FAM 105. 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 210. 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 311. 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 321. 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 331. Observation of Infant and Toddler Development. (3 Credits)

This course will explore the development of infants and toddlers pre-birth through 30 months old and the appropriate ways of interacting with this age group based on research and theory. It will look at understanding the development of the “whole child” which includes social/emotional, cognitive, and physical development. In addition, the course will explore the techniques used in making objective and effective observations of children from newborn through 30 months old.

FAM 332. Observation of the Preschooler. (3 Credits)

This course will explore the development of young children from 30 months old through age five and the appropriate ways of interacting with this age group based on research and theory. It will look at understanding the development of the “whole child” which includes social/emotional, cognitive, and physical development. In addition, the course will explore the techniques used in making objective and effective observations of children from 30 months old to age five.

FAM 334. Therapeutic Interventions for the Hospitalized Child. (3 Credits)

This course will introduce students to theories and intervention techniques that help children and families cope with stress from hospitalization or other life events that disrupt normal development. Strategies to assist with issues such as pain management; adjustment to chronic illness and long-term hospitalization; and adherence to medication management and routine medical care will be covered. Students will learn to assess and implement developmentally appropriate interventions, based on empirical data, to create individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the treatment team. The central role of therapeutic play in child life services will be emphasized, along with the provision of a safe, therapeutic and healing environment.

FAM 390. 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 394. Field Work in Youth Ministry. (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 made decisions regarding the development and allocation of resources. The course will explore the Biblical concept of stewardship.
Prerequisite: minimum score of 01 in 'Family Life Upper Devision'.

FAM 430. 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 431. Youth Culture. (3 Credits)

This class is in the Youth Minor, preparing men and women for ministry in the church. The class will help students explore generations and the youth culture in America. 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 432. 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 450. Advanced Practicum in Family Life Ministry. (3 Credits)

For students who have completed FAM 390 but are required to have or desire additional practical experience in ministry, students will spend 120 hours in a supervised position at a local church or ministry. Note: Instructor permission is required for registration.
Prerequisite: FAM 390.

FAM 455. 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.
Prerequisite: FAM 390.

FAM 494. Internship in Youth Ministry. (12 Credits)

The capstone Family Life experience for a youth ministry minor is usually during the fourth year and is a full-time internship. Students use learned academic information and field experiences to serve in a congregational or ministry setting that serves teen-age youth and families for a minimum of six months. These experiences usually occur over the course of the fall or spring semester and beyond to fulfill the six month requirement. On-site supervision/mentorship of the student is done by an experienced ministry professional.
Prerequisites: FAM 390 and 394.