Children's Ministry Essentials 2: The developing child

About this course

Children are continually changing. Some of these changes are really noticeable like when they take their first step, or when their trousers become too short or their baby teeth fall out. Other changes might be less easy to notice as they gradually acquire new skills like reading or tying their own shoelaces. Not every child will follow the same pattern of change and growth, but this module explores some of the accepted patterns that you might notice in the children you work with as they develop physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. All of these changes will also affect how they understand and connect with God and so this modules introduces some theories about how faith changes in shape and style as we grow up. The better we understand how the children we are engaging with think, feel and interact with the world and its creator, the better we are able to enhance their relationships with God, themselves and others and provide for their wellbeing.

About Children's Ministry Essentials

Children's Ministry Essentials logo. Text in purple reads 'Children's Ministry Essentials' in the top left quadrant. The top right quadrant is shaped like a speech bubble and the outline is both yellow and purple. The bottom two quadrants have yellow outline of rounded-edged squares. The bottom right quadrant has the Children's Ministry Network logo within the yellow outline.'The developing child' is the second of 10 modules of learning offer by Children's Ministry Network as part of their 'Children's Ministry Essentials' programme. You can take this course as a stand-alone module or as part of the whole programme. If you're ready to begin this as a stand-alone module, sign up by clicking the 'enrol' button on this page and make payment securely online. If you're wanting to sign up for all 10 modules, please go to the programme page to buy all ten modules as a package bundle at a discounted price. Some members churches and organisations of the Children's Ministry Network may be offering 'facilitated delivery' in groups, please see the organisation's marketing for information about it. Whether you're going to be taking Children's Ministry Essentials online at your own pace or as part of a facilitated group you'll need to purchase your access to the materials through TheologyX.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I take this course?

You can take this course in two ways
  1. Online self-paced on TheologyX
  2. In person or via video conference through a facilitated delivery

Can I start this today?

Enrolment opens on 1st October 2024, from this date you'll be able to sign up for this module and begin your engagement at any time after 6th January 2025 as the official launch date. As the online self-paced option allows you to learn at your own pace, you can work through all the material in one sitting, or engage over a period of time that works for you. TheologyX will save your progress and when you return to it, TheologyX will return you to the last place you viewed in the course.

Is 'online self-paced' or 'in person facilitated delivery' better?

Children's Ministry Network and its member organisations and denominations offers two ways to engage because people enjoy learning in different ways. Some people love learning online with a freedom of engaging with material at their own pace and at a time that works for them. Others may enjoy learning as part of a group and having a dedicated time to attend a session each week. One might be 'better' for you, but you'll get the same great teaching whichever you choose.

When can I take this course?

Children's Ministry Network offers 'The developing child' as a self-paced course for you to take at anytime. Once you have clicked the 'enrol' button and paid for the course you'll immediately be able to begin learning by locating the course listed on your 'dashboard'. If you want to take the course through a 'facilitated delivery' please look for information through your organisation for when the next planned training is starting.

Can I take this course with a facilitator guiding me through it?

The member organisations and denominations of Children's Ministry Network may run facilitated sessions for the whole of 'Children's Ministry Essentials'. Get in touch with your organisation to enquire about how you could be part of the next facilitated delivery.

What is 'facilitated delivery'?

Facilitated delivery means that you will join a group of other participants to specifically journey through the 'Children's Ministry Essentials' programme of courses or 'modules' and a leader(s) will lead you through the material. This may be offered via a video conference platform such as 'Zoom' or it may be delivered in a physical venue such as a church meeting room. You will use TheologyX to log your learning and find your resources for the sessions and you will be guided through it by a leader.

Will I have other participants to engage with if I take the course online self-paced?

Mostly you will be reflecting and engaging with the learning on your own. You may find some learning activities have the option to share your responses and read those of other people in exchange as you work through the course material.

What do I do if I get stuck on the online self paced option?

This course is written with instructions on how to use the learning activities and guidance added in for what to do and when. If you get a technical issue and can't resolved it on your own send the TheologyX team a message via the 'contact us' page giving them information about what you're experiencing and where it is, and they may be able to assist. Flexible training in the essentials to equip and support everyone working with children: insights, skills and discipleship.
Course Information