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Using a framework of practical theological reflection, this course guides participants in articulating their theological vision for youth ministry in conversation with insights from cultural studies, sociology, psychology, neurology and human development. The complex sociocultural setting of formation will be explored, employing critical and constructive approaches to race, gender, sexuality, class and embodied and digital identities. The course addresses ministry contexts with early, middle and late adolescents in congregations and beyond.
SMCL 521 Faith Formation for the Whole Body of Christ Teaching for Christian Community (3 SH)
Congregations are too often guilty of reducing Christian education to only head knowledge or viewing it as a limited-time activity mainly for children and youth. In reality, Christian education is a life-long transformative action that is necessary for every member of the body of Christ and encompasses our whole beings. This course will provide a survey of major topics and theories in Christian education and faith formation including definitions, biblical foundations, purposes, and contexts for Christian education; age-related educational theory; and introduction to learning styles and multiple intelligences. Through self-reflection and engagement with course readings and guest speakers, students will work towards integration of practices with relevant theory in order to design and facilitate a Christian education event, workshop, or one-time event for a Christian ministry setting.
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