500 Division - Christian Education

These courses are intended to prepare students for vocations in various areas of Christian education ministry in a local church or parachurch organization. Emphasis is placed on the biblical foundations of a dynamic, effective, personal philosophy of Christian education. A survey of the history of religious education, and various contemporary theories of teaching and learning, provides a comprehensive understanding of educational theory and practice.

501 Introduction to Christian Education
A study of the educational ministry of the local church, with attention to aims, principles, leadership, organization, and agencies of a biblical program for all age groups. Students are required to teach, to evaluate curriculum, and to consider current issues in Christian education. 3 hours

502 Leadership and Administration in Christian Education
A study of principles for effective administration of Christian education in local churches and parachurch organizations. Emphasis is given to working with boards and staff, personnel development, assessing needs and setting goals, long-range planning, budgeting, legal issues, time management, change implementation, and conflict resolution. 3 hours

503 Biblical Foundations of Education 
A survey of the Biblical foundations of a dynamic, effective, personal philosophy of Christian Education. Emphasis is placed on the history of religious education from Old Testament times to the present; on various theories of religious education; and on related philosophical, psychological, theological, and denominational issues. 3 hours

504 Teaching/Learning Principles
Models for understanding learning styles, curriculum designs, and development and instruction theories are evaluated. Emphasis is placed on creative Bible teaching and lesson planning and on principles of learning and teaching in a spiritual setting. Alternative approaches to supervision, training and evaluation, enriching total church educational programs, and effective use of modern materials, computers, audiovisual tools, and dynamic methods are all examined. 3 hours

505 Education Practicum 
This course provides practical hands-on experience in church and parachurch organizations. Enrollment is normally limited to M.A.C.E. students. This course is generally taken with 506 Education Ministry Today. 2 hours

506 Education Ministry Today
A study of contemporary educational ministries, including educational goals, leadership, organization, and practices of the local church and parachurch ministries. Trends in education, means of educating young people, lifelong learning patterns, and constitutional, religious, and ethical issues are reviewed.  This practical course requires off campus “internship” type activities including teaching, evaluation and assessment of CE programs, visits to other churches and para-church ministries, and school visits/evaluations. 3 hours

507 Expository Teaching 
An introduction to basic communication theories and skills, emphasizing the delivery of a textually derived proposition with accuracy and relevance. Various types of expository lessons and advanced teaching techniques are examined. Instruction and evaluation are given concerning the technical aspects of these presentations. Prerequisite: 101. 3 hours

508 Christian Education of Children & Teens 
Advanced study of biblically based Christian education for children and youth. Course contains many aspects of education psychology course including developmentalism, age appropriate training, behaviorism, discipline and environmental issues; contemporary methodologies for teaching children and teens (what works when and where in worship, lesson planning, and training); and very practical observation, teaching, assessment, and leadership opportunities. Biblically based internship opportunities are an important part of this course. Prerequisite: 101 2 hours

509 Christian Higher Education Today
A study of the history, development, and future of evangelical Institutes, Colleges, and Seminaries. Advanced curriculum design, authentic assessment models, administrative matters (i.e.leadership, finances, government regulations, student services, development, faculty and staff), accreditation, and current issues are all examined in depth. Successful models are observed, including practical aspects of securing faculty and administrative positions Administration and board roles and expectations are also examined. The need to blend spirituality with cognitive skills in context are stressed. 2 hours

510 Seminar in Christian Education 
This course is a seminar dealing with selected topics in the area of Christian education. Active participation of students is required. 1- 2 hours

511 Cross-Cultural Studies 
This course is designed to help Christian educators understand their own culture of teaching and learning; to equip them to become effective learners and teachers in other cultural contexts; and to help them reflect on cultural differences and conflicts using the perspective of the Bible and faith in Jesus Christ. 2-3 hours

551 Thesis
The student writes a scholarly thesis on a topic related to some area of Christian Education. The thesis advisor must approve the thesis topic. In some cases a major project in the CE area may be done in lieu of the thesis. Prerequisite: 593. 2 hours

RESEARCH SKILLS 

593 Research Methods 
This course consists of instruction in the process of collecting, organizing and developing information towards the goal of writing a thesis. The course provides a basis for writing a thesis prospectus to give direction towards the completion of the thesis. 1 hour

594 Research Paper
The student writes a scholarly paper on a topic approved by the class instructor in consultation with the advisor. 1 hour