DE022-512 - Children's Ministry Skills: An Introduction

  • 2,784 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 5
    AQF level
  • Category developing unit
    B
  • develop ministeriesUnit Discipline

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code DM222 or DM022-512.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Foundational knowledge and understanding of children’s ministry skills including the methods and standards of professional, safe and ethical practice.

B. Be able to

1. Outline the dimensions of children’s ministry

2. Demonstrate children’s ministry skills

3. Present Organised evidence-based perspectives on children’s ministry skills

C. Be in a position to

1. Relating perspectives from ‘Children’s Ministry Skills’ to ministry contexts

Content

Section A: Theoretical Study and Skills Development (70%)

  1. Communicating with children: different learning styles; creative Bible teaching techniques; evangelism and children; puppetry; drama; clowning; story-telling skills; mime; learning through games; sketching and other visual media.
  2. Pastoral care of children and families: children with special needs; the evaluation and effective use of follow-up and discipling material.
  3. Children and worship: including cognitive, attitudinal, moral, values and spiritual formation in both formal and informal settings; use of music; faith development in children, prayer with children.
  4. Children’s ministry teams; working as part of a church leadership team; planning; programming; evaluation techniques.
  5. Training children for ministry.
  6. Group management of children, eg. Behaviour management of groups and individuals.
  7. Care and responsibility for children (duty of care requirements).

Section B: Ministry in Practice (30%)

  1. Christian ministry among children in a particular church or para church organisation, including a minimum total of 20 hours field work.  Of this, at least 5 hours are to be spent in observation, at least 8 hours in ministry by the candidate, and at least 5 hours in supervised reflection upon observation and practice.  (These hours exclude preparation and writing up time).
  2. In addition to and distinctly different from Section 8, candidates are required to have significant involvement in ONE of the following:
    1. The planning, preparation and conduct of a camp of at least 48 hours duration for children;
    2. The planning and conduct of a one-off children’s event (eg., vacation Bible school, etc)
    3. The organising and conduct of a children’s ministry leadership training program for use in the candidate’s local church
    4. A program of ministry to children as approved by the teaching college.

OR, as an alternative to 8 and 9:

  1. Christian Ministry among children including a minimum of 30 hours of fieldwork.  Of this at least 7 hours are to be spent in observation, at least 12 hours in ministry by the candidate, and at least 7 hours in supervised reflection upon observation and teaching (these hours exclude preparation and writing up time).

Set Readings

This unit's indicative bibliography is currently being revised. Students should contact their home college for further details at the time of taking this unit.

 

Allen, H. C. (ed.), Nurturing Children's Spirituality: Christian Perspectives and Best Practices (Eugene, Or.: Cascade Books, 2008).

Beckwith, I., Postmodern Children’s Ministry (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Youth Specialities, 2004).

Bridger, F., Children Finding Faith (London: Scripture Union, 2000).

Capeheart, J., Teaching with Heart: A Guide To Cherishing And Challenging Children In The Christian Classroom (Standard Publishing Company 2005).

Carter, M., All God's Children: An Introduction to Pastoral Work with Children (London: SPCK, 2007).

Foley, P. and S. Leverett (eds). Connecting with Children: Developing Working Relationships (Bristol, U.K.: Policy; Milton Keynes, U.K.: In association with The Open University, 2008).

Galea, S., Children’s Talks – A Practical Guide (Sydney: Sydney Missionary and Bible College, 2002).

Jutila, C., J. Wideman and C. Yount, Children’s Ministry That Works: The Basics and Beyond Rev Update edition.  (Loveland, CO: Group Publishing Inc, 2009).

n.a. The Pocket Guide for Parents: Praying with & for Your Kids. (Minneapolis, Minn.: Bethany House, 2006).

Parkinson, P., Child Sexual Abuse and the Churches (Sydney: Aquila, 2003).

Shelley, O., M. Perrini, et al, The A–Z of Ministry with Children (Sydney: Scripture Union, 2005).

Wideman, J., Children’s Ministry Leadership: The You-Can-Do-It Guide (Loveland, CO: Group, 2003).

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