CMN3253: Foundations and Practice of Children’s Ministry
FALL 2007
MWF 10:00-10:50
Walker 224
Professor: Holly Allen, Ph.D.
Office: Walker 210
Phone: (W) 524-7298
E-mail: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Mon. 11:00-12:00 am; 1:30-4:00 pm
Tues. 9:15-10:15 am
Wed. 11:00-12:00 am; 1:30-5:00 pm
Thur. 9:15-10:15 am
Fri. By Appointment Only
Mission of John Brown University:
“to provide Christ-centered higher education that prepares people to honor God and serve others by
developing their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives.”
Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to prepare ministry majors and minors globally, biblically,
theologically, and professionally to work with children in churches, parachurch organizations, and
global ministry settings.
Objectives:
Students who take this course will be prepared in the following areas:
1. Globally: Students will increase their awareness of global concerns regarding children (e.g.,
HIV/AIDS, child laborers, children of war, sexually exploited children, and street children) and
become cognizant of a variety of global ministries to children.
2. Professionally: Students will explore pertinent issues in children’s ministry (e.g., leadership,
safety and liability concerns, children’s ministry models, children with special needs, the
millennial generation, worship wars, etc.).
3. Theologically and biblically: Students will examine faith development in children theologically,
biblically, and historically (looking specifically at three Christian traditions)
Required Textbooks:
Beckwith, I. (2004). Postmodern children’s ministry: Ministry to children in the 21st century. Grand
Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Children’s ministry that works! (Rev. ed.). (2002). Loveland, CO: Group Publishing.
Kilbourn, P. (1996). Children in crisis: A new commitment. Monrovia, CA: World Vision.
May, S., Posterski, B., Stonehouse, C., & Cannell, L. (2005). Children matter: Celebrating their
place in the church, family, and community. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
CMN3253: Foundations and Practice of Children’s Ministry
John Brown University
Fall 2007
Holly Allen, PhD
1
Course Requirements:
1. Response papers (100 points)
These are one-page single-spaced papers that express your response to the reading. Generally, these
readings consist of two or three chapters. Your response must reflect that you read all of the
material. Each paper counts 15 points. There are seven response papers. See Coursepack, p. 4 for
specific directions () for several of the response papers.
2. Childhood reflection paper: (due on Friday, August 31; 30 points)
This assignment is designed to surface how you have been spiritually influenced by those outside
your immediate family.
- Besides your parents and grandparents, who was a great influence on you?
- What experiences in church were most meaningful and formative for you?
- What significant memories do you have of Sunday school, children’s church, Awana, VBS, or
other typical children’s ministry settings?
- What about parachurch children’s ministry settings such as summer camp?
- Was there a specific time when you came to faith? Or were there several seminal moments?
- Or have you always known Jesus—has your faith process been a seamless growth from infancy
to adulthood?
I would expect three to five pages for this assignment. I’m looking for depth, obvious thought, and
consideration of the issues here.
3. WIGOOTRAs (190 points)
WIGOOTRA stands for “What I got out of the reading assignment.” Dan Lambert uses these, as you
may know. The readings for the WIGOOTRAs are more complex and content-oriented than the
readings for the response papers from #1. These readings will require focused attention to
comprehend as well as diligent effort to assimilate and summarize. You will be required to interact
with five readings throughout the semester. Specific directives for each WIGOOTRA are provided in
the coursepack. Some WIGOOTRAs are worth 30 points; some are worth 50 points.
4. Field Research (100 points)
You are required to visit three different children’s ministry settings this semester. See Coursepack
for directions and other specific information per site.
1) Required: Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville; Susan Williams contact (40 points)
2) Choose one of the following: (40 points)
- Fellowship Bible in Lowell; Beth Kenyon contact
- First Baptist in Springdale; Sue Mayes contact
3) Choose one of the following: (20 points)
- Awana: Siloam Bible Church (Glenda Manos) or Harvard Baptist (Jeff Hutchings)
- Presbyterian Church; Robbie Castleman contact
- Episcopal Church on Mt. Olive; Terri Wubbena contact
Turn in a one-page evaluation of the experience addressing the following questions: Did the children
seem engaged? What was new to you? Strengths and weaknesses observed? See Coursepack, p. 3.
4. Biblical integration papers: (200 points)
Three Biblical integration papers are due during the semester. Each entails examining pertinent
scriptures that relate to children. Specific details regarding each paper are in the Coursepack.
 Biblical Integration paper #1: Children in the Bible (due Wed, Sept. 5, 50 points)
CMN3253: Foundations and Practice of Children’s Ministry
John Brown University
Fall 2007
Holly Allen, PhD
2


Biblical Integration paper #2: Original sin, status of children before God (due Mon, Oct 22, 50pts)
Biblical Integration paper #3: Baptism (due Mon, Nov 5, 100 pts)
5. Interview with children: (Due Mon, Oct 29, 100 points)
You will need to interview two children for this assignment, one child in the 6-8 age group, another
child in the 10-12 age group. Specific details regarding this assignment are in the coursepack.
6. Interview with children’s minister/pastor: (Due Mon, Nov 26, 100 points)
The person you interview must have worked in children’s ministry for two or more years. Their position may
be part- or full-time. The person may not be simply a Sunday school teacher who also orders materials and
gets workers. This minister must carry the weight of the ministry—e.g., curricular decisions, program
decisions, volunteer recruitment, and attendance at staff meetings.
This should be a personal interview, either in person or over the phone. I do not feel that an e-mail
“interview” would accomplish the same purposes that an interview in person or by phone would.
Specific details regarding this assignment are in the coursepack. A prepared set of questions can be
found in the coursepack, though you may generate other questions.
7. Major Research Paper: Foundations and Practice of Children’s Ministry (Due Mon, Dec 3, 150 pts)
In our readings and in class we have explored various pedagogical approaches to children’s ministry
as well as the major theological approaches to children that various Christian traditions have
developed over the centuries. Your task will be to sort through these approaches, determining your
ideas and positions, clarifying and honing, re-examining the foundational biblical passages, and
eventually constructing a philosophy of children’s ministry and a theology for nurturing children in
their faith journeys. Specific details in Coursepack.
All students who are Children and Family Ministry majors are required to place a copy of this assignment in their
electronic portfolio folders. When you have completed this project, simply save a copy in the N: drive on the JBU network
in your folder. These folders are labeled just like the regular network drive, with your last name and first initial. NOTE: This
assignment is not complete and a grade will not be given until an electronic copy of it is in your N: drive folder.
Grading Scale:
A
94-100
A- 90-93
B+ 88-89
B
84-87
B- 80-83
C+
C
CD
F
78-79
74-77
70-73
65-70
0-64
Final Exam Policy: Students must sit for the final exam at the specified time. The only exceptions are death
or serious illness of a member of the student's immediate family, or illness of the student as documented
by a medical professional. Any exception to the final exam policy must be approved by the Dean of
Undergraduate Studies.
Policy on Students with Disabilities: Students with documented disabilities who need academic
accommodations should make an appointment with the Director of Student Support Services
(524-7217) to begin the accommodation process. They also are encouraged to make an
appointment with the instructor as soon as possible. Students without documented disabilities
who feel they may have difficulty with this course are also encouraged to make an appointment
with the instructor to discuss what steps need to be taken to be successful.
CMN3253: Foundations and Practice of Children’s Ministry
John Brown University
Fall 2007
Holly Allen, PhD
3
Statement on Academic Integrity: As a Christian institution of higher education, John Brown University
seeks to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. Violations of these standards will result in
substantial penalties. At a minimum, any instance of cheating or plagiarism will result in a zero for the
assignment and a report submitted to the academic dean. Further infractions will result in failure of the
course and possible suspension. For additional information and examples, refer to the Academic Integrity
section on page 61 of your John Brown University Student Handbook.
Fall Break: Friday, September 28 is a regular class day. Students should not make travel plans for Fall Break
until after their regularly-scheduled classes have ended.
Statement on Academic Expectations: John Brown University is a selective academic institution that
consistently ranks among the top ten southern baccalaureate universities in the U.S. News and World
Reports college rankings. As a student here, you will be expected to devote significant time and effort to
your academic courses. This course has been designed with the expectation that students will spend, on
average, approximately sixty to ninety minutes preparing for each class session. Furthermore, an “A”
grade in this course signifies exceptional achievement, not merely completion of assignments.
Absence Policy: See absence policy on page 59-61 of catalog.
Unexcused absences: Three unexcused absences are allowed with no point penalty. Papers, WIGOOTRAs,
and other assignments are due on the date stated in the syllabus. If you have an unexcused absence, send
your work with a friend. I will not accept late papers.
After three unexcused absences, two points will be taken from the final grade for each unexcused
absence after that. In other words, if your average is 81, and you have missed four classes, two points
will be taken and the final average will be 79. If you have missed five classes, four points would be
taken and your average would be 77, and so on.
Excused absences: In the case of excused absences (see page 60 of the catalog), when the student contacts the
professor ahead of time (due to illness, death in the family, school trips, etc.) papers, WIGOOTRAs,
papers, and other assignments that are due may be turned in with no penalty at the first class period the
student returns.
Last date to drop a class: September 28
Syllabus: The professor reserves the right to alter the syllabus as needed.
CMN3253: Foundations and Practice of Children’s Ministry
John Brown University
Fall 2007
Holly Allen, PhD
4
Grade Recording Form
Date
Due
Assignments
Papers, interviews, etc.
Childhood reflection paper
8-31
Biblical integration paper #1 (Children in the Bible)
9-5
Biblical integration paper #2 (original sin, sin nature)
10-22
Children’s interviews and reflection
10-29
Biblical integration paper #3 (baptism)
11-5
Interview with children’s minister/pastor
11-26
Major research paper
12-3
12-5,7,13
Presentations on article from CEJ or Religious Education
Online course evaluation
Wk 15
Grade/
Points
Possible
610
/30
/50
/50
/100
/100
/100
/150
/20
/10
100
Field Research
Central United Methodist in Fayetteville (40 points)
Fellowship Bible (Lowell) or First Baptist (Springdale)
open
Siloam Bible, Harvard, Presbyterian, Episcopal (Siloam Springs)
open
open
Response papers
/40
/40
/20
100
8-24
/15
8-29
/15
9-7
/15
9-24
/15
#5 Group, Ch 3: Safety and Liability
10-8
/10
#6 Kilbourn, Ch 16 Group, Ch 22: Special Needs
10-15
/15
#7 Kilbourn, Ch 8, 9, 11 or 12, 13, 14 (Choose 3)
12-5
/15
#1 Kilbourn, Ch 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (Choose 3)
#2 May et al., Ch 5: Historical Roots of Children’s Ministry
#3 Group, Ch 1 and vision statements
#4 Beckwith, Ch 7: The Bible is for Children Too
190
WIGOOTRAS
#1 Beckwith: Introduction and Chapter 1: The
Millennial Child and Beyond
8-27
/30
#2 May et al.: Chapter 1: Metaphors Shape Ministry
9-10
/50
9-17
/30
10-3
/30
11-12
/50
#3 May et al. Ch 15: “In Leadership”
Group: Ch 4: “Fifteen Smart Things . . .”
#4 Group, Beckwith, May et al.:
Children and Worship
#5 May et al.: Theology and Children
Total points
Totals
1000
To compute your semester grade, add the points for the semester; subtract 20 points for
unexcused absences (beyond the three allowed). Divide your total points (minus the absence
deductions) by 1000. That will give you a percentage (e.g., 920 = 92%). That is your final
grade.
Attendance points deducted:
CMN3253: Foundations and Practice of Children’s Ministry
John Brown University
Fall 2007
Holly Allen, PhD
5
CMN 3253: Foundations and Practice of Children’s Ministry
Date
Wk 1
Discussion Topic(s)
- Introduction
Readings Due
Written Assignments Due
None
None
- Awareness of global concerns
- Guest Speakers on international
work with children
Kilbourn: Ch 1: Images of Childhood
- Response paper #1
Generations X, Y, Z
Postmodernity
Past Trends in ministry to children
Critiquing current trends
- Childhood reflections regarding
role of children’s ministry
experiences in faith development
Beckwith: Introduction
Ch 1: The Millennial Child and Beyond
- WIGOOTRA #1
May et al. Ch 5: Historical Roots of
Children’s Ministry
- Response paper #2 
No class
Labor Day holiday
Sep 5
- The Bible and children
Biblical passages concerning children
Sep 7
- Creating a vision
Group: Ch 1: Setting a Vision …
Wk 4
- Metaphors for children’s ministry
May et al.: Ch 1: Metaphors Shape
Ministry
Awana: Guest Speaker: Glenda
Manos; other approaches
Group: Ch 16: Meaningful Programs
Aug 22
Aug 24
Wk 2
Aug 27
Aug 29
Aug 31
Wk 3
Sep 3
Sep 10
Sep 12
Sep 14
Wk 5
Also choose three from: Ch 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7
- Childhood reflection
paper
Guest Speaker: Susan Williams
United Methodist Church
Leading in ministry
May et al.: Ch 15 In Leadership
Group: Ch 4: Fifteen Smart Things…
Sep 19
Managing Conflict:
Guest Speaker, Ed Klotz
.
Sep 21
No class
(time allotted for visiting ministry settings)
Wk 6
Teaching biblical truths to children
Beckwith
Ch 7: The Bible is for children too
The future of Sunday School
Group: Ch 17: Sunday School from Start ...
No class
(time allotted for visiting ministry settings)
Sep 28
- WIGOOTRA #2
Rotation Approach:
Sep 17
Sep 24
Sep 26
Biblical integration paper
#1: Children in the Bible
- Response paper #3 
(& vision statements)
WIGOOTRA #3
Response paper #4 
Wk 7
Oct 1
Fall Break; no class
Oct 3
- Children and Worship debate
- Introduce worship stations
Beckwith: Ch 8 Children in Worship
WIGOOTRA #4
May et al.: Ch 11 In Worship
Group: Ch 18: Children & Congregational
Worship; Ch 19: Children’s Church
Oct 5
Worship stations; small group work
.
Wk 8
Prep time for worship stations
(Kanakuk)
Create and present worship stations
for Kanakuk graduate students
Safety Issues with children
Guest Speaker: Beth Kenyon
(Kanakuk)
Oct 8
Oct 10
Oct 12
Group: Ch 3: Safety and Liability
CMN3253: Foundations and Practice of Children’s Ministry
John Brown University
Fall 2007
- Response paper #5
Holly Allen, PhD
6
Wk 9
Children with special needs
Oct 15
Kilbourn: Ch 16: Counseling . . .
Group: Ch 22: Special Ministry . . .
Response paper #6
Professor at NAPCE
Oct 17
Guest Speakers on Special Needs
Oct 19
No class
(time allotted for visiting ministry settings)
Professor at NAPCE
Wk 10
- Introduction to theological issues
concerning children
Biblical passages concerning children’s
status before God
- Biblical integration
paper #2: Original sin and
guilt
Oct 22
Oct 24
Oct 28
Wk 11
Theological issues concerning
children
Theological issues concerning
children
- Sharing from the interviews
Report on interviews with
children due
Oct 29
Oct 31
- Theological foundations for
children’s ministry
Nov 2
Children’s understanding of
theological issues
Wk 12
- Baptism
Nov 5
Nov 7
Infant baptism
Nov 9
Believer’s baptism
Wk 13
- Biblical integration
paper #3: Baptism
- Guest Speaker: Breck Castleman
Nov 12
Theological foundations:
- Sacramental, covenantal, and
conversionist perspectives
May et al.: Ch 3: Theology and Children WIGOOTRA #5
Nov 14
No class
(time allotted for visiting ministry settings)
Nov 16
- Approaches to evangelizing
children; discuss final research paper
and CEJ assignment
Wk 14
No class
Professor in Dallas
(time allotted for visiting ministry settings)
Nov 19
Nov 21 & 23 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
Wk 15
NO CLASS
Nov 26
Share insight from interviews with
children’s ministers
Nov 28
Children’s ministry as a profession
Nov 30
Children’s ministry as a profession
Wk 16
Discussion based on research papers
None
Major research paper *
- Awareness of global concerns
- Key issues in Christian education
Kilbourn: Choose three from:
Chapters 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14
- Response Paper #7
Dec 3
Dec 5
Dec 7
- Key issues in Christian education
Finals
Week
Receive final grades, papers, etc.
Thursday, Dec 13, 9:00-10:00am
- Interview with
children’s minister due
CEJ or RE reports
CEJ or RE reports
None
- CEJ or RE reports
Breakfast is served!
*Required paper for your electronic portfolio, if you are a Children and Family Ministry major.
CMN3253: Foundations and Practice of Children’s Ministry
John Brown University
Fall 2007
Holly Allen, PhD
7
Reference works concerning spiritual and faith development in children:
Anthony, M. (Ed.). (2006). Perspectives on children’s spiritual formation: Four views. Nashville, TN:
Broadman &Holman.
Beckwith, I. (2004). Postmodern children’s ministry: Ministry to children in the 21st century. Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan.
Berryman, J. (1991). Godly play: A way of religious education. New York: HarperCollins.
Bunge, M. J. (Ed.). 2001). The child in Christian thought. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
Cavalletti, S. (1983). The religious potential of the child (P. M. Coulter & J. M. Coulter, Trans.). Ramsey, NJ:
Paulist Press. (Original work published in 1979)
Coles, R. (1990). The spiritual life of children. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
Erikson, E. H. (1963). Childhood and society (2nd ed.). New York: Norton.
Fowler, J. W. (1981). Stages of faith: The psychology of human development and the quest for meaning. San
Francisco: Harper.
Fowler, J. W. (1991). Weaving the new creation: Stages of faith and the public church. New York:
HarperCollins.
Hay, D. (with Nye, R.). (2006). Spirit of the child. London: Jessica Kingsley.
Heller, D. (1986). The children's God. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Kilbourn, P. (1996). Children in crisis: A new commitment. Monrovia, CA: World Vision.
May, S., Posterski, B., Stonehouse, C., & Cannell, L. (2005). Children matter: Celebrating their place in the
church, family, and community. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
Montessori, M. (1965). The child in the church. St. Paul, MN: Catechetical Guild. (Original work published
1935)
Myers, B. K. (1997). Young children and spirituality. New York: Routledge.
Ng, D., & Thomas, V. (1981). Children in the worshiping community. Atlanta: John Knox Press.
Ratcliff, D (Ed.). (2004). Children’s Spirituality: Christian Perspectives, Research, and Applications. Eugene,
OR: Wipf and Stock/Cascade Books.
Robinson, E. (1983). The original vision: A study of the religious experience of childhood. New York: Seabury
Press.
Stewart, S. M., & Berryman, J. (1990). Young children and worship. Louisville, KY: John Knox Press.
Stonehouse, C. (1998). Joining children on the spiritual journey: Nurturing a life of faith. Grand
Rapids, MI: Baker Books.
Strange, W. A. (1996). Children in the early church: Children in the ancient world, the New Testament and the
early church. Carlisle, Great Britain: Paternoster Press.
Westerhoff, J. H., III. (2000). Will our children have faith? (2nd ed.). New York: Seabury Press.
Zuck, R. B. (1996). Precious in his sight: Childhood and children in the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.
CMN3253: Foundations and Practice of Children’s Ministry
John Brown University
Fall 2007
Holly Allen, PhD
8