Course Descriptions

Each course description provides an overview of the course content and goals as well as an agenda of topics that will be covered.

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Children's Ministries

CM201: Teaching Little Kids

(on campus)

It is important to begin to instill spiritual truth in the lives of young children. The Teaching Little Kids course gives characteristics of children ages two to seven and practical helps for teaching God’s Word in an age appropriate manner. The student will learn how to effectively share the message of salvation so even young children can understand and have opportunity to receive Christ as Savior. Attention is focused on giving students practical hands-on training and experience with young children, thus equipping them to initiate an effective ongoing ministry to the youngest of mission fields.

This module is offered simultaneously with CM202 Teaching Children Effectively Level 1 for those who hold a Level 1 certificate (on campus only).

This course features opportunities to participate in two class sessions at a local day care facility.

• Understanding Little Kids
• Basic Bible Truths for Little Kids
• Me, A Teacher of Little Kids?
• Literature Survey
• Lesson Demonstration
• Bible Lesson Preparation and Presentation
• Teaching Memory Verses to Little Kids
• Making Your Class Personal
• Building Self-Worth
• Creative Review
• Classroom Management
• Rhythm, Rhyme and a Solo
• Prayer and Little Kids
• Starting a Good News Club for Little Kids
• What a Character!
• Finger Plays and Action Rhymes
• Learning Centers
• Puppets and Little Kids
• Puppet Workshop

CM202: Teaching Children Effectively™ (TCE™) Level 1 

(on campus/online)

A practical learning experience designed to equip students with basic skills and effective methods to evangelize children and immediately begin a neighborhood or public school outreach ministry. Emphasis is placed on organizing and conducting meaningful classroom activities which can enrich children spiritually. In addition to regular course work, students are required to participate in teaching five children’s classes applying the methods learned in the course.

In addition, three required practicum sessions conducted during the course provide each student with evaluated experience in applying the theory taught.

• The Child in the New Testament
• The Importance of Conversion
• How to Lead a Child to Christ
• The Importance of the Teacher
• Bible Lesson Preparation and Presentation
• Counseling the Child for Salvation
• Scripture Memorization
• The Importance of Reaching the Child in the Neighborhood
• The Good News Club® Program
• Organizing the Good News Club
• Managing Your Classroom
• Teaching Children to Pray
• Teaching with Music
• Visual Communication in Teaching
• Encouraging the Newly-Converted Child

CM203: Teaching Children Effectively Level 2

(on campus/online)

TCE Level 2 is designed to provide information and practical methods which will enable the student to effectively guide the saved child in progressive spiritual growth. The course is centered on the principle that true teaching of the Word of God produces change. Students gain skills which will enable them to offer practical help to children as they establish and develop a personal relationship with God. Students are required to participate in teaching five children’s classes applying the methods learned in the course to enhance classroom study.

Prerequisite: CM202 Teaching Children Effectively Level 1

In addition, two required practicum sessions conducted during the course provide each student with evaluated experience in applying the theory taught.

• General Concepts of Spiritual Development
• Bible Lesson Preparation and Presentation
• Teaching the Message of Salvation in the Class Hour
• Basic Needs of the Child
• Teaching Confession of Sin
• The Christian Child’s Devotional Life
• Developing the Child’s Appreciation of God
• Being a Witness for God
• Teaching Missions
• Christian Conduct
• The Ministry of Teaching
• Objectives
• Motivating Faithful Attendance

CM204: Understanding Today’s Child

(on campus/online)

A study of child development and behavior from birth through adolescence as related to the unique problems faced in today’s society. Emphasis is placed on the role of the parent/teacher in helping children to develop physically, socially, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. Students will also learn how to help children who are victims of abuse, divorce, and other dysfunctional situations.  In addition, students will learn how to teach children from various religious backgrounds.

This course features a field trip designed to give the student an opportunity to observe children of different age groups, identifying their specific characteristics as discussed in class.

• Age-Group Characteristics/Personality Development
• Teaching Little Kids
• Teaching Adolescents
• Children at Risk
• Teaching Children from Different Religious Backgrounds

CM205: Progressive Methods of Child Evangelism 

(on campus/online)

An advanced study of the doctrine of redemption and contemporary methods and strategies for evangelizing and teaching today’s child. The course is designed to provide students with a variety of effective tools that can enhance evangelistic skills in children’s ministry. The course also helps students define their theology of childhood conversion through an in-depth study of pertinent Scriptures and an examination of current philosophies regarding children and salvation.

Prerequisite: CM202 Teaching Children Effectively Level 1

Several optional workshops will be offered during this course. As well, students will be involved in practical outreach ministry to children through Party Clubs.

• Theology of Child Conversion
• Apologetics for Children
• Developing Biblically Focused Kids
• Counseling the Child
• Methods of Evangelism
• Evangelistic Outreach Ministries
• Doctrine of Redemption
• Learning Styles
• Visual Communication in Evangelism

Teacher Training

TT301: Dynamics of Teacher Training

(on campus)

A course designed to equip students with basic skills for planning and conducting dynamic training for adult learners in various aspects of children’s ministry.  Students will learn how to conduct training in a variety of settings including seminars, workshops, conferences and ongoing training will be discussed.

This course features a devotional series for the student on the victorious Christian life as well as selected lessons from the video series, The Seven Laws of the Learner, by Bruce Wilkinson. In addition, various practicum sessions conducted during the course provide each student with evaluated experience in applying the theory taught.

Role of the Instructor
• Image
• Spiritual Development
• Balancing Personal Life and Ministry

Spiritual Dynamics in Christian Education
• Training with a Purpose
• Beginning and Finishing Well
• Making Your Class Come Alive
• Getting Your Students Involved
• Inspiring Your Audience
• Understanding Adult Learning
• Giving an Effective Demonstration
• Organizing a Teacher Training Seminar
• Research and Study
• Orientation and Demonstration Classes

TT401: Instructor of Teachers Course (IOT) Level 1

(on campus)

A course focused on equipping committed Christians with basic spiritual and educational principles they will need to present Teaching Children Effectively Level 1 courses under the auspices of Child Evangelism Fellowship® (CEF®). Emphasis is placed on the role of the instructor of teachers, under the control of the Holy Spirit, as an instrument to produce change. To qualify for a credential authorizing them as Level 1 instructors of teachers for Child Evangelism Fellowship, students must successfully participate in teaching one Teaching Children Effectively Level 1 course under supervision.

Prerequisite: CM202 Teaching Children Effectively Level 1

* This module is held simultaneously with TT301 Dynamics of Teacher Training during the regular on campus CMI session. Entrance into TT401 is by approval of the academic committee. In addition, students who desire to enroll in TT401 must be 21 years old and have a “B” average in TCE level 1.

This course also features a devotional series for the student on the victorious Christian life, as well as a seven part video series, The Seven Laws of the Teacher, by Howard Hendricks. In addition, various practicum sessions conducted during the course provide each student with evaluated experience in applying the theory taught.

CEF Instructor of Teachers
• Orientation
• Introduction to CEF
• The Instructor and His Task
• Preparing a Devotional
• How to Motivate People to Have a Good News Club
• Implementing and Following Up TCE Level 1

Technical Preparation
• The Teaching-Learning Process
• Writing Objectives
• Developing a Class Session
• Writing Effective Lesson Plans
• Preparing Introductions and Conclusions
• The Use of Illustrations in Teaching
• Demonstrations in Teacher Training
• Student Practicums in Teacher Development
• Evaluation Techniques
• Visual Aids Workshop

Orientation and/or Demonstrations of TCE Level 1 Subjects
• Scripture Memorization
• How to Lead a Child to Christ
• Bible Lesson Preparation and Presentation
• Counseling the Child for Salvation
• The Child in the New Testament
• Teaching With Music/ Discipline
• Managing Your Classroom
• The Importance of the Teacher
• The Importance of Conversion
• Teaching Children to Pray
• The Good News Club Ministry
• The Importance of Reaching the Child in the Neighborhood
• Encouraging the Newly Converted Child

TT402: Instructor of Teachers Course Level 2* 

(on campus)

An advanced Instructor of Teachers course to prepare volunteer and full time Child Evangelism Fellowship instructors of teachers to conduct Teaching Children Effectively Level 2 courses. Experienced instructors explore methods proven successful in training adults to guide saved children in spiritual growth; they receive opportunities to enhance their teaching skills through classroom instruction and practicums. To qualify for a credential authorizing them as Level 2 instructors of teachers for Child Evangelism Fellowship, students must successfully participate in teaching one Teaching Children Effectively Level 2 course under supervision.

Prerequisites:
CM202 Teaching Children Effectively Level 1
CM203 Teaching Children Effectively Level 2
TT401 Instructor of Teachers Course Level 1 Hold a Level 1 Instructor of Teachers credential
* Entrance into this course is by approval of the academic committee.

This course also features a devotional series for the student on qualities of a leader. In addition, various practicum sessions conducted during the course provide each student with evaluated experience in applying the theory taught.

Instructor Development
• Orientation
• Leading a Class Session
• Conclusions with Impact
• Developing Appropriate Lesson Plans
• Mission of the Instructor
• Evaluation Techniques
• Methods of Teaching
• The Art of Asking Questions
• Communicating Effectively
• Teaching-Learning Process
• Visual Aids that Enhance Learning
• Implementing TCE Level 2
• Child Evangelism Fellowship Update

Orientation and/or Demonstrations of TCE Level 2 Subjects
• Concepts of Spiritual Development
• Bible Lesson Preparation and Presentation
• Teaching Missions
• Objectives
• Basic Needs of the Child
• Christian Conduct
• Ministry of Teaching
• Being a Witness
• Developing a Child’s Appreciation of God
• Teaching Confession of Sin
• Motivating Faithful Attendance
• The Christian Child’s Devotional Life
• Teaching the Message of Salvation in the Class Hour
• The Child in the Old Testament

Leadership Development

LD401: Distinctives of Child Evangelism Fellowship

(on campus)

This course examines the history, philosophy and policies of Child Evangelism Fellowship. The requirements and process for becoming a member of the CEF staff in the USA or internationally will be discussed. This course reveals CEF as a worldwide mission organization with a vital influence in developing children’s workers and leaders to be involved in reaching the world’s most forsaken mission field with the Gospel.

• Historical Development of CEF
• Getting to Know CEF
• Committee/Director Relationships
• CEF Around the World
• Taking a Look at CEF Literature
• CEF – Ministry Opportunities/Ministry Staffing Program

LD402: Ministry Strategy and Development 

(on campus)

This course is a study of fundamental principles and skills basic to the successful development of a children’s ministry in Child Evangelism Fellowship, the local church, or other mission organizations. This course is designed for leaders who desire involvement in a dynamic ministry under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

• Developing a Prayer Program
• Raising Personal and Ministry Finances
• Developing Church Partnerships
• Promotion and Marketing
• Writing and Designing Effective Newsletters
• Designing for Media
• Strategic Planning
• Building Your Ministry Team
• Developing CEF Ministries
• Managing Your Office

LD403: Leadership Essentials

(on campus/online)

This course is focused on the student as a leader in children’s ministry who is constantly growing and maturing in his or her walk with the Lord and with others.  The course examines biblical principles for leadership and the personal qualities essential for a good leader.  Through the DISC inventory, students will gain insights into the behavioral patterns that shape their leadership styles.  In addition, emphasis is placed on interpersonal relationships, conflict management and communication skills necessary for effective ministry.

• The Leader’s Devotional Life
• Principles of Christian Leadership
• The Christian Worker
• Personality Insights/Spiritual Gifts
• Time Management
• Communication Principles
• Interpersonal Relationships
• Managing Conflict