Saint Louis Christian College PED 205N Survey of Christian Education Bill Thomas 3 Credit Hours April-June 2016 Monday 6:00-9:00 MISSION STATEMENT Saint Louis Christian College pursues excellence in the Word and develops servant leaders for urban, suburban, rural, and global ministry. COURSE DESCRIPTION A survey course on the various strategies, methodologies and practices of Christian Education found, most specifically, in the local church. COURSE RATIONALE This course is the introduction to prepare students to analyze and implement the methodology and practice of various Christian Education programs and strategies in the local church setting. The purpose and objectives of Christian Education are studied with careful attention given to the practical application of such. COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Explain what Christian Education is, within the framework of the local church, and provide reasons why it is important. 2. List multiple age-level appropriate Christian Education strategies and programs that would be beneficial for the local church. 3. Evaluate Christian Education programs, methodology and strategies to determine effectiveness. 4. Recognize and appreciate the Biblical call for Christian Education. 5. Develop and awareness of instructing, challenging and recruiting volunteers in the local church setting. 6. Understand, create and develop a Christian Education program that would enhance the mission of the local church. 7. Understand and appreciate the challenges of Christian Education, particularly in the small church, and begin to develop effective strategies to overcome them.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS 1. Reading: Read Christian Education: Seeking to Become like Jesus and Christian Education in the Small Membership Church in their entirety. The student will have assigned reading from each of these books for each class section. Projects will be derived from the various readings throughout the semester. Class discussion will begin with the assigned reading for that week. 2. Class Engagement: Sitting the classroom will not suffice. Participation in discussions, group work and active listening are expected. 3. Assignments: A. Christian Education Paper This assignment will require students to write a 500-750 word essay noting the scriptural and theological basis for Christian Education in the church. The paper should include, but is not limited to, the purpose of Christian Education, Biblical and contemporary examples and a defense of why it is important. This paper is due on April 18 th B. Children s Ministry Program Presentation This assignment will require students to create and present a children s ministry program to the class as if we, the class, were parents and church leaders. The presentation should focus on what this ministry is about and why it is important for kids. Students may use whatever technology they wish or not use any at all. The student may or may not have handouts. The purpose of the presentation is to interest the class and create enthusiasm about the program. The presentation is to be given orally and should be no less than 10 minutes. This presentation is due May 9 th C. Brochure of Children s Ministry This is a written assignment. The student will create a one page brochure of a complete listing of children s ministry programs. Attention should be paid to how each ministry is listed and the description of each one. Student will also be evaluated on how thoroughly the program covers the components of a healthy children s ministry program. This brochure is one page and is due on May16th. D. Paper on a youth ministry This is a written assignment in which the student will write a description of an effective youth ministry program. The student will identify and describe the ministry and list reasons why it is effective. The paper should be 500 to 750 words in length and is due May 23 rd. E. Adult Ministry Program Presentation This assignment will require students to create and prepare an educational program for adults and present to the class, as if we were church leaders, the program. The student, in the presentation, will present the program and tell us why we should do it. The student may use technology and handouts. He/she does not have to do so, however. The presentation is given orally and should be no less than 10 minutes. It is due June 6 th. F. Final Project- Student will create a comprehensive Christian Education program for a church for the ages of 2 years old through adults. The project will include activities on a Sunday and Wednesday night. The project should cover one semester. More details and specifics about this project will be given. It will be due on June 20 th.
4. Attendance: Attendance in class for the scheduled time is required. Absences will affect the student s grade according to the policy set by Saint Louis Christian College. Please note that once a student has missed 25% of a total course, the Academic Dean will withdraw them from the class. If a student arrives 15 minutes late to class or leaves earlier than the last 15 minutes of class the student will be counted absent even if he or she is in attendance for the remainder of the class session; If arriving late to class (15 min +), the required assignment or test for that class period will not be accepted or given resulting in a zero for the assignment/test. Participation The in-class participation score is an evaluation by the professor of the student s in-class involvement in activities, discussions, alertness, helpfulness and contributions to the classroom. COURSE ASSESSMENT Christian Education Paper Children s Ministry Program Presentation Brochure of Children s Ministry Paper on a youth ministry Adult Ministry Program Presentation Class Participation Final Project TOTAL 200 points 800 POINTS COURSE ASSESSMENT (EVALUATION) 1. Style: Use MLA format for all appropriate assignments. Font: Use Times New Roman, 12 Font, Single-spaced page formatting unless otherwise noted. Name: Name, Box #, Class prefix and suffix, and date. All assignments must be typed, no exceptions. Failure to follow this formatting will result in a 10% penalty. 2. The course uses the grading scale in the school catalog.
COURSE SCHEDULE DATE READING ASSIGNEMNT TOPIC 4-Ap none none Introcution and Overview 11-Ap CE p. 7-59 none Theological Background SMC ch. 1 18-Ap CE p 60-128 Christian Ed. Education Paper paper SMC ch.2-3 Methods and Approach 25-Ap CE p. 129-164 none Connection to Ministry SMC ch.4 2-May CE p. 165-227 none Children 9-May SMC ch. 5 Chldren's Ministry Children Presentation 16-May SMC ch. 6 Brochure of Children's Youth Ministry 23-May Handouts Paper on Youth Ministry Adults 30-May CE p. 228-308 none Adults 6-Jun CE p. 309-330 Adult Ministry Presentation Adults 13-Jun CE p. 309-330 None Volunteers 20-Jun none Final Due Summary COURSE POLICIES 1. The Hundred: High quality writing in all assignments is expected. You are strongly encouraged to seek help from The Hundred for editing, research, preparation for exams, etc. 2. Learning Disabilities: If you have a diagnosed learning disability, please see the professor privately to discuss assessment measures that would enhance your ability to learn. 3. Late Policy: Due to the nature of life, late work is not permitted. You can t turn projects in late. Well, you can and get fired. If you are gone, your work is expected
at the beginning of class. Part of life is planning ahead. You will have technology problems, family issues, and emergencies every semester. You need to stay ahead to get things in on time. 4. Electronic Submissions: Electronic submissions are accepted for this class for certain assignments. The professor will mention those in class. 5. Course Modification: Please understand that the Professor reserves the right to modify this course plan by changing topics, due dates, or even an assignment as long as it does not add to the students work load. 6. Plagiarism: Any plagiarism or cheating will result in a Zero for the assignment and possible withdrawal from the course. 7. Electronic Devices: Electronic devices are not allowed in class. Each class you will need your textbooks, Bible, pen, and paper. This class is designed to develop a skill in your life. The professor is not willing to risk your distraction on Facebook. 8. Cell Phones: Cell phones are not allowed in class. Not even to read the Bible. If you are expecting an emergency call, you can be reached via the Academic Secretary at 314-837-6777x1520. 9. Bible: Bring your Bible to class. Failure to do so will result in a zero participation score for the day. CONTACT INFORMATION Office Hours- Bill Thomas will be on campus on the Mondays the class is meeting. He will be there about 4:00 and will eat dinner there. The adjunct instructor office is where he will likely be. Contact: Phone at First Christian Church in Washington, MO 636 239-7560 Cell phone 636 283-8334 bthomas@stlchristian.edu