More information on the conference.
Does the Field Really Need Refocusing?
Mark Cannister, NAPCE President
Just a few weeks ago we held our mid-winter NAPCE Board Meeting.
It was with great thankfulness that we looked back on the Chicago
Conference of last October. What a rich opportunity to hear from
a group of people with such diverse backgrounds and experiences.
While the diversity of the presentations provided depth for our
discussions about faith communities, our unity of faith in Christ
provided a context without which our discussion would have been
meaningless. In our contemporary culture the notion of being a
diverse people within a united nation often leads to simplistic
political correctness because the secular world does not have
an absolute point of reference. For to know what it means to be
united in Christ is foundational to our understanding and appreciation
of the diversity that exists both within and among our faith communities.
Our unity in Christ is a precious gift that serves as the starting
place for all of our understanding. I can not express enough gratitude
to Mark Senter for the fine program that he delivered to us in
Chicago. How we all wish there had been time for more discussion,
more reflection, and more interaction.
While we talked about diversity in Chicago–we will be experiencing
it in San Diego/Tijuana. Cheryl Fawcett is creating a conference
for next October that will not only help us continue our conversations
from Chicago, but allow us to observe and experience cross-cultural
ministry in Tijuana, Mexico. This conference will challenge us
to consider the shifting global needs with which Christian education
needs to be concerned.
As we forge ahead into the 21st century, raising critical questions
about the field of Christian Education is highly appropriate.
Not only does there continue to be a great deal of confusion over
the purpose of Christian education, but the function of Christian
education is disappearing from the church. There are only select
pockets of certain denominations within which we still find Directors
of Christian Education. Many of our colleges and seminaries have
changed the names of their Christian Education Departments to
Educational Ministries, Christian Formation, or Christian Ministries.
What do these changes mean? What are the needs of the church that
Christian education must focus on? What is our identity? We are
a field with an identity crisis and if we do not define our field,
others will define it for us. How we respond to the changing culture
around us, the global needs that weigh on us, and the post-modern
church that many of us now face, is critical to the future of
Christian education.
As we consider the pivotal issues that NAPCE will wrestle with
in the future, this matter of identity and purpose must be paramount.
Our conference in San Diego/Tijuana will not only give us an opportunity
to experience the diverse needs of a changing world, but also
drive us to consider the very purposes for Christian education
in the 21st century.
Call for Papers: Current Research Presentations
Opportunities at the 2002 Conference
We're looking for faculty and students interested in sharing
their research at the upcoming NAPCE conference in San Diego.
The research can be empirical in nature, or fit more of an historical
or philosophical/theological model. A high quality of research
workmanship is expected. Presentation sessions last one hour.
This year's theme is: "Refocusing Christian Education
in Light of Globally Shifting Needs." Research presentations
in this area are especially encouraged, but need not be restricted
to this topic.
If you are interested in making a presentation, send a 1-page
single-spaced abstract of your research effort to:
Dr. Kevin E. Lawson
Talbot School of Theology
13800 Biola Avenue
La Mirada, CA 90639
Phone: (562) 903-6000, ext. 5528 Fax: (562)
903-4759
Email: kevin_lawson@peter.biola.edu
Deadline for applications is August 15th, 2002, however,
if space is limited those who apply early and are accepted will
be given preference. This is a great opportunity to share what
you have been working on, receive feedback from others, and stimulate
others to extend your work into new areas.
S H E M A!
a forum for listening
Gary A. Parrett, Communications Director
NAPCE President Mark Cannister, in the message
printed above, raises a number of critical questions that confront
all NAPCE members. Whether or not we have articulated the issues
as he has here, we are all wrestling with them in our schools
and in our churches. I would like to seize upon his remarks to
encourage conversation among us around these matters. Indeed,
as I look ahead to the 2003 NAPCE conference, which I have been
charged to lead, it is my hope that we will there investigate
these very things together in an intentional and significant way.
Therefore, in light of the upcoming conference theme–which
asserts that Christian Education needs a "refocusing,"
in light of the President’s remarks above, and in anticipation
of our time together, Lord willing, in 2003, I hereby invite your
thoughts about the shape and direction of the field of Christian
education. Please e-mail me with your musings about how we ought
to guide our students and support our churches in such days as
these. Comments will be presented in future issues of the Newsletter
and in on-line "updates" to the Newsletter (see below).
Send your comments to: gparrett@gcts.edu.
Children’s Spirituality
Conference: Christian Perspectives
Plan Ahead! June 8-11, 2003, Concordia University, River Forest,
IL
Two years ago, several NAPCE members met at the Toronto conference
to discuss the possibility of a gathering of people doing research
and writing on children’s spiritual growth and formation
from a Christian confessional perspective. Other international
gatherings in recent years have approached children’s spirituality
in a non-confessional way, seeing it as an innate human capacity
that can be developed, rather than seeing it in relationship to
the active work of the triune God. We expanded our group and applied
to the Louisville Institute for funding and were delighted to
receive it.
The conference is planned for June 2003, at Concordia University,
in River Forest, IL (just outside Chicago). As work continues
on this effort, please contact one of the planning group members
with your suggestions, ideas for issues to be addressed, speakers
and research presenters, etc. We’re looking to bring together
biblical and theological scholars along with social science researchers
to address issues of children’s spirituality and the church’s
response in ministry. Speakers confirmed to date include: Jerome
Berryman (Godly Play), Walter Wangerin (Ragman), Rebecca Nye (The
Spirit of the Child), Klaus Issler (Wasting Time with God), Marcia
Bunge (The Child in Christian Thought), and panels on theological
traditions’ views of children, ministry approaches, and multicultural
perspectives. Visit our website for up to date information: www.childspirituality.net,
Planning Group Members (feel free to contact us):
Jerome Berryman, Director of the Center for the Theology
of Childhood
Marcia Bunge, Valparaiso University
Ronald Cram, Columbia Theological Seminary
Kevin Lawson, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University,
Project Director
Scottie May, Wheaton College
Marcia Granger McQuitty, Southwestern Baptist Theological
Seminary
Shirley Morgenthaler, Concordia University, River Forest,
IL
Beth Posterski, Tyndale College and Seminary
Donald Ratcliff, Biola University
Catherine Stonehouse, Asbury Theological Seminary
"Christian Educators of the 20th Century" Project Under
Way: Writers and Reviewers Needed
Kevin Lawson
This web-based database project will provide information on influential
leaders in the field of Christian education during the 20th century.
Entries will include biographical essays, photographs, complete
bibliographies of their works and of writings about them, excerpts
of their major writings, and assessment of their influence in
the field. There is an editorial board of eleven people overseeing
this effort and NAPCE members have been invited to participate
in writing for the project.
Last spring a grant application was sent to the Lilly Endowment
to help provide funding for the meetings of the editorial board,
stipends for writers and reviewers, and the development and maintenance
of the website. Lilly approved a grant of $63,000 over the next
three years to make this project possible. We are very thankful
for this support and what it will enable us to do. If you have
any questions about the project or suggestions for people to include
in it, please contact Kevin Lawson at Talbot School of Theology.
We are currently in Phase I of the project, focusing on those
who are retired or deceased. For more information, go to the project
website: www.talbot.edu/ceacademic.
Editorial Board Members:
Harold Burgess, Asbury Theological Seminary (retired)
Kevin Lawson, Talbot School of Theology, Project Director
Mary Elizabeth Moore, Candler School of Theology
Robert O’Gorman, Loyola University, Nashville
Robert Pazmiño, Andover Newton Theological School
Ronnie Prevost, Logsdon School of Theology, Hardon Simmons
University
Jack Seymour, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Yolanda Smith, Yale Divinity School
Eileen Starr, Alaska Bible College
Fayette Veverka, Villanova University
D. Campbell Wyckoff, Princeton Theological Seminary,
(emeritus), Senior Advisor
In Memoriam: Warren Benson
Warren Benson passed away on February 15 after suffering a stroke
a week earlier. We have lost a dear friend, encourager and scholar.
He was active in NAPCE for many years and served on the board
as President and Vice President. He received the NAPCE distinguished
educator's award in 1994. Pray for Lenore and the family during
these days. We rejoice that our friend is with the Lord but grieve
over our loss. A memorial fund has been established in Dr. Benson's
memory through the American Tract Society, P.O. Box 462008, Garland,
TX 75046.
Book Reviews
Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, Book Review Editor
Storytelling in Religious Education by Susan M. Shaw (Birmingham,
AL: Religious Education Press, 1999). Reviewed by Robert W.
Pazmiño, Andover Newton Theological School.
In three parts, Shaw respectively explores the historical, literary,
theological, psychological and educational foundations of stories;
the various types of storytelling including original stories;
and the uses of storytelling across the life span. This work helps
readers to see the potential of effective use of stories and to
recover narrative forms for religious education. It can be used
in courses that encourage students to see and employ stories as
a vehicle for cognitive, social, psychological, moral, and religious
learning. Shaw shares numerous examples of fascinating stories,
including her own journey from a conservative fundamentalist church
affiliation. The work helps to foster a reappropriation of storytelling
for Christian educators across the theological spectrum. In reading
Shaw’s book, I was encouraged to make more use of stories
in my teaching. I had hoped the work would have elaborated more
upon the role of both narrative theology and narrative therapy
in ministry settings, but I still recommend it for its comprehensive
treatment.
Forging a Better Religious Education in the Third Millennium.
Edited by James Michael Lee (Birmingham, AL: Religious Education
Press, 2000). Reviewed by James Riley Estep, Jr., Kentucky
Christian College.
In this book Lee embarks on a voyage into the third Christian
millennium. Using the metaphor of an ocean voyage, specifically
recalling the voyages of Ulysees and Columbus, he addresses religious
education at the beginning of the 21st century. Where is religious
education going? What vessels will carry it on its voyage? What
is our direction, course, speed? What provisions are needed for
the voyage? What challenges, triumphs, and obstacles will we encounter?
As editor of the book, Lee seems to view the text as a prologue
for the third millennium and as a capstone work for the publication
record of Religious Education Press.
Forging a Better Religious Education in the Third Millennium is
written by a cross section of religious educators, each author
addressing the matter from their own particular visage and vision
of education that is Christian; including Catholic, Mainline Protestant,
and Evangelicals (NAPCE is even mentioned on p. 9). Throughout
the eleven chapters comprising the book three "guiding axes"
provide continuity between the diverse chapter subject matter
and perspective: vision, prophetic stance, and wide-ranging viewpoints
(p. 2). The book is not the vision of James Michael Lee for the
future of religious education, but presents a pluralistic vision
for religious education in the new millennium. Overall, the text
was quite beneficial and enlightening, emphasizing the different
strands of education within Christianity and the place of religious
education in the future of the community of faith.
How to Thrive in Associate Staff Ministry by Kevin Lawson.
(Bethesda, MD: The Alban Institute, 2000). Reviewed by Mark
E. Simpson, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
The associate staff ministry position in the local church has
always been a blessing and a curse: a blessing, because associate
staff ministry is highly relational; a curse, because congregational
support and respect for associate staff positions fall far short
of that given to the senior pastor. Kevin Lawson clearly and concisely
overviews the nature of associate staff ministry at the dawning
of the 21st century. He carefully addresses both the problems
and challenges encountered as an associate staff member, providing
the reader with strategies for surviving and succeeding even in
less desirable circumstances.
One consistent theme in Lawson’s writings is his devotion
to building ministry strategies upon objective research data rather
than casual observations or personal opinion. This text is no
exception to that practice. Lawson also uses personal ministry
experiences to underscore key themes, and he is brutally honest
when
describing his negative experiences and weaknesses. This honesty
in self-assessment adds credibility to the observations and encouragements
he provides.
The text is well suited for the classroom at the undergraduate
or graduate level, as well as for the local church. Students aspiring
to be senior pastors working in a multiple staff church, those
aspiring to be associate staff, and church leaders who must support
associate staff, could all benefit from the text.
Diverse Worship: African-American, Caribbean and Hispanic Perspectives.
By Pedrito U. Maynard-Reid (IntervarsityPress: 2000). Reviewed
by Scottie May, Wheaton College.
Those of us who are part of the dominant Caucasian North American
culture are often unaware of the influence our own culture has
on how we worship. Our implicit assumptions can sometimes lead
to worship feuds or judgmental tendencies when confronted with
worship styles that seem foreign to us. Maynard-Reid provides
an important service in this book by identifying the tension between
constancy and diversity in worship–the constants that must
be present in all worship and the diversity with which cultures
express those constants.
The author identifies four constants (or universals) in worship:
1) a gathering of the people of God to experience his presence
together; 2) a celebration of feasts and sacraments; 3) a presentation
of God’s word, and 4) prayer. Throughout the book, Maynard-Reid
maintains concern for these essential components while emphasizing
the need for diversity. He writes, "Just as theology does
not make sense unless it is contextualized, worship is not authentic
if is not accommodated to particular eras and particular cultures"
(p. 44).
One is not surprised that the book analyzes African-American and
Hispanic worship, given the current demographic makeup of the
U.S. The analysis of Caribbean worship (an unexpected inclusion
to this reviewer) was fascinating. Jamaican born and educated,
the author taught in higher education settings for twenty years
in Jamaica and Puerto Rico, and is currently a professor in Washington
State.
I do wish the author had said more about possible excesses or
omissions that may flow from culturally oriented worship. While
considerable space is devoted to the weaknesses and problems of
the typical, rational worship of dominant North American style,
little is said about potential syncretism and other pitfalls that
may creep into worship. Still, he rightly chastens persons for
their reluctance to involve their whole being in worship and calls
for liturgy that is holistic, involving the cognitive, physical
and emotional.
Teaching on Target: Age-Level Insights from Children’s
Ministry Magazine, by Robert and Janet Choun (Loveland, CO:
Group Publishing, 2001). Reviewed by James Davies of Simpson
College and Graduate School.
God understands his own design for the development of a young
child. Sometimes adults do not. Not matter where one ministers
to children, he or she can use the knowledge contained in this
short, insightful book.
The book has two major sections. The first overviews the general
mental, social, emotional, spiritual and physical needs of children
at various ages. Section two takes 16 common biblical concepts
(the Bible, God the Father, Sin & Salvation, etc.) and explores
what each age division can learn about the topic. It explains
ways children understand the concept and provides teaching tips.
Also included is a list of current resources. The book is designed
to allow the reader to pick and choose what is most relevant for
his or her situation. This is a book I wish I had when I started
my ministry 30 years ago. Warmly recommended.
An Introduction to Classical Evangelical Hermeneutics: A Guide
to the History and Practice of Biblical Interpretation. Edited
by Mal Couch (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2000). Reviewed
by Barth L. Campbell of Simpson College.
This collection of essays, some previously published, ought to
be entitled, An Introduction to Dispensational Biblical Interpretation.
The book fails to deliver on its titular promise to be either
classically evangelical or to be a guide to interpretive history
and practice.
"Evangelical hermeneutics" may be found generally in
dispensationalism, but it is also found in other theological systems,
some of which developed earlier. The book obscures this fact and
restricts evangelical interpretation to a dispensational framework.
Still, helpful principles for interpretation do appear. For example:
Scripture must be studied in context, according to historical-grammatical
procedures, and in light of the principle of progressive revelation.
Despite its claims to be a guide to the history and practice of
biblical interpretation, I found nothing in the volume relating
to the interpretation of several literary genres: narrative, oracular
prophecy, law, epistles, history, poetry and wisdom literature.
The need for application of the biblical texts to current situations
is mentioned, but the reader is not clearly shown a procedure
for this.
If one is interested in dispensational hermeneutic, this essay
collection is a helpful, though disjointed, introduction to its
current practice. However, as a general manual on how to discover
the original meaning of a biblical text and apply it in contemporary
contexts, this book falls short.
George Muller of Bristol: His life of prayer and faith.
By A.T. Pierson. (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1999).
Reviewed by Elaine Becker of the Salvation Army.
Pierson wrote the account of George Muller’s life allowing
for input from Muller’s son-in-law James Write in 1899. The
language therefore at times might be difficult for today’s
reader, but the message of prayer and faith is still clear.
George Muller was a native of Prussia, born on September 27, 1805
at Kroppenstaedt, near Halberstadt. George’s early childhood
offered little parental guidance or discipline. By the age of
ten, George reports that he was a habitual thief and liar. This
life style persisted until he was a young man of about 20 years
when his life was turned around by the power of God.
George lived a fast pace with little regard or need to worry about
money but now, "His resolve was unbroken to follow the Lord’s
leading at any cost, but he now clearly saw that he could be independent
of man only by being more entirely dependent on God, and that
henceforth he should take no more money from his father."
(38) The cornerstone of Muller’s life in Christ was to be
this increasing sense of dependence on God for all things. Prayer
grounded on faith in a God who would provide was the essence of
how George Muller lived his life.
Prayer did not come easily to him nor was faith a simple thing
but he came to realize, "God is often moved to delay that
we may be led to pray," (41) and in praying the self-will
is conformed to the will of God. A life of faith meant not laying
up treasure for an unforeseen need, "since with God no emergency
is unforeseen and no want unprovided for," (76) but faith
meant "hanging upon the unseen God and nothing else."
(82)
Pierson relies on the personal journal accounts of Muller to set
forth the life story of this man of God, noting that not only
did George face ministry challenges but personal struggles with
health and family concerns yet he found grace sufficient for his
daily needs.
Pierson writes with the hope that others might be inspired by
the example of one man who made a difference. Just as the story
of Arthus H. Francke influenced Muller, Pierson believes that
Muller’s life story may yet inspire people to live by faith
and prayer.
While the story is inspirational the book at times becomes tedious
since so much seems repetitive and the English writing style is
at times difficult to follow. People today may find the reading
of this book more than they want to tackle and yet the message
itself is valuable.
In
Brief:
Ron Habermas of Brown University is pleased to announce
the completion of the 10th Anniversary Edition of Teaching
for Reconciliation: Foundations and Practice of Christian Educational
Ministry, which he and Klaus Issler first published
with Baker Books in 1992. T.F.R. is now available through Wipf
and Stock Publishers, and sells for $26.80 (1-4 books); when five
or more books are ordered, the cost is $20.10 per book. If you
attended the N.A.P.C.E. conference in October you may purchase
one copy for $20.10 (simply inform W&S when you place the
order). Contact information for Wipf and Stock includes: phone:
(541) 344-1528; fax: (541) 344-1506; WSPub@academicbooks.com .
"This volume is unquestionably the finest book ever published
as an introductory text in the field of Christian religious education,
whether evangelical or non-evangelical." -- James Michael
Lee, religious educator and publisher of Religious Education
Press, October 2001
This 10th Anniversary Edition of T.F.R. offers several user-friendly
helps for the reader: the text is slimmed down to 363 pages; the
nearly 100 Tables and Figures are now conveniently placed after
each respective chapter; and new illustrations & updated resources
have been added.
Also, to benefit the teacher, three objective exams and a wealth
of reflective questions are available without cost. These "Think
About It"questions are organized by sections per chapter
and may be used for course assignments such as short essays, journaling,
or class discussions. The 75 "Think" sections total
more than 200 questions. If you would like these exams or questions,
please mail your requests to Ron Habermas on your school letterhead
(with your e-mail address) andz I these resources will be sent
to you as e-mail attachments. Please contact Ron Habermas if you
have need of further assistance regarding this resource offer.
* * *
Dr. Michael Kane was appointed Vice President of Educational
Resources of the Moody Bible Institute, effective July 1, 2001.
Kane previously served as Dean of Educational Services. The new
role reflects the higher profile that MBI is placing on the online
initiative and educational outcome assessment, which Kane will
spearhead.
* * *
Youth Ministry Educators is receiving new and renewal
membership applications for the year. For further information,
contact YME Administrator, Len Kageler, Nyack College, 1 South
Boulevard, Nyack, NY 10960; (845)358-1710 x. 536; e-mail address:
KagelerL@Nyack.edu
If you have any news you would like to share with NAPCE members–book
notices, changes in work situation, etc. please e-mail the editor
at gparrett@gcts.edu, or
send to:
Gary Parrett / G.C.T.S.
130 Essex Street
S. Hamilton, MA 01984
