Church of God Theological Seminary
Ministry With Families
CF 741 ON/CO 713 ON -- (3 Semester Hours)
Syllabus
Spring 2014
Instructor: Jackie Johns, Ph.D.
Jjohns@PTSeminary.edu
Office Hours:
9:00 - 10:45 Tues., Weds. & Thurs.
1:301:30
- 3:30
Weds.
- 3:30
Weds.
OtherOther
Times
by Appointment
Times
by Appointment
Course Description: This course introduces family ministry in the context of the Pentecostal
congregation. Students will study shifting cultural understandings of the role of families in
society. Stress will be placed on the Biblical model of families in the family of God.
Consideration will be given to a systemic model for ministry to families. Emphasis will be placed
on the responsibilities of parents and pastors for the development of healthy and mature family
systems.
Learning Outcomes:
This course is designed to enable the student to:
1. articulate a biblically based theology of the Christian family and its intended role within
the family of God.
2. demonstrate an awareness of changing societal expectations for family life.
3. use systems theory to the structure, purpose and function of the local church.
4. systemically analyze the inter-relatedness of an individual, his or her family unit, his or
her church, and his or her other social connections.
5. formulate a model for a healthy family system in today’s conflicting societies, one that
articulates a biblical understanding of marriage, parenting, and child-to-parent
responsibilities.
6. create a model for congregational life that effectively ministers to families through
processes that facilitate health and wholeness for all individuals and family units within
the family of God.
Note: each of these outcomes must be addressed in the course notebook/web page project (see
below).
Textbook & Required Readings:
Required:
Balswick, Jack O. & Balswick, Judith K., The Family: A Christian Perspective on
the Contempory Home (Third Edition). Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007.
Other required readings may be downloaded from the course site on PTSOnline.
Recommended:
Clapp, Rodney, Families at the Crossroads: Beyond Traditional & Modern
Options. Downers Grove, Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 1993.
Friedman, Edwin H., Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and
Synagogue. New York: The Guilford Press, 1985.
Gangel, Kenneth O. & Wilhoit, James C., The Christian Educator’s Handbook on
Family Life Education. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 2000
Garland, Diana R., Family Ministry: A Comprehensive Guide. Downers Grove,
Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 1999.
Neff, Blake J. & Ratcliff, Donald (eds.), Handbook of Family Religious
Education. Birmingham, Alabama: Religious Education Press, 1995
Noeller, Patricia & Fitzpatrick, Mary Anne, Communication in Family
Relationships. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1993.
Richardson, Ronald W. Creating a Healthier Church: Family Systems Theory,
Leadership and Congregational Life (Creative Pastoral Care and Counseling
Series) Fortress Press, 1996.
Sell, Charles M., Family Ministry (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan,
1995.
Steimke, Peter L, How Your Church Family Works: Understanding
Congregations as Emotional Systems The Alban Institute, 2006 ISBN-10:
1566993296; ISBN-13: 978-1566993296
Vining, John Kie (ed.), Nurturing Pentecostal Families: A Covenant to Nurture
Our Family. Cleveland, Tennessee: Pathway Press, 1996.
Web Sources:
http://www.familysystemstheory.com/
http://www.thebowencenter.org/index.html
http://www.genopro.com/genogram/family-systems-theory/
http://web.pdx.edu/~cbcm/CFS410U/FamilySystemsTheory.pdf
http://freebooks.uvu.edu/SOC1200/
http://www.familysystemstraining.com/papers/bowen-illustration-andcritique.html
http://www.familysystemstraining.com/
Methods of Study:
This course places a heavy emphasis on the integration of traditional research methods (i.e.,
reading assignments), and field observations and interviews with personal reflection. Personal
life experiences and careful observation of the experiences of others constitute major texts to be
placed in dialogue with academic theories and constructs. Therefore, students must exercise
special care in the timely completion of assignments. This is an on-line course lacking traditional
“seat time.” Students will have an option each week to participate in a one-hour, synchronous
(“real-time”) discussion via the internet or interact a-synchronously via additional threaded
discussions on the course site in PTSOnline. The time for the live chats will be determined by
polling the class. Specifically, students will:
 Read the text and other distributed materials (handouts).
 Research weekly topics as specified by the instructor.
 Write informed personal essays on weekly topics as specified by the instructor.
 Participate each week in live, on-line chats and threaded discussions as directed by the
instructor.
 Complete a personal genogram and reflect on the formational power of the student’s own
family system
 Complete a field study of one family as a system and how that family is integrated to a
local church as a system.
 Prepare a functional web site that incorporates the course outcome statements and is
designed for use in local church ministry.
Assignments:
1.
Read the texts and handouts as assigned.
2.
Each week do general research on topics as assigned and write a 2 to 3 page essay
on the topic for the week. Where appropriate create original charts, graphs,
illustrations on the topic. Original, illustrated power point presentations may be
substituted for the essays. Essays and/or power point presentations must reflect
the integration of assigned readings and additional scholarly material. But, they
should be prepared for presentation to the general public. (Produce informed
material you can use in a local church.)
3.
Participate in weekly on-line discussions. Check early in the week (Sunday or
Monday) for special directions and participate in the on-line discussions each
Friday.
4.
Complete a personal family genogram (four generations, include
spiritual/religious references). Due February 28, 2014.
5.
Complete, as directed, an analysis of an individual’s family, church, and societal
systems. See the attached “Course Project” guidelines. Due April 25, 2014.
6.
Construct a personal website for family ministry which (a) includes the above
mentioned essays (2-3 pages each) or power point presentations with creative
diagrams that demonstrate successful completion each of the course outcomes and
weekly assignments, (b) contains student-constructed outlines/handouts for use
with others (with references noted) for each topic in the course schedule, and (c)
includes a ten item annotated bibliography on family ministry (use the form
provided below) and a list of recommended web links for each of the weekly
topics. Web sites can be constructed without cost on Weebly.com . Completion
Date: May 2, 2014.
Submission of Assignments:
Assignments not placed on the personal website must be submitted through the course site in
PTSOnline.
Course Overview: (All readings and weekly assignments should be done in preparation for
the on-line session. Essays should be written after the session.)
Session One (February 7, 2014) -- From Generation to Generation: Patterns and
Trends in Family Life
Review the Syllabus: Overview of the course; Our methods of study.
Personal Introductions.
Family Narratives and Genograms. Prior to this session google the word
“genogram” and overview four sites devoted to the concept; include
http://www.genopro.com/genogram/ and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genogram as two of your sites.
Begin researching your personal genogram
Follow instructions for interaction/response
Create a free account in Weebly.com and familiarize yourself with their system
for building a web site. Note: you may wish to password protect the site or
specific pages.
Essay Topic: Promising and Troubling Trends in Family Life: An Overview
Session Two (February 14, 2014 -- Is There a Family in the House? Toward a
Biblical Understanding of Family
Biblical and Theological Foundations (Balswick 1).
Toward a Definition of Family (Johns, “Our Covenant to Nurture Our
Families”).
Essay Topic: Forms and Models of Family Life in the Scriptures
Session Three (February 21, 2014)-- Members One of Another: Understanding
Family Systems Theory
Systems Theory (Balswick 2, Johns “Pentecostalism and the Post-modern
Worldview,” and other handouts)
Project Overview.
Essay Topic: An Introduction to Family Systems Theory for Laymen
Session Four (February 28, 2014)-- Is Anybody Listening? Building
Communication Skills
Communication (Balswick 13 & 14, handouts).
Essay Topic: Listen to Me: The Fundamentals of Effective Communication for
Families
Sessions Five and Six (March 7 & 14, 2014) -- Male and Female Made He Them:
Sexuality and Marriage
Sexuality and Marriage (Balswick 3, 4, 5, 11 & 12;).
Essay Topic # 1: Sexuality and its Origins in the Bible or Sex: Scriptural
Purpose and Restraints
Essay Topic # 2: A Plan for Effective Pre-marital Counseling
Sessions Seven and Eight (March 28 & April 4, 2014) -- A Child was Born
Unto Them: Christian Parenting
Parenting (Balswick 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10).
Human Development (Handouts)
Essay Topic # 1: The Essential Functions of Godly Parents
Essay Topic # 2: Patterns for Effective Parenting
Bonus Essay Topic: Proper Discipline of Children
Session Nine (April 11, 2014)- Living Stones: Building Healthy Families
Prescriptions for Healthy Families (Balswick 15, 16, 17, & 18; Handouts).
Essay Topic: The Building Blocks of Healthy Christian Families
Sessions Ten and Eleven (April 18 & May 2, 2014) -- Laborers Together: Church
Ministry With, To, and For Families
Planning and Programing Family Ministries (Balswick 19 & 20; Handouts).
Essay Topic # 1: My Theology of Church and Family
Essay Topic # 2: My Strategy for Family Ministry
Bonus Topic: Critique of the Family Integrated Model
Grading: Grading will be based upon
(a) Participation in On-line discussions -- 10%
(b) genogram – 10%
(c) project (analysis) - 40%
(d) course website - 40%
Class Policies:
1. Participation in the weekly online assignments is required. Failure to participate during a
given week will result in an absence being recorded. Two or more absences will result in the
final grade being lowered.
2. Failure to meet deadlines may result in grades being lowered.
3.
INCOMPLETES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME FOR ONLINE COURSES
a. Due to the design, delivery method, and availability of online courses, issuance of
Incompletes (grade of “I”) and Extensions of Time (grade of “E”) to complete course
work is not provided. Students enrolled in online courses must complete all course work and
receive a grade issued by the professor of record according to the published online course
schedule (normally the same as the Seminary Class Schedule). If necessary, students may
withdraw from online courses by following the adopted Seminary withdrawal process.
Annotated Bibliography
Use the following form for the annotated bibliography.
Author:
Article or Chapter Title*:
Book or Journal Title:
Publisher:
Place & Date of
Publication:
Intended Audience:
Author’s Credentials:
Authorial Perspective:
Purpose of the
Publication:
Key Words:
Reading Level: High School, College, Graduate School, etc.
Style of Writing: Popular, Research/Analytical, Technical, etc.
Genre: Secular-Professional, Ministry, Academic, etc.
Thesis Statement:
Outline (Article)
Chapter Titles (Book):
Internal Strengths:
Internal Weaknesses:
Theological Critique:
Other Critique:

Omit this line if the entry is on a book.
Families in the Family of God
Course Project Guidelines
Spring 2010
The research project for this course is to complete a “field study” of the systemic relationships of a family
and that family’s church. The critical issues to be addressed are those of the effects of church participation
on an individual and his or her family unit and vice versa. In order to keep the study within a manageable
size, it should focus on one member of the family. However, the family system must have at least three
members. The methods will be to conduct interviews with the members of the family and other significant
individuals, make observations of the person being studied at church events, and critically reflect on the
systemic dynamics involved.
The purpose of the interviews and observations is to look beneath the surface and identify the transforming
effects of church participation on the individual and his or her family. The analysis should be longitudinal;
what have been the long-term influences? It should, however, focus on present realities. What is the
function of each significant relationship? What does the individual receive and give to others? What in
the relationship creates a sense of equilibrium? Dis-equilibrium? Group your observations according to
the four essential functions of reciprocating relationships: What is given (provisions)? How does each
guard (protect) the other? How does each govern (control) the other? How does each guide (facilitate) the
other?
Identify the core values or rules that govern of each sub-group. What are the implied or stated rules for
receiving honor in the group. How do these reinforce each other? Challenge each other? This will serve
as a tool for identifying points of conflict and influence between the various sub-systems.
Likewise, for each event/group in which the individual participates, how does the event/group function in
the life of the church? What does the church put into the event/group? What does the church receive from
the event/group? Remember, items of exchange may be intangible, e.g., money and effort spent on a youth
program may equip youth to be contributing members of the church, generate future leaders (today’s youth
workers become tomorrow’s church elders), provide peace of mind for parents, serve as a public relations
and recruitment resource, etc..
Interview the individual on several different occasions. In one interview, focus on the individual’s family
relationships. In a second interview, focus on the individual’s relationships within the church. In the third
interview, focus on other significant relationships and societal influences. Also arrange to interview all
members of the household and significant others at church and in society at large. Observe the individual
in a variety of settings, including one with each group of significant persons.
Finally, map (diagram) how the various relationships are affecting each other. What does the individual
bring to the household from church relationships? Other relationships? What does the individual bring to
church from the household? Other relationships? What does the individual bring to other relationships
from the family? From church?
If you will be studying a family with minors, you must secure a signed release form from the parents or
guardians of each minor included in the study. It is recommended that you get a signed release form for
every person you interview. See the attached sample.
Ministries with Families
Sample Release Form
Date:
Dear
,
I am a student at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary and I am currently enrolled in a course titled
“Ministry with Families.” This course is designed to introduce the student to the dynamic
relationships between persons, their families and the church congregation. One assignment for this
course is to conduct a field study of a family’s relationship with their church. The project
description is attached.
I am requesting permission to interview the members of your family and significant persons in your
church (such as a Sunday school teacher). The interviews will focus on the pattern of relationships
and the role they play in the ongoing development of family members. With your permission, I will
also be observing the participation of your family in church events.
Please understand this is a learning exercise and I will protect your privacy. The identities of your
family and the members of your family will be kept confidential. Names will be changed in my
written reports. I will not share the written report with anyone other than my professor.
Also, this is not a supervised ministry event. My professors prohibit me from providing pastoral care
or counseling during this project. I am not being supervised for the development of a ministerial
skill.
If you have any questions, please contact my instructor, Dr. Jackie Johns (423.478.7948).
Sincerely,