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Educating in Christ provides a comprehensive outline of religious developmental stages, indicating activities appropriate for each of these from age three years to adolescence. The best of contemporary teaching practices are linked with sound Montessori principles and the Catholic understanding of a pedagogy of God.
A bold and unique hybrid among resources for Christian educators, students, and pastoral staff, this enterprising book blends the voices of a single author and ten contributing experts into a global conversation on Christian formation and nurture. It effortlessly transcends all ages and all cultures, as it positions Christianity vibrantly alive from cradle to grave.This introductory text on Christian education-formation includes extensive graphical illustrations and accompanying online appendixes, providing a wealth of resources not only to be used in the classroom but to be lived out in the life of the church in the world.
A Theology for Christian Education, written by dedicated professors of Christian Explain and defend the rationale for the influence of theology in Christian educational theory; Describe the process of forming a theologically informed theory of Christian education; Provide educational insights from a theological rubric and Present the praxis approach (theology/theory informed practice) for teaching and Christian education.
We live in a wired world where 24/7 digital connectivity is increasingly the norm. Christian megachurch communities often embrace this reality wholeheartedly while more traditional churches often seem hesitant and overwhelmed by the need for an interactive website, a Facebook page and a twitter feed. This book accepts digital connectivity as our reality, but presents a vision of how faith communities can utilize technology to better be the body of Christ to those who are hurting while also helping followers of Christ think critically about the limits of our digital attachments. This book begins with a conversion story of a non-cell phone owning, non-Facebook using religion professor judgmental of the ability of digital tools to enhance relationships. A stage IV cancer diagnosis later, in the midst of being held up by virtual communities of support, a conversion occurs: this religion professor benefits in embodied ways from virtual sources and wants to convert others to the reality that the body of Christ can and does exist virtually and makes embodied difference in the lives of those who are hurting. The book neither uncritically embraces nor rejects the constant digital connectivity present in our lives. Rather it calls on the church to a) recognize ways in which digital social networks already enact the virtual body of Christ; b) tap into and expand how Christ is being experienced virtually; c) embrace thoughtfully the material effects of our new augmented reality, and c) influence utilization of technology that minimizes distraction and maximizes attentiveness toward God and the world God loves.
This is a book that relentlessly pursues defining the goals of Christian education and then offers a plan in keeping with those goals. So many books in the field assume the goals and simply describe the methods. Not so Larry Richards. His biblical and theological analysis conveys an excitement that makes Christian education a mission, not just a responsibility. And still his approach is eminently practical, insightful, and motivational.
"With An Evangelizing Catechesis, James Pauley … reveals the essential link for catechists between who we are and what we teach. … In these pages, we encounter what we ourselves are challenged to do: boldly proclaim the Gospel with tenderness, patience, knowledge, and zeal." — Leonard J. DeLorenzo, PhD, University of Notre Dame, author of A God Who Questions The catechist is vitally important when it comes to teaching the Faith. No book, no program, no text, no training can replace the teacher. And that, my friend, is you. In An Evangelizing Catechesis: Teaching from Your Encounter with Christ, author and speaker James C. Pauley shows you how every form of catechesis must be evangelistic in nature, fully centered on Christ, and designed to draw students into a life of missionary discipleship. You are a living witness of the Faith, and your relationship with God, the Church, and the sacraments should animate your natural gifts and talents as you teach. This is what will bring about lasting fruit in your catechesis. Filled with powerful testimonies from catechists; the fundamentals of evangelization, catechesis, and discipleship; and even helpful connections for parents, An Evangelizing Catechesis will change your approach to teaching the Catholic Faith. It is perfect for parish catechists, Catholic school religion teachers, parish and diocesan catechetical leaders, youth ministers, RCIA coordinators, pastors, and parents.
Many children's teaching programs resemble carnivals instead of productive environments where a child can learn about Jesus Christ. This is often the result of having untrained teachers teaching Sunday school. Experienced Sunday school teacher, Cheryl Dunlop, fills this void by providing a practical teaching manual designed to ensure all those teaching Sunday school are equipped and motivated to do their best for the Lord. Follow Me as I Follow Christ explores issues like how to tell a story, methods of effective discipline, and interacting with individual needs of children. Divided into 52 weekly entries, it is designed to be read along with and help in teachers' class preparation.
Christian teachers have long been thinking about what content to teach, but little scholarship has been devoted to how faith forms the actual process of teaching. Is there a way to go beyond Christian perspectives on the subject matter and think about the teaching itself as Christian? In this book David I. Smith shows how faith can and should play a critical role in shaping pedagogy and the learning experience.
Far from offering a thin patina of "niceness" spread over standard educational philosophy, Steven Loomis and Paul Spears set forth a vigorous Christian philosophy of education that seeks to transform the practice of education. Beginning with a robust view of human nature, they build a case for a decidedly Christian view of education that still rightfully takes its place within the marketplace of public education.
