Synopsis
Story, Formation, and Culture brings together a myriad of scholars, researchers, and ministry leaders into conversation about how we can effectively nurture the spirituality of children. Built around the three themes of story, formation, and culture, this volume blends cutting-edge research and insights with attention to how we can bring theory into practice in our ministries with children. The work of children's spiritual formation is often a marginalized component in the church's overall ministry. This volume seeks to equip pastors, leaders, and scholars with cutting-edge research and practices that effectively strengthen their ministries with children. ""There are few resources available for Christian educators, professors, teachers, students, and practitioners that are as instructive and valuable as Story, Formation, and Culture! In this volume, Ben Espinoza, James Estep, and Shirley Morgenthaler have compiled some of the best research on children's spiritual formation in the field today . . . Studies on spiritual, moral, intellectual, and intergenerational formation fortify pedagogical methodology. The value of cultural awareness within a theological framework as we engage parents, children, 'tweens, and teens is underscored to sharpen the educator's sensitivity to new ideas and approaches without abandoning best practices . . . Story, Formation, and Culture is well organized and exceptionally readable . . . What a gift to those of us in the field! Whether you are a parent, pastor, practitioner, or student/scholar, you are invited to explore the possibilities and join the conversation!"" --La Verne Tolbert, President, Teaching Like Jesus Ministries, Inc. ""This work is replete with wisdom and strategies, grounded in a genuine love of children and a desire to empower us to nurture their faith. The authors each wrestle with questions from their own contexts and offer resources based on in-depth research. From the rich analysis of the power of story to the reminders that our tweens are embedded in technologically rich (and sometimes scary) worlds, the authors share from the wellsprings of their experiences innovative ways forward in ministry with children."" --Almeda M. Wright, Yale Divinity School Benjamin D. Espinoza, is a PhD student and research assistant in the Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE) program at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. He has written for journals such as the International Journal of Christianity and Education, Bulletin of Ecclesial Theology, Christian Education Journal, and Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies. James Riley Estep, Jr., serves as equipping pastor at Heritage Christian Church in Peachtree, Georgia. Shirley Morgenthaler is Distinguished Professor of Education at Concordia University-Chicago, and as part of her duties, she serves as editor of the Lutheran Education Journal.
About the Authors
Ben Espinoza (MA, Asbury Theological Seminary) serves as College Pastor at Faith Church in Lansing, Michigan. He is currently a PhD Candidate at Michigan State University. A fellow with the Center for Pastor Theologians, Ben serves as the Senior Associate Editor of The Journal of Youth Ministry.
Holly Catterton Allen (PhD, Talbot School of Theology) is professor of family science and Christian ministries at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she holds a joint appointment in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Bible and Ministry. Dr. Allen teaches undergraduate courses such as Nurturing Spiritual Development in Children and Family Ministry, and has previously taught at John Brown University, Biola University, and Abilene Christian University. Dr. Allen's areas of scholarly interest are children's spirituality and intergenerational issues. Her newest book is InterGenerate: Transforming Churches through Intergenerational Ministry. She is the coauthor (with Christine Ross) of Intergenerational Christian Formation: Bringing the Whole Church Together in Ministry, Community, and Worship, and the editor of Nurturing Children's Spirituality: Christian Perspectives and Best Practices (Cascade, 2008). She leads two international, ecumenical conferences, the Children's Spirituality Summit and the InterGenerate, which currently meet in alternating years at Lipscomb University in Nashville. She has published articles in Christian Education Journal, Lutheran Education, Lifelong Faith, Christian Scholar's Review, and Christianity Today, along with chapters in several books. Allen is married to Dr. Leonard Allen, and they have three adult children, as well as four grandchildren.
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