Content

This unit provides the student with biblical and theological foundations for working with children. The place of children in the life, mission and ministry of the church will be explored. The unit will look at discipleship as a paradigm for working with children. Developmental stages, learning styles, faith development, cultural contexts and duty of care are also explored.

Unit code: DP9303B

Unit status: Archived (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate biblical and theological foundations for ministry with children.

2.

Discuss the place of children within the life, mission and ministry of the church.

3.

Critique the notion of discipleship as a paradigm for working with children.

4.

Evaluate the relevant dynamics that apply when developing and evaluating resources for children.

5.

Develop a framework to critique and monitor approaches to children’s ministry.

Pedagogy

Lectures, readings, videos, discussions, online forums

Indicative Bibliography

  • Beckwith, Ivy. Postmodern Children’s Ministry: Shaping Children using Story, Ritual, and Relationship Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004.
  • Beckwith, Ivy. Formational Children’s Ministry: Ministry to children in the 21st century. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2010.
  • Buckland, Ron. Children and the Gospel: Excellence in Ministry with Children and their Families. New South Wales : Scripture Union, 2001.
  • Bunge, Marcia S. (ed). The Child in Christian Thought. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001.
  • Csinos, David M., and Ivy Beckwith. Children's Ministry in the Way of Jesus. Downer's Grove: InterVarsity press, 2013.
  • Mercer, Joyce Ann. Welcoming Children: A Practical Theology of Childhood. Danvers, MA: Chalice press, 2005.
  • Miles, Glenn, Josephine Joy Wright. Celebrating Children: Equipping People Working with Children and Young People Living in Difficult Circumstances around the World. Cumbria: Paternoster, 2003.
  • Nye, Rebecca. Children’s Spirituality: What It Is and Why It Matters. London: Church House, 2009.
  • Renfro, Paul. Brandon Shields, and J. Strother. Perspectives on Family Ministry: 3 Views. Nashville: B&H publishing group, 2009.
  • Scottie, May, Beth Posterski, Catherine Stonehouse, and Linda Cannell. Children Matter: Celebrating Their Place in the Church, Family and Community. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, 2005.
  • Tolbert, La Verne. Exploring and Engaging Spirituality for Today’s Children: A Holistic Approach. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2014.
  • Thompson, M. Family the Forming Centre: A Vision of the Role of Family in Spiritual Formation. Nashville: Upper Room, 1996.
  • Withers, Margaret. Mission Shaped Children: Moving Towards a Child-centered Church. London: Church House, 2006.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

4,500 word integrative essay

4500 60.0
Seminar or Tutorial

2,500 seminar paper

2500 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 20 Jul, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-05 15:51:02 +1100