Required Texts: Fowler, Larry Rock-solid kids: Giving children a biblical foundation for life. Ventura, CA: Gospel Light.

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1 CMIN 500: FOUNDATIONS FOR CHILDREN S MINISTRY Summer 2013; Intensive Dr. Michael R. Mitchell (434) mrmitchell@liberty.edu I. Course Description In his conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus declared that to build a life house on rock one must not only hear His words but put them into practice. To help facilitate this response of active obedience in the lives of children this course builds upon the sage s exhortation to train a child in the way he should go (Proverbs 22:6) and provides the foundation for a variety of services to children whether in home, church, or school. It will address the underlying principles and the essential practices of an effective ministry to children, from evangelism to edification and discipleship. II. Rationale Robert Pazmiño s observation concerning Christian education in general is certainly applicable to children s ministry in specific (1988): It is crucial that foundational questions be raised by Christian educators before they form a set theory and practice of Christian education. Raising these questions enable Christian educators to explore new possibilities and to consider new wineskins for Christian education. Through such exploration, persons concerned for education in various settings can identify principles and implications for practice. III. Prerequisites None IV. Materials List Required Texts: Fowler, Larry Rock-solid kids: Giving children a biblical foundation for life. Ventura, CA: Gospel Light May, Scottie, Catherine Stonehouse, Beth Posterski, and Linda Cannell Children matter: Celebrating their place in the church, family, and community. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co Zuck, Roy B Precious in his sight: Childhood and children in the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books

2 Suggested References: Anthony, Michael J. and Warren S. Benson Exploring the history & philosophy of Christian education: Principles for the 21st Century. Grand Rapids: Kregel Academic & Professional and Bunge, Marcia J., Editor The child in Christian thought. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co Beckwith, Ivy Postmodern children s ministry: Ministry to children in the 21 st Century. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Children s ministry resource Bible Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishing Choun, Robert J. and Michael S. Lawson. Editors The Christian educator s handbook on children s ministry. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books Knight, George R Philosophy and education. 3rd ed. Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews University Press Pazmino, Robert W Foundational issues in Christian education. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House Company. ISBN: Richards, Lawrence O Children s ministry. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House Yount, William R Created to learn. Nashville: Broadman and Holman Publishers V. Measurable Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: A. Articulate a personal position statement on why children matter B. Catalog the biblical references to children C. Synthesize the theological concerns that impact children D. Distinguish the philosophical categories that influence ministry to children E. Evaluate the psychological theories that inform dealing with children F. Analyze the elements of effective educational events G. Identify the sociological factors and environments in which children operate H. Describe the essential characteristics of a disciple-making minister

3 VI. Course Agenda: Monday Module 1: Children Matter 1. Too Small to Ignore 2. Why Minister to Children? Module 2: Biblical Foundations 1. What does the Bible Record about Children? 2. Goals & Guidelines for Children s Ministry Tuesday Module 3: Theological Foundations 1. Children and Theology 2. Children and Faith Module 4: Philosophical Foundations 1. Child in Christian Thought 2. Children and Philosophy Wednesday Module 5: Psychological Foundations 1. Image Orientation; In Search of a Soul 2. Human Development Module 6: Educational Foundations 1. Biblical Observations on Education 2. Giving Direction to Instruction Thursday Friday Module 7: Sociological Foundations 1. Ecology of Human Development 2. Children and Society Module 8: Personal Foundations 1. Ezra Experience 2. Pillars of Personal Ministry Exam Research Paper Review Wrap up

4 VII. Assignments Graded assignments for this course will consist of four daily graded learning assignments, a research paper, and a final examination. Each will be worth points according to the scale below. The daily GRADED LEARNING ACTIVITIESs are worth 10% each, the exam 20%, and the research paper 40%. 1. Pre-course work To be completed before you come to class, giving you some foundation and exposure. There are no logs or forms to submit, just read and come prepared. Preview the course textbooks and be conversant with their content. Spend 7-10 hours in the library reading and reviewing a selection of texts from the suggested resources in the syllabus 2. During course work These assignments are due, as a package, Friday morning; time will be given to work on them at the end of class each day, and no other homework is expected. 1. Monday: Newsletter/Bulletin (MLO: A & B) Prepare a one-page article for a church newsletter or bulletin. The title of the article is Children Matter: Why We Care and it should reference materials and discussions reflected in the coursework so far. 2. Tuesday: Bulleted List of Reflections (MLO: C & D) Prepare a one- page bulleted list of Christian reflections on children. Utilize Bunge s six central ways of speaking about children as your model, including sources, references, and discussions from the coursework so far. 3. Wednesday: Role of Soul In Education Position Paper (MLO: C & E) Prepare a one- page sentence outline for a position paper on the role of the soul in education. Include concepts and implications reflecting your understanding of the discussions in the coursework so far. 4. Thursday: Staff Devotional (MLO: F & G) Prepare a one- page devotional (for your teaching staff) on the value and necessity of relationships in education and the teaching- learning process. Justify this position with appropriate anecdotal and scriptural support. 5. Friday: Exam (MLO: A - H) Exam Personal Reflection And Application Of Course Content

5 3. Post-course work 1. Research Paper (MLO:A - H) Research paper - following the guidelines and structure provided in the documents distributed in class: Elements of a Research Paper.doc and/or Requisites of a Research Paper. And Turabian Guide.ppt VIII. Grading Scale: A. Points Breakdown: 1. Newsletter/bulletin Bulleted List of Reflections Position paper: Role of the Soul in Education Staff Devotional Exam Research Paper 400 B. Scale Total: 1000 A = A- = B+ = B = B- = C+ = C = C- = D+ = D = D- = F = 679 and below C. Attendance Policies Students are simply expected to be in attendance for the entire course. ALL absences must be pre-arranged and approved by the professor. D. Agenda of Class Sessions This course consists of eight modules: Introduction(s), Biblical, Theological, Philosophical, Psychological, Educational, Sociological, and Personal Foundations. See separate document for the course schedule. E. Disability Support Students with a documented disability may contact the Office of Disability Academic Support (ODAS) in TE 127 for arrangements for academic accommodations."