Location
Northwestern College, Rowenhorst Student Center
Abstract
Story is often viewed as nonessential fluff, especially with an increased emphasis on efficiency. However, this project explored how developmental research and practical theology make it clear that Christian education, especially when ministering to children, ought to emphasize how children fit into the metanarrative, or Story of God and God’s people, as found in scripture. Specifically, my research explored Christian education as it is centered around the Biblical narrative, using a pedagogy that affirms narrative as an effective cognitive tool that leads students to understand reality and externalizes their internal understanding of abstracts. I then clarified that Christian education must use narrative to bring socialization and learning together to develop Christians, connecting the stories of people to the Story of God and inviting people into critical participation. Finally, I spent time developing a four-week unit for preschool congregational ministry that fit with my research.
Included in
Narrative and Christian Education
Northwestern College, Rowenhorst Student Center
Story is often viewed as nonessential fluff, especially with an increased emphasis on efficiency. However, this project explored how developmental research and practical theology make it clear that Christian education, especially when ministering to children, ought to emphasize how children fit into the metanarrative, or Story of God and God’s people, as found in scripture. Specifically, my research explored Christian education as it is centered around the Biblical narrative, using a pedagogy that affirms narrative as an effective cognitive tool that leads students to understand reality and externalizes their internal understanding of abstracts. I then clarified that Christian education must use narrative to bring socialization and learning together to develop Christians, connecting the stories of people to the Story of God and inviting people into critical participation. Finally, I spent time developing a four-week unit for preschool congregational ministry that fit with my research.