From Here to Maturity: Overcoming the Juvenilization of American Christianity

Bergler, Thomas E.

ISBN 10: 0802869440 / ISBN 13: 9780802869449

Published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2014

Book is considered to be in good or better condition. The actual cover image may not match the stock photo. Hard cover books may show signs of wear on the spine, cover or dust jacket. Paperback book may show signs of wear on spine or cover as well as having a slight bend, curve or creasing to it. Book should have minimal to no writing inside and no highlighting. Pages should be free of tears or creasing. Stickers should not be present on cover or elsewhere, and any CD or DVD expected with the book is included. Book is not a former library copy. Seller Inventory # SEWV.0802869440.G

Synopsis:

Expert guidance on how to grow up in Christ This book is a follow-up to Thomas Bergler's acclaimed work The Juvenilization of American Christianity, which documents how church youth ministries over the past several decades have contributed to a process of adolescent spiritual traits becoming accepted and even celebrated by Christians of all ages. This "juvenilization" in the church is a real problem that must be addressed, says Bergler, and in his new book he addresses it head-on. Bergler's From Here to Maturity is an accessible guide for helping both individuals and whole faith communities to grow spiritually. Bergler claims that spiritual maturity — defined as "basic competence in the Christian life" — is both desirable and attainable, and he effectively presents a biblical theology of spiritual maturity, identifying its traits from pertinent New Testament passages. Adapting Dallas Willard's model of spiritual formation and applying it to congregational life, Bergler offers a wealth of practical, research-based guidance as to how Christian leaders can effectively foster spiritual maturity in their congregations. He also identifies six key faith- sustaining factors and provides a system for evaluating a church's state of spiritual maturity and steps for improving it. Ecumenically friendly, From Here to Maturity will be useful to individuals and leaders from many different churches and theological traditions.

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.

Bibliographic Details

Title: From Here to Maturity: Overcoming the ...
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
Publication Date: 2014
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: good