit of both the organization and the individuals who comprise it. Students will examine the biblical bases for visionary leadership and the practical skills of creating and maintaining healthy programs for youth and families.

This course explores the dynamics of child and adolescent development with a view to developing appropriate models of programming and ministry for children, teens, and their families. Students examine the thinking of classic and contemporary developmental theorists and explore ways in which these works inform and enrich children, youth, and family ministry.

This course introduces students to literature and models in the field of church health. Students will analyze current research on church health as a pastoral concern and identify the benefits and risks of applying church health theory to a local congregation. Various criteria for defining a healthy church will be explored. Students will diagnose the health of a specific church, identify areas of needed attention, and develop initial prescriptions for the renewed health of that church body.

This course involves participation in a congregational consultation and revitalization process. Students examine diagnostic information in relation to a church in need of revitalization and visit the church to observe and interact with a church consultant conducting the diagnosis. Students will review and evaluate the consultant's prescription for revitalization, creating an analysis and evaluation of their own.

This course explores how to teach in a way that fosters Christian transformation in children, youth, and adults that they might be "fully alive" in Christ and live as faithful disciples. In the course, five key questions are examined in the process of developing a transformational teaching plan: Who do you teach, why do you teach, what do you teach, how do you teach it, and how do you determine success?

This course is a comprehensive, integrative approach to the education and transformation of a congregation, beginning with biblical foundations and ending with the tools needed to educate and transform a congregation into a holy people today. Topics range from developmental theories to pedagogical techniques. The course involves the practice of education and formation and so requires that a student currently be in an approved ministry setting. Prerequisite: MDIV-500

This course is a comprehensive, integrative approach to the education and transformation of a congregation, beginning with biblical foundations and ending with the tools needed to educate and transform a congregation into a holy people today. Topics range from developmental theories to pedagogical techniques. The course involves the practice of education and formation and so requires that a student currently be in an approved ministry setting. Prerequisite: Pastor, Church, and World.