PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.,
P.O. Box 897
Tucker, GA 30085
Phone:770-569-3384
FAITH FORMATION AND SPIRITUAL PRACTICES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH AND ADULTS
Foundational Courses (Level 1) - MP10607 - 1.5 Credits
Every day we hear that the church as it was known in the late 20th century is gone. A church is growing in its place where people are looking for depth and meaning, families are needing to rest (even from church) on Sundays, outreach may bring more meaning than worship, and the Bible too often gets left on the sidelines. How do we support individuals and families, and grow communities where faith formation and spiritual practices in all their manifestations deepen everyone’s experience of the Holy? This class is a part of the conversation. The resources listed are readily available for nurturing all ages of faithful Christians
Learning Objectives
- Recognize ways that each family or group nurtures and/or yearns for deeper spiritual practices.
- Assess the faith formation needs of your congregation.
- Practice the infiltration of contextual theology and thoughtful Biblical insights into the life of the church.
- Demonstrate new ways that you might integrate aspects of theology and biblical insights into the congregation’s faith formation conversations.
- Give examples of listening with the ear of your heart to the faith questions and life stories of the congregation and of the individuals
Required Texts
- Educating Congregations: The Future of Christian Education, Charles R. Foster, Abingdon Press, 1994
- Faith Formation in Vital Congregations, Marian Plant,2009
- Teaching Godly Play: How to Mentor the Spiritual Development of Children by Jerome W. Berryman
Affordable
PATHWAYS believes that quality theological education should be available to any who want it. That’s why we provide a cost-effective online theological program accessible to all. 4-week Explorer courses are only $124, 6-week courses just $375, 9-week courses Supervised Ministry courses are $500, and our 12-week UCC History and Polity course is only $650.
Flexible
Because classes are not bound by geography and have a flexible weekly schedule, PATHWAYS courses are able to fit into the rest of your busy life. Courses typically involve weekly readings and discussion in a facilitated online forum, offering practical, open-minded education and a learner-centered environment where participants can bring their own questions and insights.
Accessible
Our courses have between 4 and 15 participants. This allows for deep and productive discussions in the online forum. We know that a small class size allows the participants to develop learning relationships with each other and for facilitators to push participants to a more indepth learning experience.
