DESCRIPTION:

What is "Christian Formation and Discipling" about? How do we foster spiritual growth? What principles and processes undergird the church's ministry of bringing believers to maturity in Christ? What do we need to become in discipling others? What guide-lines help us become that? What is involved in calling others to discipleship? What foundations undergird our continuous growth in Christ? Because it is not enough just to know the truth, this course deals with the "how" and "why" of living and communicating God's truth to others with the purpose of growth and transformation into likeness. In Christian formation our focus is on life; our goal is transformation; the total community of believers is involved; modeling and interpersonal relationships are critical concerns, and equipping the laity is essential.

Presents the basis for a philosophy of ministry with practical implications for implementation of a ministry of Christian formation through teaching.

The class will meet weekly for a three-hour session. Class sessions will include demonstrations, experiential learning, discussion, and small group involvement.

Gelpi, Donald. Committed Worship. Vol. 1. The Liturgical Press, 1993, pp. 16-27.

Mulholland, M. Robert. Shaped by the Word. Upper Room, 1985.

Palmer, Parker J. To Know As We Are Known. Harper San Francisco, 1993.

Pazmiño, Robert W. Foundational Issues in Christian Education. 2nd. ed. Baker, 1997.

Vaill, Peter. Chapter 2 in Learning as a Way of Being: Teaching for Living in Permanent Whitewater. Jossey-Bass, 1999 (available at the Fuller Bookstore).

Whiting, Diane. Journal Writing. Rev. ed. 1999 (available in CFD office).

Course reader (available in the Fuller Bookstore).

Banks, Robert. Redeeming the Routines. Victor Books, 1987.

Chan, Simon. Spiritual Theology. InterVarsity Press, 1999.

Downs, Perry G. Teaching For Spiritual Growth. Zondervan, 1994.

Knight, George R. Philosophy and Education. Andrews University Press, 1998.

LeBar, Lois. Education that is Christian. Victor Books, 1989.

In addition to reading and responding via the 4-Mat system and participation in class discussion, class members focus on their own spiritual development. To make practical the application of classroom principles, each member is required to keep a journal of time with God and to design a learning experience to promote Christian formation. Class members will be asked to declare and then implement their personalized perspective of Christian formation and discipleship in a particular focus of ministry.

None.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Christian Formation and Discipleship (MIN 4).

None.