Faith Nurture and Christian Education

10 Credits

Module Content:

This module examines the subject of faith development including various models of Stages of Faith. The module explores the implications of these models for parish education and catechetical programmes including considerations of cognitive, affective and active knowing. The programme examines the issues across the age range and also includes a practical introduction to children’s ministry programmes, youth ministry activities, adult learning and continuing education in parishes and other local ecclesial communities. Also considered is a review of resources in these areas together with a consideration of the role of the minister in facilitating the nurturing of faith with Christian education in the parish. The module also explores the connection between the nurturing of faith and preaching

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module students will be able:

• To describe the major models of Stages of Faith and to articulate their practical implications for faith development.
• To have a clear awareness of the different requirements of particular age groups and the teaching methods appropriate to each.
• To integrate faith nurture and Christian education into worship.
• To critically assess some popular parish programmes of faith nurture and education in the light of the content of the module.
• To evidence familiarity with key resources in the area of faith development across the age range.
• To devise a short programme of faith development for a specified age group.

Part-time Mode A:

This module will be taught through a series of lectures and student-led seminars.

Students will be required to participate and lead class seminars and also to take part in collaborative small groups and independent study. There will also be practical demonstrations.

Part-time Mode B:

This module will be taught through workbook and DVD lectures. Students will also contribute to online seminars and will be required to engage in independent study of set texts. Students will also be required to take part in collaborative small groups and independent study. There will also be practical demonstrations.

Assessment: This module is assessed by coursework totalling 5,000 words. Possible fields of assessment would include devising a programme of faith, nurture and education for a specific age group in the parish; outlining an across the age range programme on a particular theme; devising a programme for a particular season of the year on either Easter or Pentecost with resources, outcomes etc.

Contact Hours: 40

Student Work Load: 200 - 250 hrs