Child and Family Ministry Certificate

This course provides an overview of the background, content, and message of the Bible. It includes brief summaries of the substance, structure, and key themes of individual books within their broader Biblical sections. The purpose of the course is to give a general, introductory understanding and knowledge of the Bible that is foundational to other Biblical courses.

Hermeneutics is the science and art of Biblical interpretation. This course provides a threefold, integrated approach to Biblical interpretation, namely, 1) the background to the Biblical world, 2) the literature and genre of the Bible, and 3) the self-understanding of the interpreter.

Doctrine I is the first of two courses which cover a comprehensive range of Christian theology. The study of Systematic Theology begins with theological prolegomena to introduce appropriate theological method and disciplines. It explores the doctrines of Scripture (Bibliology: revelation, inspiration, canonicity, inerrancy, authority, canon), theology proper (God, Trinity, creation, providence), and anthropology (man, the “fall,” sin, angels). Lessons will be based on the exegesis of Scripture, with reference to historical theological development. The Bible is considered as the ultimate authority in matters of doctrine, faith, and life.

This course is an initial orientation to the field of Christian education. Since Christian education is vitally related to both the ministry of the church and the life of the individual Christian it must be built upon a solid foundation. Biblical, theological, historical, sociological, philosophical, psychological and structural aspects of the educational ministry of the local church are studied. (Prerequisite to all other Christian education courses.)

This course studies major current issues facing North American children and families. Subjects to be discussed include developmental issues, child/adult relationships in the family, parental spiritual leadership, technology and parenting, discipline, and the child’s role in church life.

This course is a detailed study of the technical aspects of oral communication. It seeks to equip the student with specific knowledge, skills, and practice in the preparation and presentation of messages. The SCORRE method of preparation will be foundational in this process. Students also learn about the distinctives of speaking and preaching to contemporary North American youth. Opportunity is given for one general oral presentation and two specific preaching presentations. This course is a prerequisite for RELS 234 Preaching.

This course is designed to equip the student to assess the spiritual formation needs of children and families within a church. Creating strategies to meet those needs will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on surveying resources and developing a viable educational program for child and family ministries within the local church.

This course promotes the importance and value of counseling, to acquaint students with the basic principles and techniques of counseling, and to prepare them to use these skills effectively. Focus will be on the role of the Christian worker in dealing with specific needs in the local congregation or community. Basic counselling methodologies as well as the student’s personal growth will be emphasized.

Drawing from Biblical, theological, and social science sources, this course seeks to construct a theology of leadership development that will result in ministry being returned to the people of God. A primary focus of the course will be how individuals can be equipped and mobilized to build a vital faith community through small groups. Various approaches to small groups will be explored, including Bible studies, accountability groups, support groups, ministry teams and house churches. Issues of group life such as leadership recruitment and coaching, curriculum development, life cycles, problem people, multiplication, organizational structure and evaluation will be covered.

This course studies child and preadolescence from birth through age twelve. Attention is given to agegroup characteristics, methods, and objectives in working with children and families in the church. Emphasis is given to students having practical involvement in observing children in a learning setting and leading or teaching children. Practical methods of identifying, recruiting, training, empowering, and evaluating leaders for children and family ministry will be explored. Concurrent or previous enrollment in Child and Family Ministry internship is recommended.