Students examine the foundations of this ministry and develop basic knowledge, understanding and skills related to it. Nurturing children in the community of faith is the core of this course. Students look at children's developmental needs and give attention to the contexts in which children live in today's world. They also learn skills in working with children and families. While students learn about the growth processes and faith issues of youth, they consider the nature of the church's ministry with youth and explore various models and strategies of working with youth.
Teaching is one of the most important aspects of being a pastor.
In this course, students become aware of what it means to be a teacher and begin to learn the basic knowledge and skills required for teaching in the church. This course explores what it means to grow spiritually and examines, from an educational point of view, the practices, understandings, and contexts required for persons to grow spiritually in their Christian journey. These questions are addressed in this course as students look at adult education in the community of faith and consider ways to do this vital ministry. Teaching the Bible is central to the life of the Christian community. Students explore ways of teaching the Bible that are appropriate to the Bible itself, to various cultures, and to the ways in which people of different ages learn and develop.