FAM 1050. Family Life Ministry Seminar. (2 Credits)

Family Life Ministry seminar serves as an introduction to the vocation of Director of Family Life Ministries (DFLM). It explores the roles and responsibilities of a DFLM, the dispositions required for ministry, and provides an overview of six major areas of Family Life ministry. Students will interact with ministry professionals, research various aspects of this profession, and perform a self-assessment regarding their interests and gifts for the vocation of DFLM.

FAM 2100. Practical Skills in Family Life Ministry. (3 Credits)

Students explore and practice foundational skills for family life ministry. Students will learn skills of meaningful communication as part of the foundation of relational ministry. Students will also learn how to lead Bible studies, plan and lead retreats, evaluate resources, and other essential skills for family ministry.

FAM 3110. Family Dynamics and Resource Management. (3 Credits)

This course will provide students with an awareness of basic family theories as tools for understanding family strengths and weaknesses. The student will learn about the identification and management of family resources; the impact of decision making on a family's quality of life; and how families make decisions regarding the development and allocation of resources. The course will also explore the Biblical concept of stewardship.

FAM 3210. Parent Education and Guidance. (3 Credits)

This course will examine the general philosophy and principles of family life education in order that the student will be able to plan, implement and evaluate such educational programs. The course will examine parenting as a process, parental rights and responsibilities, parental roles over the life cycle and variation in parenting practices.

FAM 3900. Family Life Ministry Practicum. (3 Credits)

Students will spend 120 hours in a supervised volunteer position at a local church or ministry. Note: Instructor permission is required for registration.

FAM 4300. Foundations of Family Life Ministry. (3 Credits)

This course explores Biblical foundations for family ministry as well as family ministry philosophies. Students, then, form their own definition and philosophy on the basis of the Biblical foundation. The role of the home and the importance of parents for youth and children’s ministry programming will be examined. Students will also learn how to design and implement intergenerational ministry programming.

FAM 4310. Youth Culture. (3 Credits)

This class will help students explore generations and the youth culture in America with a view toward ministry among youth and their families. Students will explore ways to support homes with teens in crisis, stay current on youth culture issues, and learn the importance of building relationships with teens and their parents. It will also explore strategies to partner with homes in dealing with teen issues, to reach out and minister to youth and their homes in the community, apply theology to contemporary issues, and set up policy to protect teens and adults from misconduct or false accusation.

FAM 4320. Administration in Family Life Ministry. (3 Credits)

This course examines processes, policies, and systems for successfully administering family life ministry programming in a congregational setting. Students learn to develop short- and long-term planning skills, recruit and train volunteers, and manage budgets. Students will learn ways to identify, plan, implement, evaluate, and lead a balanced ministry program.

FAM 4550. Family Life Ministry Internship. (3 Credits)

The capstone Family Life ministry experience is in the student’s final year and is called internship. Students apply academics and previous field experiences to serve in ministry under the mentorship of an experienced professional. The internship includes a ministry proposal, as a final project, based upon qualitative and/or quantitative data. Note: Instructor permission is required for registration.
Prerequisites: (FAM 390 or 3900).