This accessible introduction to the broad scope of Christian education focuses on its practice in the local church. Two leading experts argue that Christian education encompasses all of the intentional practices of the local church, including worship, mission, sacraments, and teaching. They explore Christian education not only as a field of study but as a vital congregational ministry, showing how congregations can engage in discipleship and formation for spiritual growth. The book features exercises and other pedagogical devices and includes reflection questions and suggestions for further reading.

While We Wait takes group participants deeper into their own journey toward God by providing weekly readings and group session plans. The first two chapters focus on the questions asked by Tamar, Zechariah, and Ruth, while the later chapters focus on the questions of Elizabeth, Mary, and the Magi. Coming from a fresh angle, While We Wait provides new territory for connecting readers with their own faith questions.

While We Wait addresses Advent as God's deepening search for us. The chapters move readers into the different levels in which we engage God. Redding helps readers understand that real-life struggles and questions are a legitimate part of Advent's spiritual exploration.

While We Wait takes group participants deeper into their own journey toward God by providing weekly readings and group session plans. A complete Advent study, While We Wait offers readers a unique perspective, clear instructions for small-group use, daily scripture accompanied by questions, and spiritual disciplines.

In the pantheon of publications related to women's educational history, there is little research concerning women's education in the context of the Baptist church. In Doing the Word: Southern Baptists' Carver School of Church Social Work and Its Predecessors, 1907-1997, T. Laine Scales and Melody Maxwell provide a complete history of this unique institution. By exploring the dynamic evolution of women's education through the lens of the women's training program for missions and social work at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, the authors show how the institution both expanded women's education and leadership and also came into tension with changes in the Southern Baptist Convention, ultimately resulting in its closing in 1997. A touchstone for women's studies and church history alike, Doing the Word reopens a lost chapter in the evolution of women's leadership during the twentieth century-a tumultuous period in which the Carver School, under significant pressure to reverse course, sought to expand the roles of women in leading the church.

The Christian churches have frequently pioneered educational advances from the seventh century down to the nineteenth. Schools, universities and colleges of education stand as tangible evidence of these efforts. Do all these ventures belong merely to educational history relics of the days when Christianity was influential enough to play a leading part in education? Or has Christianity still a distinctive contribution to make to educational thought and practice? The educationalists who contributed to the Hibbert Lectures of 1965 are convinced that it has. They examine the nature of this contribution and show how it is to be made a time when education seems to be mainly influenced by secular rather than religious assumptions and aims. The six lectures fall into two main parts. Christianity in the schools is the theme of the first three; Christianity in higher education that of the last three.

How teachers teach is not necessarily how learners learn. Educators focus on content delivery, but much of the learning process involves affective and behavioral factors. Veteran educators Muriel and Duane Elmer provide a holistic model for how learning takes place. Their learning cycle moves beyond mere recall of information to helping learners value and apply learning in ways that are integrated into behavior and practice. With insights from neuroscience, educational psychology, and learning theory, they address how the brain can become more receptive, how emotional environments affect learning, and how learning tasks and experiential exercises can help foster the development of skills and habit formation. They do so in the context of a thoroughly Christian framework that emphasizes not just knowledge, but character, integrity, and wisdom. Learning can be accomplished in and beyond the classroom to move from content mastery to life experience. Here are sound avenues for helping your students become the lifelong learners God intends.

An ideal book to read with children to wonder and learn about baptism, with illustrations that reflect the diversity of God's people. Grounded in the Episcopal liturgical tradition, it is an accessible and inviting introduction to baptism for children and families of many Christian traditions. While learning what occurs during a baptism service, the reader (both child and parent) will be guided through the sacramental and communal aspects of the celebration. Beautifully illustrated in full color, a dedication page encourages personalization of the book, making it a perfect baptism gift. A family section offers questions and suggests ways to go deeper in conversation about baptism, making it a resource that families will use again and again with their children.

Sixty-Six Books. One Story. All About One Name. Encounter the living Jesus in all of Scripture. From the Passion movement, The Jesus Bible, ESV Edition, lifts Jesus up as the lead story of the Bible and encourages you to faithfully follow him as you participate in his story. Profound yet accessible study features help you meet Jesus throughout Scripture. See him in every book so that you may know him more intimately, love him more passionately, and walk with him more faithfully. Features: Complete text of the English Standard Version (ESV) Introduction by Louie Giglio 66 book introductions highlight the story of Jesus in every book 6 compelling essays on the grand narrative of Scripture guide you to treasure Jesus Over 300 full-page articles and nearly 700 sidebar articles reveal Jesus throughout all of Scripture Room for notes and journaling throughout ESV concordance Two ribbon markers 8.7-point type size

Anna, the Voice of the Magdalenes, by Claire Heartsong and Catherine Ann Clemett, is the sequel to Claire Heartsong's first book, Anna, Grandmother of Jesus. Journey with Anna, the Holy Family and 18 other Magdalene-Essenes as they carry their work forward into France and Britain after Jesus's (Yeshua's) crucifixion and resurrection disclosing personal and deeply transforming experiences with the resurrected Yeshua. Receive a greater understanding of the Christ drama 2,000 years ago and its relevance to present-day humanity and your own awakening. Re-awaken the remembrance of Magdalene being and the Order of Consciousness, not just one individual. Discover how the Essenes of Yeshua's sect and the Holy Family were part of the Magdalene Order, revealing deeper mysteries they have safeguarded for eons of time including long-held secrets concerning Jesus's intimate life, relationships and children.

The 'Seeding of Light' is revealed - the dispersion of Anna's, Mother Mary's and Jesus's enlightened descendants whose 'bloodline' acts as a living catalyst for the awakening of your own Christ-Magdalene potential today. Long-held secrets are revealed which assist the lifting of the suppressed Divine Feminine/ Magdalene voice in our time.

This revised edition of the best-selling 2006 title now includes end-of-chapter questions for the readers as well as updated material sprinkled throughout to reflect what has occurred in the past 10-years in the church and world. The Five Marks of Mission and what it means to be a disciple of Christ will be a focus of this new version, which also models student-centered learning as opposed to teacher-driven instruction. For teen study and confirmation preparation, this book can serve as a curriculum for helping teens discover Scripture, church history, sacraments, the meaning and practice of prayer, and what ministry means in the lives of real teens today. A framework for small-group gatherings for each chapter is included as a new section in the back of the book. Bestseller revision to release in time for Confirmation season and in advance of the 2015 General Convention of the Episcopal Church Includes study guide questions, plus a new companion Leader's Guide Foreword by Dr. Lisa Kimball, Virginia Theological Seminary

* Experiential activities for celebrating the saints * For use in churches, schools, camps, and home settings Many of our experiences in life happen when several generations are together - at church, at home, in our communities. Often we only celebrate the saints on All Saints Sunday or when a particular saint is commemorated in a secular way. This volume in the Faithful Celebration series focuses on some well-known and some not-so-well-known saints, many who are not all officially "sainted" but certainly having lived a life of faith under difficult circumstances. Each event recalling a particular saint includes key ideas, a cluster of activities to experience the key ideas, materials needed, full instructions for implementation, background history and information, music, art, recipes, and prayer resources to use in a small, intimate or large multi-generational group. For children, youth, adults, or any combination of ages any of these activities can take place in any setting. Faithful Celebrations: Making Time for God with the Saints - Patrick of Ireland - Nicholas of Myra - Joan of Arc - Sebastian of Gaul - Absalom Jones of Philadelphia - Julian of Norwich - Emmegahbowh of White Earth

* Eight noted theologians, each speaking on a topic of science * Builds on popular videos from the Day 1 radio program Science or faith? The battle rages, from millennials and GenXers questioning the relevance of religion to older adults who doubt the validity of science (and vice versa), but these two are not mutually exclusive. They can, in fact, be mutually enriching and complimentary, once their proper domains are understood and respected. The Episcopal Church, with its tradition of the "via media," offers an ideal setting for conversations seeking to bridge the often antagonistic perspectives on both sides. Faith and Science in the 21st Century presents a way to start that conversation. Built on existing videos produced by the popular Day 1 program with assistance from a John Templeton Foundation grant, this series features notable faith leaders across the denominational spectrum in 3 to 5 minute video presentations on scientific topics in which they are experts. Intended for use in a variety of settings, including congregations, schools, and campus ministries, it can be presented as an eight-session series of studies, but each session can also stand on its own for a one-time formation offering. A single video download will offer all video presentations. This Leader Guide enables facilitators to foster fruitful discussions of each session topic. It includes an introduction about the program and how it can be used, and eight detailed session plans to utilize with a downloadable video sold separately on the Day 1 website.

A concrete guide for churches wanting to use Godly Play with adults. Written by Rebecca McClain, a long-time "Godly Player" and member of the Godly Play Foundation Board, presents the case for the use of Godly Play with adults. Rebecca lays out four creative "courses" for adults: The Heavenly Banquet -- for preparing adults for baptism, confirmation, and reaffirmation of vows (12 weeks); Dessert Only -- for preparing families who are beginning Godly Play; Slow Cooking -- a Godly Play retreat weekend; and Coffee and Cream -- using Godly Play on Sunday Mornings (12 weeks). Requiring the use of lessons from the Complete Guide to Godly Play (which are not included in the book), Graceful Nurture offers background on Godly Play, including why and how to use it with adults, and in depth notes and suggestions for 12 key Godly Play lessons, including how to adapt them for an adult audience. The four "courses" all build on these 12 lessons.

This Leader Guide contains nine sessions for engaging high school students, (ages 14-18 years) in conversation about faith and sexuality in the These Are Our Bodies program, helping participants and their adult parents or guardians deepen their connection between God, the Bible, and sexuality. Each session uses scripture as an integral piece of the program using the NRSV or Common English Bible translation. Facilitators and small group leaders will find detailed planning information as well as background and useful information to employ the program in your church or community in a variety of settings: youth group, Christian education, camps, or retreats. Comprised of two sections, "The Introduction" provides the goals of the curriculum, describes parts of each lesson, and provides all needed information for leaders to implement the program. The second section offers nine full session plans that have five parts that work together to create a hands-on, interactive approach to learning: Gather, Grow, Grapple, Guide, and Go. These offer creative and playful ways to engage with the material and participants in ways that provide intentional group formation, engage the nature of high schoolers, offer time to wrestle with new material, provide words of blessing and affirmation, and allow time to move from the sessions back into the world. The Facilitator leads each session with the help of Small-Group Leaders who facilitate the games, activities, and discussions. SESSION 1: This is Our Introduction (John 15:16-17; Luke 2:41-52; Luke 19:45-48) SESSION 2: This is Our Language (Proverbs 19:2; Ephesians 4:25-32) SESSION 3: This is Our Value System (Philippians 4:8; Romans 7:14-25) SESSION 4: This is Our Identity (Psalm 139:13-16; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27) SESSION 5: This is Our Self Image (Genesis 1:26; Genesis 3:1-11) SESSION 6: This is Our Relationship (Ephesians 4:25; 1 Corinthians 13) SESSION 7: This is Our Health (Proverbs 2:10-11; Matthew 13:10-17) SESSION 8: This is Our Dignity (Matthew 22:37-39; Luke 8:40-56) SESSION 9: This is Our Theology (Isaiah 30:21; John 14:1-14)

As science and politics engage in a never-ending battle over the environment, A Life of Grace for the Whole World re-claims the theology of salvation and redemption for all creation. Using the House of Bishop's Pastoral Teaching on the Environment -- the first statement on the environment from The Episcopal Church leadership -- as a guide, A Life of Grace engages participants in understanding how the call to care for Creation informs and deepens appreciation and love for God and God's work in Creation, and how that finds expression in the faith life of individuals and churches. The adult sessions use Bible study, discussion questions, reflections on sections of the Book of Common Prayer, and other activities to encourage active learning. Each week participants are asked to reflect, in different ways, on their faith communities and their own spiritual journey and how they can find a more meaningful connection with God's active work among all creation. The youth section, which parallels the adult sessions, encourages active engagement through viewing of videos, use of technology, and a range of activities. Exploratory questions for the facilitator allow for open-ended conversation and discussion of current events around environment and faith. Connecting the five-week session is the creation of a Tree of Life, which is added to during every session. Both an Adult Booklet and a Youth Booklet enhance the experience of A Life of Grace, both within and outside of the sessions, with additional content, activities, and journaling space.

As science and politics engage in a never-ending battle over the environment, A Life of Grace for the Whole World re-claims the theology of salvation and redemption for all creation. Using the House of Bishop's Pastoral Teaching on the Environment -- the first statement on the environment from The Episcopal Church leadership -- as a guide, A Life of Grace engages participants in understanding how the call to care for Creation informs and deepens appreciation and love for God and God's work in Creation, and how that finds expression in the faith life of individuals and churches. The adult sessions use Bible study, discussion questions, reflections on sections of the Book of Common Prayer, and other activities to encourage active learning. Each week participants are asked to reflect, in different ways, on their faith communities and their own spiritual journey and how they can find a more meaningful connection with God's active work among all creation. The youth section, which parallels the adult sessions, encourages active engagement through viewing of videos, use of technology, and a range of activities. Exploratory questions for the facilitator allow for open-ended conversation and discussion of current events around environment and faith. Connecting the five-week session is the creation of a Tree of Life, which is added to during every session. Both an Adult Booklet and a Youth Booklet enhance the experience of A Life of Grace, both within and outside of the sessions, with additional content, activities, and journaling space.

What are your gifts? How are you using your abilities to grow God's kingdom? In Ministering Through Spiritual Gifts, you will find how to pinpoint your God-given strengths by exploring the seven gifts listed in Romans 12. You will be challenged to consciously develop these gifts-not for your own personal gain, but to minister to others. Challenging, thought-provoking, and deeply rooted in Scripture, this Bible study calls you to deeper service to the Lord as you embrace the ministry gifts He has given you. The Charles Stanley Bible Studies are a unique approach to Bible study, incorporating biblical truth, personal insights, emotional responses, and a call to action. Each study draws on Dr. Stanley's many years of teaching on the guiding principles found in God's Word, showing how we can apply them in practical ways to every situation we face. This edition of the series has been completely revised and updated and includes two brand-new lessons from Dr. Stanley.

* Faith formation resource for young adults on human sexuality * For use in congregational and campus ministry settings Our inherent value and worth comes from God's love for us, but our modern world is filled with sexual expression that too often leads us away from the life of Christ. As Christians seeking to live a life worthy of our calling and desiring to pass along these values to our children and youth, these books (Leader Guide and Participant Book) offer session plans with activities for Young Adults (ages 18-30) to explore issues of sexuality in the context of our faith, building on the foundational book of the same name and as part of the These Are Our Bodies program resource. Session topics include: * Holiness * Intimacy * Covenant * Love * Biology * Communication * What is Sacred? * Power and Parity * Mind, Body, and Soul * Brokenness and Shame * Our Bodies: Currency and Creators

As science and politics engage in a never-ending battle over the environment, A Life of Grace for the Whole World re-claims the theology of salvation and redemption for all creation. Using the House of Bishop's Pastoral Teaching on the Environment -- the first statement on the environment from The Episcopal Church leadership -- as a guide, A Life of Grace engages participants in understanding how the call to care for Creation informs and deepens appreciation and love for God and God's work in Creation, and how that finds expression in the faith life of individuals and churches. The adult sessions use Bible study, discussion questions, reflections on sections of the Book of Common Prayer, and other activities to encourage active learning. Each week participants are asked to reflect, in different ways, on their faith communities and their own spiritual journey and how they can find a more meaningful connection with God's active work among all creation. The youth section, which parallels the adult sessions, encourages active engagement through viewing of videos, use of technology, and a range of activities. Exploratory questions for the facilitator allow for open-ended conversation and discussion of current events around environment and faith. Connecting the five-week session is the creation of a Tree of Life, which is added to during every session. Both an Adult Booklet and a Youth Booklet enhance the experience of A Life of Grace, both within and outside of the sessions, with additional content, activities, and journaling space.

Shawn J. Wilhite's commentary on the Didache complements the study of early Christianity through historical, literary, and theological readings of the Apostolic Fathers, seeking to be mindful of critical scholarship while commenting on a final-form text. The Didache includes a brief introduction to this relevant text, the use of Scripture by the Didachist, and the theology of the Didache. The commentary proceeds section by section with a close ear to the text of the Didache, relevant early Christian literature, and current scholarship.