Spiritual Formation of a Child
In this section your will find:
This course will explore the nature of spiritual formation in children, giving particular regard to Christian settings. Careful attention will be given to the elements and process of spiritual formation, as well as the potential hazards and obstacles faced in a child’s spiritual journey (includes family systems, media and culture). Students will explore various models of spiritual formation to develop a personal model applicable to their current involvement with children.
View the course brochure.
Course Objectives
- know the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual developmental stages of children from birth to age twelve in order to understand the foundational role these play in spiritual development;
- understand the implications of both theological and secular theories regarding children’s spiritual development;
- discuss important theological issues relating to children – conversion, baptism, communion – showing an understanding of theological traditions within historic Christianity, and recognizing the significance of such concepts in their own ministry setting;
- discern the essential elements required for the transformational spiritual growth of a child and understand the spiritual disciplines in relation to a child’s development;
- explore the connection between discipleship and discipline in order to foster spiritual development and Christian character in children;
- clearly and understandably present the gospel, ensuring the use of ethical practices;
- grasp the effect the cultural influences of media, sexual issues, disintegrating family norms, divorce, and crime have on the spiritual formation of a child, and develop a means to assist children to grow spiritually in today’s world;
- understand the influence and effect of social culture on the child (social mobility, peer pressure, bullying, self-esteem, etc.) and their spiritual formation, assisting them in Christian maturity.
Course Delivery
This online class is scheduled to run from September – December 2012. You must have ready access to a computer and high speed internet. Class involves lively discussion forums, creating strong interaction between students and the professor. Assignments tend to be on a weekly basis. Students are required to participate on a weekly basis, but can access class materials at any time throughout the week, at their convenience.
Course Syllabus
To view the Masters-level syllabus that was used for the 2010 course, click here.
Professor
Lucas van Boeschoten has a passion for children, small groups, spiritual formation and the church. His genuine love for each has granted him a variety of ministry and learning experiences.
Lucas holds a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership and Spiritual Formation from ACTS Seminary of Trinity Western University (2008). His dissertation topic was “Intergenerational Small Groups: The Difference Children Make to the Small Group Experience.” He also has a Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies (1975) from Western Evangelical Seminary of George Fox University. In 2009 he received his certification as a Spiritual Director with the FCJ (Faithful Companions of Jesus) Christian Life Centre in Calgary.
In his pastoral work, Lucas has led churches in establishing and expanding children’s discipleship and outreach ministries. He currently serves as ‘Community Pastor’ at Centre Street Church in Calgary, where he works with small groups. This includes working with Intergenerational Small Groups as they develop the spiritual environment that helps believers of all ages thrive and reach out.
For almost 20 years, Lucas served as faculty at Rocky Mountain College in Calgary, AB. His roles included instructing, Dean of Students, and Department Head of the Children and Family Ministries program. During part of this time he served concurrently with Promiseland Ministries at Centre Street Church.
Lucas also served as Director of Christian Education for the Evangelical Church in Canada and then the Evangelical Missionary Church from 1981-1994.
One of the favorite parts of Lucas’ week continues to be large group teaching with 70-80 “bouncing bunnies” and “courageous camels” (3 and 4 year old children) in the Children’s Ministry at his church.
He is married to Pat, and they are the proud progenitors of four children and four grandchildren.
Credit or Not-for-Credit
This class can be taken for-credit or not-for-credit. Please read here to learn more about these options. Audit is not available for this class.
Course Cost
Please reference Course Costs.
Registration
Registration for this class is available summer 2012.
For more information regarding this course please contact Nicole Lanigan, Program Coordinator, at 604.888.7592.
