From Here to Maturity: Overcoming the Juvenilization of American Christianity - Softcover

Bergler, Thomas E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0802869440 ISBN 13: 9780802869449

Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2014

Synopsis

Americans in general are not sure they want to grow up. American Christians, according to national studies, prefer an emotionally comforting, self-focused, and intellectually shallow faith. But spiritual maturity is desirable, says Thomas Bergler. Fortunately, it is not complicated or mysterious; it is just neglected. From Here to Maturity is an excellent guide that will help both individuals and whole faith communities to grow. Bergler defines spiritual maturity as basic competence in the Christian life and identifies its content (traits) from pertinent New Testament passages. He further offers a wealth of practical, research-based guidance as to how Christian leaders can effectively foster spiritual maturity in their congregations.

About this title

Review

David Neff
-- former editor in chief of Christianity Today
"Though only individuals can be mature, Thomas Bergler argues that spiritual maturity can only be achieved in the context of community. That makes your spiritual growth (and mine) everybody's business. In From Here to Maturity church leaders will discover a helpful guide from which to gain the vision and develop a plan for their church members to grow up in the Lord."

Daniel Keating
-- Sacred Heart Major Seminary
"This book explains what spiritual maturity is, why we should pursue it, and how we can reach it. Readers are treated to a compelling vision of what mature Christian discipleship looks like and at the same time given practical means to implement that vision in real life. . . . A significant contribution to a hugely important subject for the church today."

Dean Borgman
-- Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
"Important, challenging, and ecumenically friendly. . . . Bergler explains, step by step, how a church can stem the influence of juvenilization and promote spiritually mature Christians. A substantive discussion of spiritual formation."

Catholic Library World
"Bergler's synthesis of his previous work coupled with application that integrates notable works on spiritual growth, makes this brief work an excellent book addressing a critical issue in today's Church."

Ordained Servant
"This book is an essential companion to The Juvenilization of American Christianity. Both should be required reading for sessions and youth leaders."

Lutheran Quarterly
"Bergler does an outstanding job describing youth culture."

About the Author

Thomas E. Bergler is associate professor of ministry andmissions at Huntington University, Huntington, Indiana, where he has taught youth ministry for ten years. He alsoserves as senior associate editor for The Journal of YouthMinistry.

About this edition

• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0802869440
• ISBN 13: 9780802869449
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 189