Ministry Youth Ministry Curriculum Critique Essay

Curriculum 2: Elements

Theological Position:

YM 360's "Elements" curriculum is a web-mediated course of study aimed at courting young church leaders by emphasizing the importance of the Gospels. The theological thrust of Elements is doctrine-intensive. The roles of soteriology and eschatology are significant in the Elements curriculum, which includes in its objectives encouragement of ministerial practice in all walks of life. This denotes a constant connection between the aspirant Church leader and the Word of the scriptures.

Educational Philosophy:

Elements is an explicit course of study, driven by directives and set of materials that are aimed at providing teachers the ability to teach the concept of discipleship and, consequently, providing students with the ability to engage discipleship when at home or otherwise outside of the Church. The philosophy that accompanies accessible and easy-to-use online materials is that one must be able to take these lessons home and practice them in the unpredictable parameters of reality.

The text by Yaconelli (2006) offers some useful insight into this educational philosophy, telling that we must make Jesus a part of our everyday lives and in every detail if we are to achieve the discipleship sought by the Elements curriculum. Accordingly, Yaconelli tells that "Jesus' presence, his capacity to love and be with people, is transformative…He enjoys being with God. His ministry, it seems, doesn't come from a pre-planned formula but instead arises in response to the real situations and relationships he encounters. If we want our young people to live lives of faith, we need to live into the presence of Jesus." (p. 21)

This is the philosophy that gives Elements its orientation, promoting the understanding that we are defined by God's love, that Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross for us and that in exchange, we are commanded to be known in all aspects of our life for the love that we show to others. These teachings give elements is content and its strategic approach.

Practicality:

The practicality of Elements is one of its promoted strengths. The course of study is designed to be navigated with ease, to require little upfront expense and to provide lessons that are immediately practicable in one's everyday life. The 25 individual lesson plans run the gamut of scriptural meditations and based on available free simples, are readily understood even to those just beginning their journey into the ministry. That said, at $19.99 per lesson plan, the cost may add up. While this may be a practical cost to be sustained by a larger or more well-funded church, smaller Churches or community groups may find that the cost alone is a deterrent.

Cost aside, the course of study does seem to be particularly well constructed to appeal to the sensibilities and sensitivities of teenagers. As a youth ministry curriculum, it is well-targeted.

Works Cited:

Yaconelli, M. (2006). Contemplative Youth Ministry. Zondervan/Youth Specialties; First Edition.

Youth Worker. (2012). New Web-Based Curriculum Addresses Faithful Citizenship. Youthworker.com.

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