Christian Discipleship

The core elective requirement for Servant Ministry: Christian Discipleship in the M.Div. can be met by any course in the range, CD510-549.

CD510 FOUNDATIONS IN CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP (3)

Johnson-Miller, Marmon, Stonehouse
This course explores the foundations of Christian Discipleship drawing from biblical insights, theological perspectives, and understanding of human development. Examines local church ministries for making disciples across the life span and how, as servant leaders, to empower lay volunteers for discipling. Designed for those preparing to serve as a minister of discipleship or Christian education.

CD511 THE PASTOR AND CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP (3)

Johnson-Miller, Marmon, Stonehouse
This course explores the foundations of Christian discipleship in Scripture, theology (including Wesleyan distinctives), and educational and human development theories. It examines the pastor's role in guiding the forming and transforming of disciples across the lifespan, discerning and communicating a vision for Christian discipleship, and empowering laity to fulfill that vision.

CD550 TUTORIAL IN CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP (1-3)

Gray, Hampton, Johnson-Miller, Kiesling, Marmon, Smith, Stonehouse
For students with specialized interests/needs in selected areas of introductory studies in Christian Discipleship. Consult syllabus for prerequisites and course requirements. See academic policy. May be repeated.

CD551/552 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SEMINARS (1-3)

Seminars available only in concentrated format. The content and focus of each seminar will address current urgent issues. Each seminar will build around one nationally known guest faculty person who is a practicing minister/professional in the content area. For each seminar, advanced reading/critique preparation and follow-up integrative reflection will supplement the contact hours with the resource person. Faculty serve as campus planners/conveners/professors of record. Each course may be repeated up to a total of three hours of credit. Credit only.

CD551 SEMINAR: MINISTRY WITH CHILDREN
CD552 SEMINAR: MINISTRY WITH ADULTS

CD560 THE MINISTRY OF TEACHING (3)

Johnson-Miller, Kiesling
This course explores the purpose, nature, and practice of teaching. Theological, philosophical, and psychological-educational principles and theories foundational to the ministry of teaching are examined. Attention is given to the significance of the teacher's selfhood (identity, integrity, temperament, and learning preference); teaching as a sacramental act; learning styles; and teaching approaches (i.e. narrative, praxis, conversational), methods, and techniques. Emphasis is placed on the development of the student as teacher. The pedagogical theories and approaches studied in this course are applicable to many contexts and age groups such as higher education, missions, leadership training, and ministry with children, youth, and adults.

CD599 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH IN CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP (1-3)

Gray, Hampton, Johnson-Miller, Kiesling, Marmon, Smith, Stonehouse
Guided, independent, introductory research in Christian Discipleship. See academic policy and procedures. By contract. Credit only. May be repeated.

M.Div. students who choose to complete the core elective requirement in Servant Ministry by taking a second course in Christian Discipleship can meet this requirement by taking any course in the range, CD610-649.

CD610/CO620 MORAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE FORMATION OF MORAL COMMUNITY (3)

Kiesling
This course examines and calls the student to moral formation and judgment in relation to biological, cognitive, affective and faith development. Moral development perspectives (e.g. Piaget, Kohlberg, Gilligan, Hoffman) are evaluated in relation to creation, sin, the nature of human beings, redemption, justice and nurture with directives applied to the shaping of moral community and virtue. Attention is also given to correcting gender and race bias in developmental perspectives.

CD615/CO615 DISCIPLESHIP DEVELOPMENT IN THE HOME (3)

Kiesling
This class presents a practical theology for understanding the partnership of the church and the family in the joint enterprise of encouraging lifelong Christian discipleship. A Trinitarian perspective is offered to the origins of the family, family roles, personhood, sin, the disintegration of family life, and salvation. Special attention is given to broad sociological trends and contemporary threats that are changing the structure and function of families, and to practices that nurture discipleship and relational connection in the family.

CD616 DISCIPLESHIP AND DEVELOPMENT IN YOUNG AND MIDDLE ADULTHOOD (3)

Kiesling
This class will explore a variety of theoretical models that provide conceptual itineraries for the young and middle adult years. Focus is given to theological reflection on how life's curriculum during these decades of life (e.g. intimacy, work, responsibility and care, identity, and family), can move us toward a deeper valuing of steadfast love; care for future generations, justice in our world and movement toward a shalom community. Focusing primarily on a North American context, this class considers how the socio-cultural context has led to reconceptualization about what constitutes development in the adult years. Evaluation will be given to the various ways churches, authors and faith-based organizations are attempting to meet these challenges.

CD650 TUTORIAL IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (1-3)

Gray, Hampton, Johnson-Miller, Kiesling, Marmon, Smith, Stonehouse
For students with specialized interests/needs in selected areas of intermediate studies in Christian Discipleship. Consult syllabus for course requirements. See academic policy . May be repeated.

CD651 PROFESSIONAL FOUNDATIONS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (3)

Johnson-Miller
Guides students in the process of envisioning the future of Christian education through an exploration of the major figures, issues, and trends throughout the history of Christian education.

CD655 MINISTRY TO CHILDREN THROUGH THE CHURCH (3)

Stonehouse
Examines the potential and needs of children in contemporary society, biblical perspectives on children and how they are involvement in the faith community, and characteristics of the child's physical, psychosocial, cognitive, moral, and faith development. Explores the ministries a church can provide to support families and involve children in the faith community, nurturing wholeness and faith.

CD656 DISCIPLING CHILDREN IN THE LARGE CHURCH (3)

Stonehouse
Examines ministry with children in large churches to discover potentials, challenges, and approaches that provide effective Christian discipling for children and their families. This course involves traveling to visit large churches and learn from their children's ministry staff members followed by research and reflective processing of the experiential learning. Prerequisite: CD655 or additional background reading to be completed before the course begins. Cost in addition to tuition may apply.

CD/YM660 TEACHING THE BIBLE TO YOUTH AND ADULTS (3)

Marmon
This course explores the "who, what, where, how, and why?" of teaching the whole Bible to youth and adults (12-112 years of age). Wesleyan theology; the biblical understanding of hospitality; pertinent social science theories of education (learning preferences, gender, age, generational, cultural differences); discipleship resources; and the personal practice of lectio divina all helps us effectively and faithfully communicate God's grand narrative revealed in both Old and New Testaments.

CD663 OLDER ADULT MINISTRY (3)

Johnson-Miller
An exploration of the many facets of ministry with older adults. Consideration will be given to critical issues such as the myths and nature of aging, developmental needs and tasks, the spiritual needs of older adults, and care giving. The practical dimensions and models of ministry design and implementation will also be identified. Prerequisite: CD510 or CD511.

CD665 CURRICULUM THEORY, DEVELOPMENT, AND SELECTION (3)

Stonehouse
Participants in this course will grow in their understanding of the church as curriculum, the process of curriculum development and design, and principles for selecting curriculum resources to meet the needs of learners and the church. They will develop skills in curriculum design, writing, and the criteria based evaluation and selection of resources for comprehensive Christian discipleship in the local church.

CD/CS670/MS616 DISCIPLING FOR EVANGELISM & SOCIAL JUSTICE (2-3)

Gray
An examination of the strategic role of the pastor, minister of discipleship, minister of youth, or other ministry leader in discipling a faith community for commitments to and ministries of evangelism, reconciliation, and social justice.

CD/CL/YM690 DISCIPLESHIP DEVELOPMENT THRU TRAIL CAMPING (3)

Staff
Backpacking experience in Daniel Boone National Forest and/or Sheltowee Trace, with parish-based youth living and working in trail families of 8-10 persons in a summer backpacking trip. Course requires completing Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation/Red Cross first aid certification and immersion into Appalachian values/culture. Additional fee for students is required for first aid/CPR training and to help cover costs of food, fees and other expenses for the trail camping trip Prerequisite: CD610 or CD615.

CD691 DISCIPLESHIP DEVELOPMENT THROUGH RESIDENTIAL CAMPING (3)

Kiesling
An experience/training course on site in a church-sponsored residential camp for families/children/ youth (as available), in which the student has responsibilities for counseling and teaching tasks, under trained supervision. Includes lifesaving training, approximately 10 days of residential camping experience, and daily training/development seminars. Prerequisite CD510 or YM510.

CD695 DISCIPLESHIP DEVELOPMENT THROUGH PROGRAM PLANNING (3)

Staff
A systems approach through the experience of planning and executing a trail camp backpacking trip (CD690). Includes theoretical examination of philosophical and management/administrative models. Utilizes PERT mapping of the trail camping responsibility, and offers opportunity for full leadership responsibilities under supervision. Prerequisites: Either CD510 or YM510, and CD690.

CD699 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH IN CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP (1-3)

Hampton, Johnson-Miller, Kiesling, Marmon, Smith, Stonehouse
Guided, independent, intermediate research in Christian Discipleship. See academic policy and procedures. By contract. Credit only. May be repeated.

CD750 TUTORIAL IN CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP (1-3)

Hampton, Johnson-Miller, Kiesling, Marmon, Smith, Stonehouse
For students with specialized interests/needs in selected areas of advanced studies in Christian Discipleship. Consult syllabus for prerequisites and course requirements. See academic policy. May be repeated.

CD799 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH IN CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP (1-3)

Hampton, Johnson-Miller, Kiesling, Marmon, Smith, Stonehouse
Guided, independent, advanced research in Christian Discipleship. See academic policy and procedures. By contract. Credit only. May be repeated.

Asbury Theological Seminary

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