Making Disciples for the Next Generation – CHMN 842

Course Description

This course focuses on the nature and mandate of the Great Commission and with specific application to next generation ministry. It will guide students in developing effective and insightful models for making disciples among children and adolescents in partnership with their families and connected to the larger mission of the local church. Students will engage in research that identifies and supports the most effective strategies for making disciples for the next generation.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

Discipleship must always be the target for the mission of local church ministry. Next Generation Ministry stands at a unique spot in that mission as it faces the point leader(s) of that discipleship process, parents.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to participate in 3 Discussions. The student will provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be 400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 150 words. (CLO's A, B)

Book Critique: Tripp Assignment

The student will prepare a 750-1,000 word book critique for the following text. (CLO's A, B)

• Tripp - Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Radically Change Your Family

Book Critique: Linhart Assignment

The student will prepare a 750-1,000 word book critique for the following text. (CLO's A, B)

• Linhart - Teaching the Next Generations: A Comprehensive Guide for Teaching Christian Formation

Annotated Bibliography Assignment

The student is required to submit a 900-1,200-word bibliography sketch in preparation for the “Next Generation Discipleship Strategy.” This sketch will include an anticipated thesis statement and a bibliography of at least 20 related works. This bibliography sketch must contain at least 5 books and 5 articles related directly to the anticipated thesis, and may contain no more than 5 Internet sources. Any website used must have a direct, unique, and relevant bearing on the specific paper or research and how it will be utilized. This assignment is designed to support your DMIN Project. The student will prepare an initial investigation into the biblical/theological foundations for a topic related to the leadership aspects of his or her own research interests and produce a plan for conducting a thorough biblical/theological analysis of the topic. Some things that will need be considered in the plan: (CLO's C, D)

• biblical texts that appear to have special relevance to the topic.
• theological issues that should figure prominently in an analysis.
• historical and contemporary exegetical and theological resources that have special relevance to the topic.

Note: Approach this assignment as preparation for your DMIN project. This assignment will provide a “practice run” at the task of laying a biblical/theological foundation for a research project. It will also provide the opportunity to identify the most relevant sources for strategic leadership and church revitalization. This assignment will include extensive bibliographical material (with annotations demonstrating how the resources are likely to be important to your topic). The paper will be evaluated stringently, so make sure that your annotated bibliography is well prepared as it will be needed to successfully write this portion. As always, edit the document well for grammar and sentence structure. Be concise, be thorough in your argument. Display critical analysis and interaction between writers—avoid an “encyclopedic” listing in your writing.

Next Generation Discipleship Strategy Assignment

The student will create a comprehensive discipleship strategy for next generation ministry. The strategy will focuses on equipping parents and leaders as disciplers, mapping out an individual spiritual maturity growth plan, and describe church programming that will aid in the process, including curriculum. The student must demonstrate strong critical reflection on the subject and accurate handling of the biblical text. The paper must be a minimum of 4,000 words and is not to exceed 5,000 words. (CLO's C, D)

Reflection on Course Assignment