Faith Formation - Christian Education Workshops

NEW ON THIS WEBSITE:

INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING CHRISTIAN EDUCATION WORKSHOPS:

Children and Prayer; Faith Development; Games for Learning; Asking the Right Questions: An Approach to Bible Study; The Christian's Role in Nurturing Faith; Consultation Training: Reshaping Christian Education; Developing Effective Adult Bible Study; and eleven more!

The following workshops are available from the Workshop Team of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod. 
For more information contact Myra Fozard at mlf4gc@gmail.com or call 724-375-4676.  Below is a description of each workshop.

If you use a workshop in your congregation, please contact Myra Fozard the e-mail address above so that we can keep adequate records of their use.

Children and Prayer

Purpose - To introduce teachers and parents to the variety of prayer styles possible for children, reflecting the manifold ways in which children learn, as outlined in Multiple Intelligences Theory.

Objectives - As the result of this workshop, participants will:

1. Explore understandings of prayer
2. Practice a variety of prayer styles
3. Discover new ways to pray with children
4. Apply the theory of Multiple Intelligences to prayer

Audience - While primarily for teachers, this workshop would also interest parents and others who are mentors and spiritual leaders of children

Length - About 90 minutes

Leader Expertise - The leader of this workshop should have some experience in small group leadership and some awareness of the age level characteristics of children

Download materials for this workshop below: 1) Children and Prayer.doc; 2) Finger Labyrinth

Faith Development

Purpose:  To know the basics of faith development theory, which explores how each level of maturity deals with matters of faith. This helps teachers to better understand their students and thus choose the most appropriate teaching methods and approaches.

Objectives: As the result of this workshop, participants will:

1. Study the Lutheran biblical and theological concepts of faith,
2. Learn the six stages of faith as identified by James Fowler,
3. Identify the stage of faith development their students may be in, and
4. Learn what ramifications faith development has for the way they teach.

Audience:  Teachers of children and adults

Length:  About 90 minutes

Leader Expertise: The leader of this workshop should have some experience in small group leadership. Some knowledge of the developmental theories of Fowler, Piaget, Kohlberg and Erickson would be helpful. 

Download materials for this workshop below:  1) Faith Development.doc; 2) Faith Development handout 6.pdf

Games for Learning

Purpose:  The purpose of this workshop is to help Sunday School teachers, confirmation teachers and youth group leaders to use games to develop community and to teach theology and biblical concepts and stories.

Objectives:  As a result of this workshop, participants will:

1. Consider the different ways that we learn through games,
2. Experience a variety of games,
3. Practice adapting familiar games to use with children and adults, and
4. Enjoy playing together

Audience:  Education and youth leaders in congregations

Length:  About 90 minutes

Leader Expertise:  The leader of this workshop should have some small group leadership experience.  He/she should be comfortable with playing games and able to put other people at ease while they play games.

Download materials for this workshop below:  1) Flipside of game cards.pdf; 2) game.pdf; 3) Games for Learning.doc

Asking the Right Questions:  An Approach to Bible Study:

Purpose: To introduce Bible study leaders to the "ask questions" approach to Bible study and to explore resources incorporating that approach.

Objectives: As the result of this workshop, participants will:

1. Explore the educational value of asking  appropriate questions,
2. Appreciate the value of encountering the past, the present, and the future in Bible study and recognize the distinctiveness of each dimension;
3. Practice the technique of asking questions as a tool for Bible study; and
4. Examine and evaluate resources that utilize the Questioning approach.

Audience:  Adult Bible study leaders, especially those interested in starting new Bible studies for participants who have had little or no experience with Bible study; plus congregational decision makers responsible for adult Bible studies.

Length:  About 90 minutes

Leader Expertise:  The leader of this workshop should have some small group leadership experience.

Download materials for this workshop below:  1) Asking the Right Questions.doc

Basic Teacher Training:

Purpose:  To introduce the beginning teacher to basic concepts of how people learn and the role of the teacher in the classroom

Objectives: As the result of this workshop, participants will:

1. Explore their call to teach,
2. Identify the important Lutheran concepts for teachers, and
3. Evaluate various roles for teachers in the classroom.

Audience:  Sunday School teachers and Sunday School superintendents, synodical and conference educational leaders, and other persons responsible for teacher training

Length:  About 90 minutes

Leader Expertise:  Leaders of this workshop should have experience facilitating small groups.  Although not necessary, it would be desirable for the leader to have some experience as a teacher and a basic understanding of Lutheran beliefs.  In addition, have a background ineducational theory would allow the leader to more easily adapt session 4 and 5.

Download materials for this workshop below:  1) Basic Teacher Training.doc

The Christian’s Role in Nurturing Faith:

Purpose:  To help teachers and other Christians recognize their significant roles as faith nurturers

Objectives: As the result of this workshop, participants will:

1. Explore briefly the roles persons played in their lives and their own understanding of faith and nurturing,
2. Identify and gain insight into some of the ways God works through teachers and others to nurture persons,
3. Plan intentional opportunities for nurturing others in their faith.

Audience:  Teachers of children, youth and adults in Sunday Schools, plus other groups of Christians

Length:  Approximately 90 minutes

Leader Expertise:  Leaders of this workshop should have experienced facilitation small groups and be able to put people at ease so that they feel comfortable sharing.

Download materials for this workshop below: 1) Christians Role in Nurturing Faith.doc

Consultation Training: Reshaping Christian Education:

Purpose:  To equip leaders with a process to assist congregations in their planning for effective Christian education.

Objectives: As the result of this workshop, participants will:

1. Become familiar with a step-by-step process for use in congregations.
2. Practice strategic planning techniques and skills.
3. Explore current resources

Audience:  Leaders with experience in Christian education and with working with volunteers and committees in a congregational setting

Length:  About 90 minutes

Leader Expertise:  Leaders of this workshop should have experience facilitating small groups and role playing.  Although not necessary, it would be desirable for the leader to have some experience as a consultant and in planning/goal setting.

Download materials for this workshop below:  1) Consultation Training.doc

Developing Effective Adult Bible Study:

Purpose:  To help congregational leaders develop more effective adult Bible study opportunities

Objectives: As a result of this workshop, participants will:

1. Experience and evaluate three ways of learning,
2. Explore and contrast “active” and “passive”  approaches to learning,
3. Practice a “blended” learning style called “shared praxis,” and
4. Do initial planning to develop more effective teaching opportunities at home (optional).

Audience:  Education leaders in congregations, especially those responsible for adult education

Length: Approximately 90 minutes

Leader Expertise:  Leaders of this workshop should have experience facilitating small groups.  Although not necessary, it would be desirable for the leader to have some experience teaching adults.

Download materials for this workshop below:  1) Developing Effective Adult Bible Study.doc

Getting Our Act Together: Planning for Adult Education that Works:

Purpose:  To help congregational leaders assess their congregation's adult education opportunities and plan for a more effective adult education program

Objectives: As a result of this workshop, participants will:

1. Understand adult education in the parish as an ongoing system of learning opportunities centered on the Word  of God,
2. Consider how a comprehensive plan for adult education might work in their parish, and
3. Begin work toward a plan that would make adult education more intentional, varied, inclusive, and relevant to learners.

Audience:  Education leaders in congregations, especially those responsible for adult education

Length: Approximately 90 minutes

Leader Expertise:  Leaders of this workshop should have experience facilitating small groups.

Download materials for this workshop below:  1) Getting Our Act Together.doc

Leading Learning Discussion Groups

Purpose: To equip persons who are responsible for discussion groups in congregations (adult study groups, forums, issue-oriented gathers, Sunday morning sessions, Bible study, retreats, etc.) in the basics of leading a constructive discussion

Objectives: As a result of this workshop, participants will:

1. Identify purposes for a discussion group.
2. Learn the elements and phases of a constructive discussion
3. Develop appropriate questions for leading a discussion.
4. Examine the role of the discussion leader,
5. Strengthen skills in leading group discussions.

Audience:  Leaders of adult and senior high discussion groups

Length:  About 90 minutes

Leader Expertise: The leader of this workshop should have some experience in small group leadership, be a good listener, care about and respect others, be a careful planner and be flexible.

Download materials for this workshop below:  1) Leading Discussion Groups.doc

Many Ways of Learning

Purpose:  To introduce Sunday school teachers and leaders to a variety of ways people learn and to apply this knowledge as they plan for and lead their teaching/learning situations

Objectives: As a result of this experience, participants will:

1. Experience a variety of teaching and learning methods
2. Reflect on their experience with these methods
3. Identify the different ways in which people learn
4. Apply the learnings to their teaching/learning  situations

Audience:  Teachers and leaders of all age groups

Length:  About 90 minutes (Optional step 5,B, will take and additional 15 minutes if you plan to use it

Leader Expertise:  Leaders of this workshop should have experience facilitating small groups, have some knowledge of multiple intelligences, be well organized, and be a careful planner.

Download materials for this workshop below:  1) Many Ways of Learning.doc

Ministry with Teams

Purpose:  This is an introductory workshop for those new to Team Ministry and who wish to begin considering what Ministry with Teams might mean for them and their congregation

Objectives: As a result of this experience, participants will:

1. Reflect on their experience and participation in teams;
2. Develop an appreciation of Ministry with Teams;
3. Consider how Ministry with Teams may affirm, critique, or call them beyond their existing ministry structures and activities; and
4. Begin to imagine what Ministry with Team could look like in their setting.

Audience:  This workshop is designed for those pastors, associates in ministry, and lay persons who are interested in introducing or maintaining a Team Ministry approach to congregation education in their congregation.

Length: 90 minutes

Leader Expertise:  Leaders of this workshop should have experience facilitating small groups, have some knowledge of the shared praxis approach to learning, and a concept of team ministry.

Download materials for this workshop below:  1) Ministry with Teams.doc

The Power and Promise of Adult Education

Purpose:  This workshop assists participants in reflecting on the nature of adulthood and uses such reflections as a starting point to begin reimagining and planning adult education opportunities in their congregation.

Objectives: As a result of this experience, participants will:

1. Clarify personal understandings of adulthood;
2. Gain familiarity with various ages and seasons of adulthood;
3. Consider how these descriptive seasons of adulthood may affirm, critique, or call them beyond their present appreciation of adulthood; and
4. Begin to imagine program planning possibilities for adult education in their congregation.

Audience:  This workshop is designed for those pastors, associates in ministry, and lay persons who are interested in introducing or creating an intentional adult education emphasis in their congregation.

Length: About 90 minutes

Leader Expertise:  The leader of this workshop should have some experience in small group leadership, knowledge of the stages of life and of the shared praxis approach to learning.

Download materials for this workshop below:  1) Power and Promise of Adult Ed.doc

Selecting Curriculum for Sunday School (Age 3-Grade 6)

Purpose:  To help teachers and educational leaders evaluate curricula in order to select resources of integrity that will meet their needs locally

Objectives: As the result of this workshop, participants will:

1. Learn the importance of analyzing curricula through “Lutheran eyes,”
2. Understand the basic criteria to use when evaluating curricula, and
3. Apply the evaluative criteria to curricula.

Audience: Decision makers in pre-school and elementary education in the congregation, such as Christian education committee members, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teachers and leaders and parents

Length:  About 90 minutes

Leader Expertise:  The leader of this workshop should have some experience in small group leadership, knowledge of available Lutheran curricula, and some knowledge of scope and sequence as well as the eight learning intelligences.

Download materials for this workshop below:  1) Selecting Curriculum.doc

Teaching Lutheran Basics: An Introduction

Purpose: To help teachers identify doctrinal elements in the resources they teach and to appreciate how these elements express the Lutheran view of the Christian faith

Objectives: As a result of this workshop participants will:

1. Explore 12 key Lutheran doctrines,
2. Identify ways these doctrines appear in curricula,
3. Understand how doctrinal elements are treated in age-appropriate ways, and
4. Appreciate the importance of treating doctrine at all ages in appropriate ways to fully equip the “mature Lutheran.”

Audience:  Sunday School teachers from preschool to adult

Length:  About 90 minutes

Leader Expertise:  The leader of this workshop should have some experience in small group leadership and a working knowledge of the book, "Lutheran Basics for Teachers."

Download materials for this workshop below:  1) Teaching Lutheran Basics.doc

Using Drama in the Classroom

Purpose: To introduce teachers to drama as a means to enhance learning, including role play, improvisational drama, informal drama, and pantomime

Objectives: As the result of this workshop, participants will:

1. Be able to distinguish between the different kinds of drama,
2. Experience several types of drama, and
3. Become comfortable in using drama as a meaningful activity for understanding biblical truths and concepts.

Audience:  Sunday School teachers of all ages

Length:  About 90 minutes

Leader Expertise:  The leader of this workshop should have some experience in small group leadership, a love of drama, and a lively imagination.

Download materials for this workshop below:  1) Using Drama in the classroom.doc

Ways to Discover Ideas

Purpose:  To help congregational leaders—especially those involved with youth—learn techniques for coming up with ideas

Objectives: As a result of this workshop, participants will:

1. Practice some techniques to discover ideas,
2. Develop their own ability to adapt and create, and
3. Discover some idea starters.

Audience:  Education leaders, youth and youth leaders

Length:  About 90 minutes

Leader Expertise: The leader of this workshop should have some experience in small group leadership, a working knowledge of brainstorming techniques and brain mapping.

Download materials for this workshop below:  1) Ways to Discover Ideas.doc

Teaching Methods

Purpose:  To expose participants to a variety of teaching methods and learning styles

Objectives:   To introduce participants to:

1. Creative Learning Activities
2. Deductive/Inductive Learning
3. DRAG
4. TIC/TAC/TOE
5. Learning Styles
6. Teaching Methods

Audience:  Leaders and teachers of Christian education programs in congregations, education committee members, and pastors

Length:  75-90 minutes

Leader Expertise:  The leader of this workshop should have some experience in small group leadership and a working knowledge of teaching methods and teaching styles.