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: DP2303B

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Catherine Booth College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate biblical and theological foundations for working with children.

2.

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

3.

Critically reflect on discipleship as one paradigm for working with children.

4.

Design resources for mission and ministry with children that reflect an understanding of developmental stages and duty of care.

Pedagogy

Lectures, readings, videos, discussions, online forums

Indicative Bibliography

  • Csinos, David M., and Ivy Beckwith. Children's Ministry in the Way of Jesus. Downer's Grove: InterVarsity press, 2013. (recommended for purchase)
  • Barna, George. Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions. California: Regal Books, 2003.
  • 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.
  • Mercer, Joyce Ann. Welcoming Children: A Practical Theology of Childhood. Danvers, MA: Chalice press, 2005.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Yust, Karen-Marie. Real Kids, Real Faith: Practices for Nurturing Children’s Spiritual Lives. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2004.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

2,500 word preparation and evaluation of resources

2500 50.0
Book Review

1,000 word critical book review

1000 25.0
Oral Presentation

Class presentation 15 minutes (equivalent to 1,000 words)

1000 25.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 19 Oct, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-05 14:55:17 +1100