Veteran youth worker Tim Smith explores 8 principles for spiritual and character development, plus gives practical suggestions, discussion questions, and helpful tools for personal and group study. Essential reading for staying excited and committed in ministry over the long haul!

At the heart of all thinking about education, whether Christian or secular, lies the problem of integration. To adopt a philosophy of education is not the same as integrating that philosophy into all the parts-curriculum, student activities, administration, and more. This book is written by an evangelical Christian, committed to high doctrine and a worldview based on biblical truth, whose primary consideration is Christian education. Its pages seek to help educators who are Christian achieve a living union between Christianity and education.

Perspectives on Children's Spiritual Formation

presents in counterpoint form four views of children's spiritual formation and four related methods of Christian Education. Each chapter is written by a prominent person(s) representing his or her view. Contributors also respond to the other viewpoints. Views include the contemplative-reflective model (cultivating a quiet, worshipful spirit), instructional-analytic model (involving child evangelism and Bible memorization), pragmatic participatory model (focusing on high-energy activities, often seen in mega-churches), and the media-driven active-engagement model (using a video-based curriculum with limited teacher training).

Small groups continue to be a significant part of church life and Christian formation in the twenty-first century, impacting a church and society characterized by loneliness and fragmentation. As such, Julie Gorman is prompted to declare, ""Small groups have come of age! They have found unprecedented acceptance and endorsement."" This is a comprehensive book on small groups and Christian formation informed by theology, church history, and the social sciences. It addresses both the foundations and praxis of groups, with a special emphasis on leading dynamic group discussions. ""I found the book to be solid but accessible, theoretical yet practical, biblical and real-world, focused with information regarding topics you want to hear about, and expansive enough to need an index for those topics. In other words, I intend to recommend this book to student and leader alike. There is more than enough support to understand, develop, and sustain small group ministry within church and academic settings."" --Gregory C. Carlson, Director of the Biblical, Religious, and Philosophical Division, Trinity International University Harley T. Atkinson taught for twenty-seven years at Toccoa Falls College in the Christian Education and Ministry Leadership departments. He is a co-author of Ministry with Youth in Crisis (revised edition) and author of Teaching Youth with Confidence. He is also the editor of Religious Education of Young Adults and has contributed numerous articles to the Christian Education Journal.