Module TMMC1277: Introduction to Growing Faith

Department: Theology, Ministry and Mission

TMMC1277: Introduction to Growing Faith

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To help students to understand the importance of enabling others to come to Christian faith, grow in discipleship and contribute confidently to the Kingdom of God.
• To enable students to build effective relationships between churches, households, and other institutions in their communities (e.g. schools) in order to grow faith.
• To give students an awareness of some of the factors involved in growing and nurturing faith in one or more particular demographic groups, e.g. children, young people, families, the elderly, or those with learning disabilities.
• To introduce students to some resources and initiatives which may be used to grow faith with specific groups.
• To introduce students to the skills needed to lead and manage cultural change within churches, in order to grow faith.

Content

• An introduction to the subject of growing faith and discipleship including biblical, theological and other perspectives. This will focus on one specific demographic group (e.g. the elderly or those with learning disabilities) or several related groups (e.g. children and families), and make use of denominational initiatives where appropriate.
• A consideration of some different ways to build and support effective relationships between churches, households and other institutions and the impact this has on growing faith and intergenerational or intergroup discipleship.
• Theological exploration of some initiatives and resources which support growth in faith for one or more groups: e.g. Messy Church, Prayer Spaces, Anna Chaplaincy.
• Reflection on what cultural change and leadership are needed in the life of the whole church in order to grow faith.

Learning Outcomes

• [SSK 3]
• Explore and discuss knowledgeably some core aspects of growing faith and discipleship in a particular demographic group, some models used and skills and relationships needed to do this, and the key questions to which they give rise.

• [SSS 3]
• Reflect on practices of nurturing faith in a specific group of people, and the relationships that enable this, drawing on appropriate theological and other resources.

• [KS 1,2,3]
• Identify, gather and evaluate source materials for a specific purpose.
• Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches, communicating their findings sensitively and respectfully, showing self-awareness about their own beliefs, commitments and prejudices.
• Carry out a guided task that involves: independent inquiry; management of time and resources; using IT; meeting deadlines; evaluating the task and learning from it.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures and personal study
• Summatively assessed Essay

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University