Category Archives: Christian Education

Good behavior

Posted on February 27, 2008 by igalindo

I recently overheard a religious leader state that a good Christian education will emphasize teaching children good behavior. Children should learn early how to act in Christian ways: being kind and polite, telling the truth, being honest, etc. Those are … Continue reading →

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Book review: Teaming Up, by Holderness and Hay

Posted on February 25, 2008 by igalindo

The move from rigid and isolated “committees” to a “team approach” continues in many congregations. Sometimes that movement is not much more than a re-organization and re-labeling that result in very little change. The fact is, as I like to … Continue reading →

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How to Plan A Memorable Retreat

Posted on February 14, 2008 by igalindo

One of the most underused, but potentially one of the most transforming, approaches to Christian education formation is the retreat. Often relegated to the area of youth ministry programs (but rarely formatted as a retreat even then) the retreat holds … Continue reading →

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If I only had the nerve…

Posted on February 9, 2008 by vellison

If I only had the nerve… I would lead a children’s time where I would tell the children to come to the chancel, as I normally do. Then I would tell them, “You know I really have to use the … Continue reading →

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Book review: Urban Disciples, by Paris and Eyring

Posted on January 24, 2008 by igalindo

Jenell Paris and Margot Eyring have prepared a most useful tool for those involved in missional efforts, whether leader or participant. Urban Disciples: A Beginner’s Guide to Serving God in the Inner City (Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 2000. 99 … Continue reading →

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Birds Named More and Better

Posted on January 1, 2008 by jbennett

Maybe it’s just my imagination, but I think I heard more voices than ever this year suggesting that we consider toning down the cultural excesses of Christmas gift-giving.  We’ve certainly not eliminated gift-giving in my world of family and friends, but … Continue reading →

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Christmas Mysteries

Posted on December 21, 2007 by jbennett

Americans love good fiction, says pollster George Barna, which seems to be a peculiar opening sentence for a report on his recent survey of what Americans believe about some familiar Bible stories – – including the virgin birth.  It’s not … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Palmer, To Know As We Are Known

Posted on December 20, 2007 by igalindo

In To Know As We Are Known: Education as a Spiritual Journey by Parker J. Palmer (San Francisco, CA: HarperOne, 1993), 160 pp, $13.95 ISBN-10: 0060664517), author, activist, teacher and nationally recognized educational expert, offers a new model for knowing, … Continue reading →

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Coming into the Life of the Body

Posted on November 20, 2007 by jbennett

In many ways my native language has always been dance.  I moved stories before I told them in words, heard music most clearly when it flowed through my body and out again into the waiting space.  In secret my deepest prayers … Continue reading →

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Learning is not an outcome of teaching

Posted on November 9, 2007 by igalindo

I’m finding many interesting instances of “misunderstanding” in this year’s fall tour of educational workshops and seminars. Mostly they arise from audiences of lay and volunteer teachers, sincere and passionate people who step up to engage in the noble and … Continue reading →

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