for the 21st Century
| what is the family life academy | why an Academy |who should apply
| instruction comparison | structure |
| why leadership and team development emphasis | outcome |
| cost | for more information | 2007-2009 class dates |
| Brochure PDF | Application PDF| Academy Mentoring Expectations PDF |
| family ministry basics workshops | information PDF | registration form PDF |
The Family Life Committee of the Kansas District now presents a new way to equip leaders to integrate family ministry practices into local congregations through the Family Ministry Basics, one-day workshop. See workshop dates below.
How
does this track with instruction at an institution of
higher learning, such as Concordia University, Seward?
How is the Academy structured?
Instruction will take place over a two-year period. Each year consists of four weekend learning events in September, November, January and March. This is followed by a time to design and implement practical ways to meet the needs of family ministry in the congregation based on what was learned in the four learning events.
The first year will focus on four themes: family systems; theology of the family; family dynamics; and life span family education. The second year will address specific aspects of a life span approach to family ministry. These include milestones ministry; marriage and parenting; responding to families in crisis; and older adult ministry.
Each of the eight weekend learning events will incorporate three emphases: leadership and team development on Friday night; core instruction on Saturday; and an experiential lab on Sunday in a local congregation.
Homework assignments between sessions will reinforce material covered during each learning event and begin the process of learning for the next event.
The first year practicum will focus on the development and implementation of a specific family ministry training event led by the leadership team of the congregation.
The second year practicum will identify the unique family ministry emphasis of the congregation with a plan for implementation.
In summary, the first year focuses on training the leadership team to "think" family ministry. The second year focuses on equipping the team for doing family ministry. The eight weekends will engage the congregational leadership team through a variety of instructional strategies: lectures, experiential learning, reflection, congregational labs, and small group processes.
Why all the emphasis on leadership and team development?
Individualized payment plans are available. Grant and scholarship money is being sought, especially for smaller rural congregations. Cost should not discourage your application.
The application fee is $100 per congregation, and is due with the application at the District office no later than August 15th.
The application fee is $100 per congregation, and is due with the application at the District office no later than August 15th. When your application is accepted, the application fee will be applied toward your tuition. You will also receive more detailed information including specific dates and times for each weekend, as well as course descriptions and payment schedules. Application fees from congregations not accepted into the academy will be refunded.
Fall 2007 applications may be submitted anytime prior to August 15, 2007.
YEAR TWO -- 09/19-21/08 -- 11/7-9/08 -- 01/16-18/09 -- 03/6-8/09