Grade 7 Biblical Studies:

Introduction to the Christian Faith –

Mr. N Downie

Room 7107

Purpose/ Objective

So what is so different about MBCI as a Christian school? Is it the quality of education, the safe place to go to school…or is there something more to it? One aspect of MBCI that indeed makes it unique from most other schools is the fact that it was founded by a group of people known as the Mennonite Brethren who intentionally set out to provide their young people with all of the above mentioned, as well as a uniquely Anabaptist Christian story and perspective (viewpoint) with which they could learn to see and understand God’s world, past and present.

This being stated, the grade 7 Bible course is designed to provide students with a foundational overview of Christianity, from the biblical stories of the Old Testament to the life and ministry of Jesus on earth. More specifically, it will provide students with practical Bible study skills, factual knowledge of biblical content, and an opportunity for the internalization of the reality of God.

As the course progresses it will become obvious that not all participants will begin with the same starting point. Students will be from Mennonite Brethren background, Roman Catholic background, etc., and quite likely no Christian background whatsoever. It is for this reason that the course will be taught so that it is attainable for all – regardless of the individual’s starting point.

The following should serve as a general guideline of the topics we will be studying this year.

Topics

1. Developing Bible Study Skills

  • What is the Bible?
  • Where did it come from?
  • What’s in the Bible?
2. God’s Story
  • Who are the people of the bible that help us understand the story?
  • The Patriarchs
  • The Tabernacle
3. Foundations for Belief
  • Who is God?
  • Who is Jesus?- The Gospels
  • Who is the Holy Spirit? - Acts
4. Story of the Church
  • How did the Church begin? - Acts
  • What kind of growing pains did the church endure?
  • How did Mennonites come into existence?

5. How then are we called to live?

  • Personal relationship with God
  • Freedom, forgiveness, healing
  • Interdependence on other believers
  • God and lifestyle choices
  • Love and justice
  • Sharing and serving those in need
  • Living with a Godly purpose or mission
Project Based Learning
– The Tabernacle

What is its historical significance? Why is it important? How does it fit into our life?

Service Component

This year students will be introduced to the concept of Christian service. A portion of the term mark will be allocated to the selection of a place to serve, the completion of 15 hours of service, and the reflection upon the service experience. A separate handout will follow shortly explaining the expectations.

Memory Work

Psalm 139

Assessment

A wide variety of teacher directed and student directed activities and projects will be used for assessment purposes. Paper and pencil tests, although not the emphasis of assessment, will be implemented with advance notice.

Things to Consider for a Successful Year
  • Ask questions which will provide clarification of expectations or understanding.
  • Follow the general rule of do to others as you would have them do to you and you shouldn’t have any discipline problems or issues.
  • Take pride and responsibility in your work and your behaviour. This means handing in quality assignments completed on time. Behaviour should be such that others are able to focus and complete assignments during class time.
  • Everyone has something to contribute - allow and encourage others to do so.
  • Once you wish you had paid more attention to discussions and tried harder on assignments and tests its usually too late.
  • Listening will be vital to success in this course.
  • Learning can be fun if you know where the student-student, teacher-student boundaries are located.
  • Hand assignments in on time. Putting it off will only create more stress. Parents will be contacted if difficulties arise.
  • Come prepared. Bring supplies to class. (paper, pen, pencil, agenda, pencil crayons, scissors) Some supplies are available for student use.
  • Don’t plan on leaving the classroom after the second bell. Use your break to go to the bathroom.
  • Use common sense in the classroom and in the halls.
  • When a class is missed the student is responsible for catching up on assignments, notes and important information. Ask another student to supply the information.
  • Agenda use is expected.

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