The course focuses on the ways social workers serve their community as members and leaders of faith in addition to practice. The course also explores the intersection between service to local and global neighborhoods and advocacy for social justice.
Students’ understanding and familiarity of social work theories, knowledge, values and ethics increases the model and guidelines of generalist practice as well as specific techniques of direct practice. By participating in this course, students: 1) understand the relationship between the faith community and the practice of social work; 2) express critical thinking in oral and written form concerning congregational social work; 3) understand person-in-environment and intervention-in-environment from a congregational social worker’s perspective; 4) understand and apply evidence based interventions or best practices; 5) understand and are able to discuss the risk and resilience model; 6) understand cross cultural issues relevant to congregational social work.
This course affords students a perspective into the profession of social work as ministry in a congregational setting. Students are provided assignments and learning experiences that develop important core competencies in practicing the Mission of God in the community/social work context.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 states that those in Christ are a new creation and therefore called to reconciling the world to God. Through development of skills and methods, the Mission of God is fulfilled.
God is reconciling man to Himself through the work of His people. The ability of God’s people to reconcile men to God is the missional work that all are called to but few can integrate into daily lives and congregational work.
A practice professional integrates faith and witness while involved in the challenges of others.
Congregational approach to reconciliation is universal to and therefore applicable to all cultures.
Students learn practical skills to integrate faith with congregational practice day-by-day.
Students practice integrating faith with practice and share the experiences with colleagues.
