Faith left on rocky soil withers. But faith nurtured in the good soil of Christian teaching, formation, and mentorship grows to maturity and yields thriving community. Educational ministries are so often where this happens—where the desires of the human heart are shaped toward a love for God, a love for one’s neighbor, and a love for the world. In this comprehensive guide to educational ministries in the twenty-first century, Fred Edie and Mark Lamport explore how church leaders and others involved in Christian education can nurture a robust, cruciform faith within their communities. When discussing strategies and goals, Edie and Lamport consider a range of contexts and a variety of related fields that might give insight into educational ministry: theology, pedagogy, philosophy, social science, and more. Those working with any age group—children, adolescents, and adults—will find a relevant discussion of key underlying theological themes, a guide to concrete practices, and indispensable help in navigating shifting cultural dynamics. Exceedingly practical and consistent with the teachings of the gospel, the wisdom in this book will speak to all who long to foster discipleship in their church, school, or missional community. Key Features A “Road Map” at the beginning of each chapter concisely introduces the chapter’s topic and essential themes. Sidebars throughout the text provide deeper insight into particular important or nuanced concepts. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter facilitate further reflection, especially in conversation with others. Suggestions for further reading are provided at the end of each chapter for those interested in exploring the chapter’s ideas in greater depth. Concluding the book is a series of afterwords from experts in the field of Christian educational ministries: Martyn Percy, Almeda Wright, Craig Dykstra, Kirsten Oh, Elizabeth DeGaynor, and Thomas Groome.

""Wimberly's latest work presents pastors, church lay leaders and scholars with a new lens to think critically and joyously about how Christian education undergirds and supports the worship experience in nurturing faith and hope in black parishioners."" --David L. Wallace, Sr., Dean, Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary The Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia ""This highly recommended work provides a thoughtful yet comprehensive framework of the black Christian worshipping community as the context where faith and hope are nurtured."" --Marsha Snulligan Haney, Associate Professor of Missiology and Religions of the World, The Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia ""This is a must read for all pastors and worship designers who desire to make worship relevant for African American Congregations."" --Cecelia M. Long, former General Secretariat of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women in the United Methodist Church ""Innovative, dynamic, thought provoking, and inspiring. A must read for pastors, church leaders, Christian educators, and anyone interested in revitalizing Christian education in the 21st Century."" --Yolanda Y. Smith, Assistant Professor of Christian Education, Yale University Divinity School, and author of Reclaiming the Spirituals: New Possibilities for African American Christian Education ""Dr. Wimberly has seized upon the, heretofore, unspoken wisdom of the black church . . . Local church laity and clergy will easily access this fine work for local churches."" --Lynne Westfield, Assistant Professor of Christian Education, Drew Theological School, Madison, New Jersey ""Wimberly understands comprehensively the ways education is embodied in congregational life. Indeed, she invites us to nurture faith and hope."" --Jack L. Seymour, Professor of Religious Education and Academic Dean, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston. Illinois Anne E. Streaty Wimberly is Professor of Christian Education at The Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. She is the author of several books including Soul Stories: African American Christian Education (1994).

The great Christian thinker and author C. S. Lewis said that often it is not teaching that we require; occasionally what we need is a reminder of what we already know. In this collection of meditations, my son, Nathanael, and I hope to remind you of what you already know--that we belong to a God that seeks a relationship with us. God is not content with our admiration. God desires a relationship in which we are eager to know more and to experience more of God's power, love, and strength for the challenges that we must confront each day. Intentional time each day engaging God's word in the Bible provides fresh inspiration and increases our desire to reach the next concentric circle in our relationship with God.

Discover the Strength of Faith in Times of Crisis In a world often riddled with uncertainty and chaos, there emerges a beacon of hope, reassurance, and unwavering strength. "Saving Faith's Lifeline: Resilience in Times of Turmoil" is not just a book; it's a clarion call to all seeking solace amidst life's unpredictable storms. Delve into the profound exploration of what defines biblical saving faith and uncover the historical perspectives that have shaped our understanding through the ages. As challenges arise, learn how recognizing faith's power can transform despair into resilience, offering refuge in the toughest of times. This book illuminates the pathways to cultivating resilience through spiritual practices, drawing from age-old scriptures and practical techniques to fortify your spirit. Discover how to embrace life's challenges as gateways to growth and develop steadfast trust in the divine journey set before you. As doubt and fear threaten your peace, embrace strategies to overcome them with faith as your armor. Experience the transformative power of fervent prayer, understanding its pivotal role in building an effective prayer life that impacts your resilience profoundly. Find hope even amidst trials as the relationship between hope and faith lights your path through dark moments. Navigate personal crises with insights drawn from scripture and learn how biblical lessons apply to modern-day challenges. This book offers faith-based coping strategies essential for daily life, alongside long-term biblical practices to guide your journey. Personal stories of perseverance echo throughout, providing inspiration and valuable lessons from those who have walked through the fire and emerged with a faith that endures. Allow "Saving Faith's Lifeline: Resilience in Times of Turmoil" to be your guidepost in sustaining faith beyond chaos and preparing you for the future challenges of your spiritual journey.

This groundbreaking addition to Alban's acclaimed Money, Faith, and Lifestyle Series creates a mosaic of what is happening - and could happen - in American Jewish and Christian congregations to cultivate in young people a deep and lasting commitment to giving and serving.

"This book provides an overview of Glaserian grounded theory and its application to nursing research. It is easy to understand and should serve as a good reference for anyone using grounded theory method." Score: 93, 4 stars --Doody's This book illustrates the development of the Grounded Theory (GT) method as applied to nursing research. Initially developed by Glaser & Strauss (1967), and further described by Glaser in Theoretical Sensitivity (1978), this groundbreaking research method proposes that the first step is to collect data, and subsequently generate the theory that emerges from that data. In essence, this method allows theory to capture experience. The authors present an engaging overview of the GT method, followed by examples of early modes of GT studies. The book focuses on how novice researchers, working at the descriptive level, can apply GT to their nursing research with sensitivity to emerging theoretical codes. Key Features: Guidelines for using Glaserian grounded theory in nursing research Readable research designs suitable for novice researchers Techniques of conceptual mapping to assist in the analytical process Use of emergent theoretical codes to enhance and integrate descriptive theory Testing of completed research in intervention programs in clinical practice Supplementary online materials with definitions of the different modes of GT, a presentation of the Intersystem Model, and more

As a pioneer in the sustainable business movement, Smith & Hawken co-founder Dave Smith is on a mission to inspire people everywhere to reconcile compassionate values with capitalism. To Be of Use shows that business can be a force for radical change and paints a picture of how those driven by simple core values can make the world a better place. The book is a fascinating combination of Smith’s own transformation and rise in sustainable business with an inspirational manifesto of what meaningful work is and how we can find it.

By mining the rich tradition of virtue ethics, Christopher Vogt uses the virtues of patience, compassion, and hope as a framework for specifying the shape of a good death, and for naming the practices Christians should develop to live well and die well. Bringing together historical, biblical, and contemporary sources in Christian ethics, Vogt provides a long-overdue theological analysis of the ars moriendi or "art of dying" literature of four centuries ago. Through a careful analysis of Luke's passion narrative, Vogt uses Jesus as the primary model for being patient in the face of death and for dying well.

This book is based directly on the experience and wisdom of those who have established energy-touch healing ministries in congregational settings.

This book challenges American Presbyterians to remember their calling as Christians. The author believes that Presbyterians are summoned to a character of life that will awaken and address the religious questions of today with powerful and persuasive Christian perspectives and answers. By recognizing again the message of the good news of the gospel and by speaking directly to our world, the authors tell how American Presbyterians can recover their identity as Reformed Christians and continue to make a creative contribution to the witness of the church in the world. Through its examination of American Presbyterianism, the Presbyterian Presence series illuminates patterns of change in mainstream Protestantism and American religious and cultural life in the twentieth century.