"We know how to be teenagers. We want [the church] to show us how to be adults." --Kristin, aged 17

Two-thirds of today's teens are interested in having a meaningful relationship with God, yet less than one-third of them are active in a local church. Alvin Reid--an experienced pastor, professor, evangelist, and youth ministry speaker--suggests these statistics are more an indictment of the way the church does youth ministry than of the teens they try to reach.

Today's generation of teens is marked by teamwork, authenticity, and a "can-do" attitude. They are much more than kids finishing childhood--an erroneous perspective of many in the church, and one that drives what often passes for effective youth ministry. Teens are young adults with incredible potential who need to learn how to be Christian adults. This compelling book provides an impassioned plea for the church to set a higher standard; to reinvent the fundamental ways we minister to teens and their families.

"[This book] is not for the faint of heart or those who are intimidated by this culture. It is written for those who are deadly serious about reaching and keeping this Digital generation. . . an unreached people group, 'a tribe apart' with their own language, values, customs and dress." --Jay Strack
President, StudentLeadership.net

Alvin L. Reid (Ph.D., M.Div., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of evangelism and the Bailey Smith Chair of Evangelism at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of seven books, including Radically Unchurched, Introduction to Evangelism, and Light the Fire: Raising a Generation to Live Radically for Jesus.

6-8 sessions. The Miracles of Jesus will help learners experience the miracles as part of the redemptive work of Jesus and to understand these miracles as a testimony to Jesus identity, as depicted in the Gospels. Included are: Jesus as a miracle-working figure, Healing as symbolic action, such as rethinking the purpose of the Sabbath, Exorcisms, Portents miracles showing Jesus divine authority and Old Testament predecessors, such as Moses and Elijah, Miracles, or signs, in the Gospel of John, Miracles as signs of the early church, Miracles of healing and touch, and Jesus and miracles beyond the Gospels. DAVID OTTO is an Associate Professor of Religion at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana, and a nationally recognized speaker and provocative scholar. Dr. Otto is the author of several books and is a featured workshop leader throughout the church."

" Do you ever wonder why Jeffrey talks all of the time?
Or why Toni can't sit still? Or why Alex loves work sheets?
Or why Jordan is always trying something new?
""
Each chapter is fun to read, stimulating, and immensely practical. This book is valuable to teachers, and for preachers, too.
"DAVID R. MAINS
DIRECTOR
CHAPEL OF THE AIR
"
It's about time. "Creative Teaching Methods "is not just another book on the theory of creativity (which we don't need). Rather, it is a book on the practice of creativity in the classroom (which we desperately need). This is a book you will use over and over again.
"Creative Teaching Methods "is loaded with practical and usable ideas that will make creative teaching a reality in your classroom. Without hesitation, I would recommend this book to anyone who teaches young people or adults.
"MIKE YACONELLI
PRESIDENT
YOUTH SPECIALTIES
"
Marlene LeFever makes the principle of learning through creative participation come alive for Christian education. Creative methods are vividly and invitingly explored for their potential for deepening the spiritual life through new ways of hearing the Word of God and using heretofore untapped personal resources in responding to it. Unique in its assumption that in Christian education creativity is just as essential in work with youth and adults as it is in work with children.
""
"D. CAMPBELL WYCKOFF
PROFESSOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION EMERITUS
PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Marlene D. LeFever is Manager of Ministry Relations for David C. Cook Church Ministries, holds a master of Christian education and is a frequent speaker at Sunday School conventions, writers' conferences, and professional organizations. Editor of "Teacher Touch, "a quarterly letter of affirmation for Sunday School teachers, Marlene has authored over ten books, including "Creative Teaching Methods "(Cook), "Creative Hospitality "(Tyndale), and Is "Your To Do List About To Do You In? "(NavPress).

This popular, comprehensive Bible-reading program for individuals and group study offers a sweeping introduction to biblical themes and concepts. Complete with a detailed reading schedule for every day of one year,The Year of the Bibleleads participants to a better understanding of Scripture and a greater sense of community within the church. Newcomers to Scripture and longtime Bible readers alike will find their Christian faith enhanced and feel a sense of accomplishment from reading the Bible in its entirety. James E. Davison helps congregations put the program together and keep it going when enthusiasm flags.

The canon for Catholic social teaching spreads to six hundred pages,yet fewer than two pages are devoted to Catholic social learning or pedagogy. In this long-needed book, Roger Bergman begins to correct that gross imbalance. He asks: How do we educate ("lead out") the faith that does justice? How is commitment to social justice provoked and sustained over a lifetime? To address these questions, Bergman weaves what he has learned from thirty years as a faith-that-does-justice educator with the best of current scholarship and historical authorities. He reflects on personal experience; the experience of Church leaders, lay activists, and university students; and the few words the tradition itself has to say about a pedagogy for justice. Catholic Social Learning explores the foundations of this pedagogy, demonstrates its practical applications, and illuminates why and how it is fundamental to Catholic higher education. Part I identifies personal encounters with the poor and marginalized as key to stimulating a hunger and thirst for justice. Part II presents three applications of Catholic social learning: cross-cultural immersion as illustrated by Creighton University's Semestre Dominicano program; community-based service learning; and the teaching of moral exemplars such as Dorothy Day, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and Archbishop Oscar Romero. Part III then elucidates how a pedagogy for justice applies to the traditional liberal educational mission of the Catholic university, and how it can be put into action. Catholic Social Learning is both a valuable, practical resource for Christian educators and an important step forward in the development of a transformative pedagogy.

"Do you ever wonder why Jeffrey talks all of the time?
Or why Toni can't sit still? Or why Alex loves work sheets?
Or why Jordan is always trying something new?
""
""Learning Styles "answers these questions and more. Effective learning follows a natural four-step process that answers these four questions:
- WHY DO I NEED THIS?
- WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT MY NEED?
- HOW DOES WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ACTUALLY WORK?
- HOW WILL I USE WHAT I HAVE LEARNED?
By answering each of these questions, we will appeal to the four learning styles: Imaginative, Analytic, Common Sense, and Dynamic. A learning style is the way in which a person sees or perceives things best and then uses that knowledge. When we understand learning styles and adjust our teaching or parenting to those styles, we begin reaching everyone God gives us to teach.
"A wonderful book capable of teaching us how we learn . . . and what to do with all that knowledge once we've learned it. Practical, helpful, and an eye-opening book for all of us in the teaching trade--from mothers to professors! I heartily recommend this be a" "must for your bookshelf. "
JILL BRISCOE, AUTHOR, SPEAKER
Learning Styles "displays Marlene LeFever at her best. Few people see others in terms of their learning capability. Fewer still dedicate themselves to the study of how understanding occurs. Marlene long ago grabbed my attention and admiration with her teaching skills. Her insights deserve thoughtful reading by every teacher and meaningful discussion in every teacher training meeting. Learning should stir up" "pleasure and she shows us how. "
HOWARD G. HENDRICKS, CHAIRMAN
CENTER FOR CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP DALLAS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
." . . great teachers and preachers throughout the history of the church have realized the importance of answering the why, what, so what, and how questions.... The author has isolated and tied these elements to the teaching context so that their incorporation will be purposeful. Anyone involved in the communication process will be benefitted by "Learning Styles....
DR. TONY EVANS, PASTOR
OAK CLIFF BIBLE FELLOWSHIP DALLAS, TEXAS
"Easy reading, but not simplistic. Many authors ask hard questions; Marlene dares to suggest answers.... We now have no excuse for careless teaching.
"MICHAEL S. LAWSON, PH D., PRESIDENT
PROFESSIONAL ASSOC. OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS (PACE)

This exposition, a standard in the field, was written to aid the church in recovering with certainty the rich heritage of the Reformation faith.

Lily McKinley discovers that a strange illness has taken over the Somnium Realm. Where is Prince Pax to save the kingdom like he did before? She and her friends must return to Castle Iridyll to find out.

Instruments in God's Hands is designed for tenth grade students. It can also be used for grades nin, eleven or twelve. In the first unit, students develop scriptural principles they will apply as they examin various ethical questions. In the second unit, students review God's promises to them. In units three to eight, students wrestle with questions related to sex, the human body, marriage, government, and interpersonal relationships. 9 units. 45 sessions.

Which Way is the Right Way is designed for eleventh grade students, but may be used in grades nine, ten, or twelve. It provides an overview of the Christian faith, the major non-Christian world religions, and of various movements within Christianity. This is a 45 session course.

All Things Anglican offers a lively and accessible introduction to Anglicanism for anyone wanting to know what makes it distinctive. Whether you are training for Anglican orders, are curious about another denomination or would like to join an Anglican Church, this guide will introduce you to the basics of Anglican identity and the ways of the Church of England. Sections include: - Why do they do things differently down the road? The breadth of Anglican church traditions; - Holy, Holy, Holy - understanding Anglican liturgy; - Reformed and Catholic? - a potted history; - We Believe - a guide to the Creeds; - An Anglican A-Z - a glossary of essential terms.

This new 4-volume series presents an imaginative approach for telling scripture stories that invites children to wonder about themselves, God and the world in a way that is playful and meaningful to them. Based on the Montessori teaching method, Godly Play outlines specific storytelling techniques and use of story figures that encourage children to respond through a variety of creative activities. This method is greatly respectful of the innate spirituality of children and encourages them to use their curiosity and imagination to experience the mystery and joy of God.

Volume 1 contains all of the material you will need to become familiar with the Godly Play approach, with detailed information on creating a special space for children and techniques for presenting each lesson.

Did God Name the Stars? What were the Original Names of the Stars? Why was Early Man so Preoccupied with the Heavens? What is the Secret Message Hidden in the Heavens? What Significance Does this Message Hold for Astrologers? This book is filled with amazing, documented proof of the earliest names of the stars, and the startling message contained in those names. The deciphering of the star names has given a revelation from the heart of the Intelligence behind creation. Research includes material from the British Museum dating back to before 2700 B.C. A clear explanation is given showing that early man had a sophisticated knowledge of the one true God

Bridging Theory and Practice in Children's Spirituality explores the different contexts, methods, and situations that influence and foster a child's spirituality and faith development. Through a blend of theoretical understanding held in tension with practical application, it equips those who are in, or being prepared for, the varied contexts where children are spiritually formed. It represents a broad range of Christian expression writing from a Christ-centered perspective that furthers the conversation about the next steps in children's spirituality and faith development. Moving beyond the basics of faith nurture and what makes for effective ministry, this resource deepens our understanding of the practices in children's lives by bringing together the best of theory and practice and includes contributions from: Dr. Scottie May (Wheaton College) Dr. Kevin Lawson (Biola University) Dr. Erik Carter (Vanderbilt University) John Roberto (Vibrant Faith) Dr. Dana Kennamer Pemberton (Abilene Christian University) Dr. Shirley Morganthaler (Concordia University - Chicago) Dr. Holly Catterton Allen (Lipscomb University) Dr. Robert Keeley (Calvin College and Calvin Seminary) Dr. Mimi Larson (Wheaton College) Lacy Finn Borgo ( Renovare Institute) and others. Pastors, professors, seminary students and children's ministry leaders and practitioners all believe that nurturing a child's spiritual development is important. Yet often they are unsure about which current trends should be embraced. This book will help equip these people with the grounding needed to evaluate trends and with specific suggestions for moving forward. With short, accessibly written chapters it helps pastors and leaders stay up to date with current trends and is an excellent resource for teaching in college and seminary classrooms.