Download or read book Exploring Children s Spiritual Formation written by Shirley K. Morgenthaler and published by . This book was released on 1999 with total page 311 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Spiritual Conversations with Children written by Lacy Finn Borgo and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2020-03-10 with total page 183 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When children have a listening companion who hears, acknowledges, and encourages their early experiences with God, it creates a spiritual footprint that shapes their lives. Lacy Finn Borgo draws on her experience of practicing spiritual direction with children as she introduces key skills for engaging kids in spiritual conversations, offering sample dialogues, prayers to use together, and ideas for play, art, and movement.

Download or read book Understanding Children s Spirituality written by Kevin E. Lawson and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2012-03-22 with total page 454 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How important is childhood in the spiritual formation of a person? How do children experience God in the context of their lives as they grow? What does God do in the lives of children to draw them to himself and help them grow into a vital relationship with him? How can adults who care about children better support their spiritual growth and direct it toward relationship with God through Jesus Christ? These are critical questions that church leaders face as they consider how best to nurture the faith of the children God brings into our lives. In this book, over two dozen Christian scholars and ministry leaders explore important issues about the spiritual life of children and ways parents, church leaders, and others who care about children can promote their spiritual formation.

Download or read book Exploring and Engaging Spirituality for Today s Children written by La Verne Tolbert and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2014-05-19 with total page 461 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Exploring and Engaging Spirituality for Today's Children: A Holistic Approach answers questions about the most effective ways to help children, pre-teens, and teens develop spiritually. This collection of research gleaned from presentations during the Fourth Triennial Children's Spirituality Conference at Concordia University in 2012 is divided into four major sections: (1) theological and historical foundations, (2) engaging parents and congregations, (3) engaging methodologies, and (4) exploring children at risk, child pornography, social justice, intercultural diversity, and abstinence education. Researchers acknowledge that the home is the foundation for Christian nurture. In Exploring and Engaging Spirituality for Today's Children, both scholars and ministry leaders come together with parents to promote a holistic environment where children are encouraged to love, respect, and obey God. From birth to high school, children's voices resonate throughout these studies as they are invited to share their reflections and experiences. Exploring and Engaging Spirituality for Today's Children is a lively, easy-to-read collection that reflects a broad range of faith traditions and is ideal for all those who are committed to the spiritual development of children.

Download or read book Bridging Theory and Practice in Children s Spirituality written by Zondervan, and published by Zondervan. This book was released on 2020-04-21 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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 ( Renovaré 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.

Download or read book Listening to Children on the Spiritual Journey written by Catherine Stonehouse and published by Baker Academic. This book was released on 2010-06-01 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How do children experience and understand God? How can adults help children grow their life of faith? Throughout more than a decade of field research, children's spirituality experts Catherine Stonehouse and Scottie May listened to children talk about their relationships with God, observed children and their parents in learning and worship settings, and interviewed adults about their childhood faith experiences. This accessibly written book weaves together their findings to offer a glimpse of the spiritual responsiveness and potential of children. Through case studies, it provides insight into children's perceptions of God and how they process their faith. In addition, the book suggests how parents, teachers, and ministry leaders can more effectively relate to and work with children and pre-adolescents to nurture their faith, offering a helpful picture of adults and children on the spiritual journey together.

Download or read book Children s Spirituality written by Donald Ratcliff and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 424 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Description: This pacesetting text considers a wide variety of topics related to the spiritual development of children. The chapters grew out of presentations at the first major conference to consider these important topics from a distinctly Christian perspective. The first section considers the important task of defining spirituality and summarizes some views of the spirituality of children, as reflected in history, theology and the Bible. Social influences on children's spirituality are considered, as well as how brain activity relates to spiritual experiences. The second major section highlights children's spirituality in the home. Here the development of the concept of God is considered, as well as how parents and children work together to construct understandings of spirituality. A third section reflects upon the spirituality of children in the church, including alternative perspectives of how spiritual growth and experience are best encouraged in that setting. The distinctive aspects of African American children and Latino children's spirituality are given careful attention. Schools and other settings are examined in the fourth section of the book, with an emphasis upon moral learning, encouraging faith development with preschoolers, how spirituality helps children cope with serious medical conditions and the stresses related to being children of missionaries, and best practices in reaching inner city children. The book concludes with a chapter that examines how Christians' views of children's spirituality are changing, and anticipates a follow up conference in the near future. Endorsements: ""Here are essays on young people that tell of their various ways of seeking God's presence in their ongoing lives--an aspect of faith observed and discussed with intelligence and sensitivity. Here is a book many of us will greatly value--its wisdom an important presence in our effort to understand children."" --Dr. Robert Coles, Professor of Psychiatry and Medical Humanities at Harvard Medical School, and author of The Spiritual Life of Children ""This extraordinary book is a must read for all who teach and practice religious education. It gathers, with breadth and depth, the best current research from an exploding renewal in the study of the spirituality and religious development of children. Teachers, students, and scholars dedicated to understanding and nurturing our children's growth in faith will find this rich volume indispensable."" --James W. Fowler, author of Stages of Faith and C.H. Candler Professor of Theology and Human Development Director, The Center for Ethics, Emory University ""Written in the best of the Evangelical tradition, Children's Spirituality is a must read for all those interested in children, the spiritual life, and Christian formation. Descriptive phrases include: well conceived and edited, clearly written and well documented, thorough and all-encompassing, academically sound and popular, combining research and practical application."" --The Rev. Dr. John Westerhoff, formerly Professor of Theology and Christian Nurture at Duke University, he is Theologian-in-Residence at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Atlanta, Georgia About the Contributor(s): Donald Ratcliff is Professor of Psychology at Vanguard University. He received his Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Georgia. He has studied children's spiritual development for more than 25 years and has edited several books related to this topic, including the 'Handbook of Children's Religious Education' and the 'Handbook of Preschool Religious Education.' He is also the editor or coauthor of six other books and more than two dozen journal articles and book chapters.

Download or read book Children s Ministry and the Spiritual Child written by Robin Turner and published by ACU Press. This book was released on 2023-06-06 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: God is at work in the lives of children. Most ministers are looking for inspiration but feel overwhelmed. Children's Ministry and the Spiritual Child offers practical tools with evidence-based research in an easy-to-read format, perfect for engaging and equipping passionate yet busy children's ministry leaders. Learn from the wisdom and research of some of the leading thinkers in the field of children's spirituality about best practices of ministry in both personal and community settings. - Section 1: Reviews ways to engage a child's innate spiritual capacity - Section 2: Considers the equipping role a family plays in a child's spiritual life - Section 3: Outlines intergenerational involvement in a child's faith formation - Section 4: Offers advice for care and compassion for children when trauma happens - Section 5: Brings everything together with hands-on ideas for putting the research to use

Download or read book Joining Children on the Spiritual Journey written by Catherine Stonehouse and published by Baker Academic. This book was released on 1998-03 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Analyzes the spiritual formation of young children and calls for renewed attention to scripture and the involvement of families in the process.

Download or read book Nurturing Children s Spirituality written by Holly Allen and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2008-03-01 with total page 416 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Children's spiritual development is currently a hot topic in Christian circles, as well as in other fields and disciplines such as educational psychology, medicine, developmental psychology, education, and sociology. The key question for Christian scholars and educators is "How do Christian beliefs and practices uniquely interrelate with children's spirituality?" In 2003 and again in 2006, a national conference entitled "Children's Spirituality Conference: Christian Perspectives" examined children's spirituality from a distinctly Christian standpoint. This book is a collection of the best materials from the 2006 conference. The first half of the book addresses definitional, historical, and theological concerns related to spiritual development in children. The second half explores best practices for fostering spiritual growth among our children--in our homes, families, churches, Christian schools, and among special populations of children--from a wide spectrum of Christian scholars and practitioners. The volume closes with John Westerhoff's moving keynote address and Catherine Stonehouse and Scottie May's eloquent, culminating plenary address. Nurturing Children's Spirituality provides a rich cross section of the current research and writing by Christian scholars on children's spirituality. Contributors: Holly Catterton Allen, Michael J. Anthony, Stacy Berg, Chris J. Boyatzis, MaLesa Breeding, Marilyn Brownlee, Linda V. Callahan, Jane Carr, Mara Lief Crabtree, Karen Crozier, James Riley Estep Jr., Jeffrey E. Feinberg, Stephanie Goins, Judy Harris Helm, Dana Kennamer Hood, Sungwon Kim, Kevin Lawson, Scottie May, Marcia McQuitty, Heidi Schultz Oschwald, Donald Ratcliff, Pam Scranton, Timothy A. Sisemore, Catherine Stonehouse, La Verne Tolbert, T. Wyatt Watkins, John H. Westerhoff III

Download or read book Taking Steps Toward God written by Clancy Hayes and published by . This book was released on 2018-07-09 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Salvation is the first step in a person's spiritual journey, but it is just that, the first step. A person must not stop there. It is the intent of God to see all His children grow into spiritual maturity. The process of moving from spiritual infancy to maturity occurs by taking one step after another in the direction of God. This journey toward maturity is what the author means by the term "spiritual formation."It is important for Christians to have a guide to help them navigate the path leading to maturity. Dr. Hayes clears a path for spiritual sojourners to travel and provides assistance to those who are willing to take the journey. Not everyone is at the same place in this expedition. Some people who read this book will be at the very beginning of the journey. Some will be a little way down the path. Not everything in this book will be new to the more mature Christian, but they will make new discoveries if they pay attention to their guide.Jesus promised Christians can live in spiritual abundance. This can be achieved if the believer will put one foot in front of the other. Taking Steps Toward God will help readers to walk in the right direction.

Download or read book Let the Children Lead written by and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2023-04-14 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the fall of 2021, Virginia Theological Seminary convened a symposium of scholars and practitioners engaged in ministry with children. The Symposium on the Spirituality of Children began with a vibrant keynote address by Jerome Berryman, best known for his development of Godly Play, a curriculum of spiritual practice exploring the mystery of God's presence in our lives. The conversation continued with other presenters and panelists who explored the way children's spirituality intersects with scripture, neuroscience, race, gender, and moral development. Together, the participants proved that children's spirituality touches on every single aspect of Christian life. By turning to the role of children in our congregations, all of us develop a richer appreciation of hospitality, service, human finitude, and creativity. Edited by Elizabeth DeGaynor, Let the Children Lead brings together many of the papers presented at the Symposium on the Spirituality of Children. Equipped with these resources, those involved in the formation of children's spirituality will approach their vocation with renewed inspiration and an expanded horizon of the possible. "We are hopeful about the place of children in the Church and in the world," DeGaynor writes in her introduction. "We are striving to welcome children fully and faithfully. We are looking for God's movement among us and joining in that holy work." About the Editor Dr. Elizabeth DeGaynor is Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Christian Formation at Virginia Theological Seminary. She received a Th.D. in Theology and Christian Formation from Duke Divinity School. Her research interests include the intersection of religion, education, and politics in American history, with a particular focus on schools. Advanced Praise for Let the Children Lead "Editor Elizabeth DeGaynor has produced a resource that will inspire those committed to the complex and inspiring spiritual journeys of children, including educators, parents, clergy, and scholars." -The Rev. Sheryl A. Kujawa-Holbrook, Professor of Practical Theology, Claremont School of Theology; Professor of Anglican Studies, Bloy House "Professor DeGaynor has put together a marvelous collection of resources from scholar-practitioners shaping contemporary practical theological approaches to childhood. It is also an immanently practical volume, offering those who work with children both in the church and beyond it an array of theologically and educationally grounded ideas that support ministry with children in such a time as this." -Joyce Ann Mercer, Author of Welcoming Children: A Practical Theology of Childhood and Girl Talk God Talk: The Religious Lives of Adolescent Girls "Let the Children Lead is a gift from a group of scholars and practitioners who take ministry with children both seriously and playfully. Every chapter is drawn around the center of how to listen to, learn from, and help guide children in the way they live out their faith." -The Rev. Dr. Emily A. Peck, Visiting Professor of Christian Formation and Young Adult Ministry; Co-Director of the Children and Youth Ministry and Advocacy Certificate & Specialization "Let the Children Lead immerses you in a rich understanding and respect for the sacred experiences unfolding in the lives of children. You can't help but come away with a deeper appreciation for the spiritual life of children. Use Let the Children Lead as your guide to reimagining children's formation in your church." -John Roberto, Author of Lifelong Faith: Formation for All Ages and Generations

Download or read book Discovering Our Spiritual Identity written by Trevor Hudson and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2011-03-17 with total page 199 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Each chapter in this workbook by Trevor Hudson is peppered with "holy experiments," simple practices that bring you into God's presence and help you experience life as his beloved. At the end of each chapter is a set of questions which are ideal for discussion with one or two spiritual friends or a small group. A Renovaré Resource.

Download or read book InterGenerate written by Holly Catterton Allen and published by ACU Press. This book was released on 2018-07-10 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Leaders in Christian communities are all asking the same question: How can we bring the generations back together? InterGenerate addresses important questions of why we should bring the generations back together, but even more significantly, how we can bring generations back together. In this edited collection, ministers, church leaders, and Christian educators will find valuable, new generational theory perspectives, fresh biblical and theological insights, and practical outcomes backed by current research. InterGenerate offers important guidance on topics including •intergenerational spiritual disciplines, •transitioning from multigenerational to intergenerational, •new research that focuses directly on intergenerational ministry and offers practical outcomes to implement, and •benefits of intergenerational ministry for the most marginalized generations. An exciting and distinctive aspect of InterGenerate is the vast diversity of voice —men and women ranging in age from millennials to baby boomers, representing multiple countries and over a dozen denominations—all seeking ways to become more intentionally intergenerational in their outlook and practice.

Download or read book Spiritual Formation in Emerging Adulthood written by David P. Setran and published by Baker Academic. This book was released on 2013-08-15 with total page 413 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The shift from adolescence to adulthood, a recently identified stage of life called "emerging adulthood," covers an increasing span of years in today's culture (roughly ages 18-30) due to later marriages and extended education. During this prolonged stage of exploration and self-definition, many young adults drift away from the church. Here two authors--both veteran teachers who are experienced in young adult and campus ministry--address this new and urgent field of study, offering a Christian perspective on what it means to be spiritually formed into adulthood. They provide a "practical theology" for emerging adult ministry and offer insight into the key developmental issues of this stage of life, including identity, intimacy and sexuality, morality, church involvement, spiritual formation, vocation, and mentoring. The book bridges the gap between academic and popular literature on emerging adulthood and offers concrete ways to facilitate spiritual formation among emerging adults.

Download or read book Life in the Spirit written by Jeffrey P. Greenman and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2015-07-10 with total page 258 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Including essays from 2009 Wheaton Theology Conference keynote speakers Dallas Willard and Gordon Fee as well as contributing essays by noted presenters such as Chris Hall, David Gushee, Linda Cannell, Cherith Fee Nordling and Lawrece Cunningham, this book offers a stimulating exploration of the historical, biblical and theological dimensions of spiritual formation.

Download or read book Mansions of the Heart written by R. Thomas Ashbrook and published by Fortress Press. This book was released on 2019-03-01 with total page 284 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A roadmap for spiritual formation In Mansions of the Heart, author R. Thomas Ashbrook begins with his personal story of frustration and confusion while serving as a pastor of the church. He tells of discovering a new path of spiritual transformation and offers seekers a way to move forward on their own spiritual paths. Written for anyone who wants to develop a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God, Mansions of the Heart offers a step-by-step guide through a spiritual-formation road map based on Teresa of Avila's seven mansions. This spiritual classic reveals various phases of spiritual formation, for which Ashbrook offers a personal guide to spiritual transformation. Mansions debunks commonly held myths that lead to spiritual dead ends and describes a clear pathway to a deepening love relationship with God. The book also offers church leaders a process for helping people in their faith communities grow as disciples of Christ.