CASA Academy Course Descriptions

Navigating Ministry in Times of Generational Changes

A 4-course core curriculum designed to increase skills and understanding for pastors, missionaries, professionals in aging and others who serve midlife and beyond age men and women in the church and community.

Changing Images of Aging and Generations

CLA – 101. Longevity of life, increased social mobility, change in the family structure, and an extended work career has dramatically affected the ministries of the local church. Church leaders find themselves at a crossroads of responding or reacting to these significant social changes. This course lays the necessary foundation for leaders to “rethink” and “rewire” their approaches in ministry with aging generations. Students can be expected to expand their vision as they create “new maps” for the extended life course as well as the linkage of generations.

Biblical Mandates for Ministries to Middle/Later Generations

CLA – 102. The Bible is rich with guiding examples for how persons in the middle and older generations should live as believers. The Bible also instructs today’s Church on how aging persons should be served in the local church. This course explores biblical passages that specifically apply to persons in their middle and later lives. Attention is also given to books and periodicals that address biblical understandings of aging and the normative roles of older families in God’s redemptive plan in contemporary cultures.

Programming for Ministries to Middle and Later Generations

CLA – 201. This course examines the strengths and weaknesses of current models of church programming. Essential skills for programming intergenerational ministries in the 21^st century will be developed as we explore possible alternatives to age grading, study the resistance to participation in senior adult ministry programs, and learn how goals and objectives are developed.

Developing Innovative Leadership

CLA – 202. This course examines the most effective leadership style for those who minister to middle and older generations. The leadership styles of Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon, Jesus and Paul will be studied in light of (or contrasted with) contemporary leadership philosophies. Students will write a final integrative paper on their own philosophy of leadership and generational ministry in the local church.