MD545: Ministry to Street Children (4 units)

C. Douglas McConnell, Associate Professor of Leadership

Andy Sexton, OAS!S International Director – Children at Risk will be a contributing guest lecturer
Winter 2005  Pasadena

 

 

DESCRIPTION:

UNICEF estimates that there are 100 million street children. Given the scale of the crisis, how can Christians respond? This course will address the questions of who is a street child and why children are living and working on the streets. Students will gain a grasp of the key principles and basic tools needed to minister to street children. Through the analysis of case studies, students will understand the process of establishing an effective street children’s ministry. Students will also grapple with the issue of how Christians can make an impact on such a massive problem.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Knowledge of the critical issues facing street children.
• Understand the key principles and basic tools required for ministry to street children.
• Have a working strategic plan for the establishment of a street children’s project in a specific context.

 

COURSE FORMAT: Course will meet as a one-week intensive.  Class sessions will include lectures, discussions, and small group exercises.

 

REQUIRED READING:

Anderson, Jeff, Ed. Restoring Children of the Streets: A Guide for Mobilizing an Equipping God’s People Around the World.  Mountlake Terrace, WA: Action International Ministries (2001).
Butcher, Andy, Street Children.  Authentic Media (2003).
Byrne, Iain, The Human Rights of Street and Working Children: A Practical Manual for Advocates.  Intermediate Technology (1999).
Ennew, Judith. Street and Working Children: A Guide to Planning. Development Manual 4, Save the Children, (1994).
Kilbourn, Phyllis, Ed. Street Children: A Guide to Effective Ministry. Monrovia: CA: MARC (1997).
Course Reader

 

RECOMMENDED READING:

Hecht, Tobias, At Home in the Street: Street Children of Northeast Brazil.  Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press (1998).
Kilbourn, Phyllis, Ed. Children in Crisis: A New Commitment. Monrovia, CA: MARC (1996).
Miles, Glenn & Josephine-Joy Wright, Celebrating Children!  Carlisle, Cumbria: Paternoster Press (2003).

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

• An annotated bibliography based on 1300 pages read.  Additional reading beyond the required texts should be chosen from course-relevant texts appropriate to the student’s area of research.
• A one-page book review on each of the required texts (except the reader).
• An analysis of a case study (2500 words) that applies learning and tools.
• A strategic plan (3000-4000 words) for the establishment of a street children’s project in a specific context.
• An exam, which will consist of three 500 word responses to a variety of ministry situations.

 

PREREQUISITES: None, however, prior completion of MD543 Mission to Children at Risk is strongly advised.

 

RELATION TO CURRICULUM:  Elective.  Part of Children at Risk concentration.

 

FINAL EXAM: Yes.

 

Last Date Edited:  November 3, 2004