Christian Formation
Diocese
of Eastern Michigan
Ministries Resource Center
Subject: Christian
Formation
Topic: Theory
Theory and
Organization
The
following items are located at the
|
Ministries Resource Center Home Congregational/ Leadership Development Stewardship/Mission and Outreach An
Introduction to Godly Play Theory Curriculum:
|
Called
to Teach and Learn – ECUSA, A theological and philosophical discussion of the understanding of Christian Formation/ Education, mandated by General Convention in 1988; it is designed for the person or persons responsible for developing or reenergizing a Christian Education program in their congregation Discovering
Called to Teach and Learn – ECUSA, A resource to help “unpack” the information in Called to Teach and Learn The
Process of Educational Inquiry
– ECUSA-Office of Children’s Ministries, Educational Inquiry is created as a tool to create identity,
authority, and mission building; it helps work out Christian Education
programs, resources, and environments. There are 7 sessions to use over the
course of a year to determine just what your congregation is trying to reach.
The lessons are outlined, and resources and handouts are included in the
back. God,
Kids, & Us - Janet Marshall
Eibner and Susan Graham Walker, Morehouse Publishing, This book is designed to help you set up your Christian Education program; it includes a discussion of styles of programs, what is needed to get organized, looking at recruitment of volunteers, and evaluating the program. Many worksheets are included to be used or adapted as needed, and a list of resource books. It also has a copy of The Children's Charter for the Church. 3 copies Creative
Teaching Methods – Marlene D. LeFever, David C. Cook Publishing Co, Begins with a discussion of why it is helpful to go beyond lecture or “fill in the blanks” style teaching in a Sunday School classroom and talks about a variety of ways to get students-both child and adult-up, moving, and involved in the lesson. Includes discussion about and examples of drama, role play, mime, simulation games, discussion, creative writing, “joyful noises”, and art. Helpful and practical. Learning
Styles – Marlene D. LeFever, David C. Cook Publishing Co, A thorough discussion of four ways of learning followed by sample lessons which teach to all the learning styles; also looks briefly at uses of this knowledge outside of the classroom and at other ways of looking at the learning styles. Offering the
Gospel to Children – Gretchen
Wolff Pritchard, Cowley Publications, Pritchard took a serious look at Christian
Formation for children in the late 80’s to early 90’s and found it was not
helpful for most children; she offers a variety of ways to reform our classes
to help children grow spiritually. Many of her objections have been answered
in many places by greater use of Godly
Play, J2A, and other such programs, but her objections still ring true in
places. The joy of this book is that it not only raises questions and points
fingers, but it also offers possible answers. Part 3 is a lovely compendium
of ideas that can be used more or less as presented or adapted in a variety
of ways. Her greatest objection, however, is one we all have to continue to
wrestle with constantly, and that is that we “dumb down” our teaching, our
Bibles, our worship, before we allow children to use them; she believes they
learn and grow when confronted with true Christian mystery. An excellent book
with a long list of good resources at the end I
Love to Tell the Story - Lois A.
Stephens, Center for Christian Formation; This is a more practical discussion about starting or revitalizing a Christian Education program; it discusses "The content of learning and teaching," The process of learning and teaching," and "Resources for learning and teaching." The author was an education consultant with much experience, a pioneer in developing lay ministry, and a gifted storyteller. |
For more information or to borrow a
particular item, contact
Coordinator,
If you are a member of the Diocese of
or, for items found at the