Follow

• 

  Holding Missionaries Accountable: A Proposed Code of Ethics for Missionaries Based Upon the Code of Ethics of the American Anthropological Association

  Paul E. Langenwalter and Douglas Hayward

  The word “ethics” carries an aura of countervailing views, overlapping claims, uncertain footing, and seductive attractions. Some issues are as clear as the horizontal versus vertical axes in Sawai Chinnawong’s striking painting, Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife, that graces the cover of this book. At the same time—because we are involved, because our interests, our inclinations, our plans and relationships are at stake—the issues that engage missionary practitioners can be frustratingly labyrinthine, curling endlessly back on themselves. Evangelical missionaries and mission agencies are concerned about personal morality—and rightly so. But as the chapters in this volume attest, evangelical mission’s ethical engagement extends far beyond simply avoiding compromising sexual situations and not absconding with the finances. How should we talk about others’ beliefs and practices to ourselves? To them? How should we represent ourselves to others? What role does tolerance for ambiguity play in missionaries’ mental preparation? How should accountability be structured in intercultural partnerships? Are there ways to enable organizational justice to flourish in mission institutions? What might integrity in short-term mission outreach look like? How does care for creation relate to mission? What role can a code of ethics for missionary practice play? Limited and fallible and marred by the fall, we need both guidance and admonition—and deep reflection on the conduct of evangelical mission such as is provided in this volume—so that we may serve Jesus with true integrity.

• 

  Testing Teachings and Torching Teachers

  Rick Langer

  Ch. 15

  Accessible to all concerned believers, QAnon, Chaos, and the Cross features scholars of religion, ethics, and public life on the following topics: • evaluating evidence and forming beliefs • the Satanic Panic of the 1960s–1990s • understanding scientific methodology • conspiracy theories’ appeal to those searching for meaning • the consequences of social media and echo chambers • productive dialog with people who hold different opinions • intellectualism in the life of faith • conspiracy theories in Scripture • QAnon’s religious rhetoric

• 

  The Call to Follow: Hearing Jesus in a Culture Obsessed with Leadership

  Rick Langer and Joanne J. Jung

  Reexamining the Nature of Leadership and "Followership" in Light of Biblical Teaching

  The market is flooded with books, conferences, and workshops on how to be a better leader. In most companies, leaders are noticed and applauded while followers are often viewed as weak and passive. However, Scripture tells us a different story; although leadership is valued and respected, being obedient followers of Christ is at the very heart of faith.

  In The Call to Follow, Richard Langer and Joanne J. Jung teach readers that “followership” is essential to both organizational and spiritual flourishing. They argue that followership requires the development of specific skills and virtues modeled and extolled throughout Scripture. They point to examples of people from the Bible and church history who focused on following in the footsteps of their Savior rather than positions of leadership among others. This helpful book seeks to dismantle the idol of leadership that’s so prevalent in our culture and points us instead to the biblical concept of followership.

  • Biblically Centered: Contains examples of “followership” from Scripture and church history
  • Mission Oriented: Explains how being a follower of Jesus Christ is a missional calling
  • Community Focused: Written to encourage Christ followers, in both leadership and followership positions

• 

  Children Learning the Faith in the Middle Ages: Learning from Past Practices for Present Ministry

  Kevin E. Lawson

  Description: Exploring and Engaging Children's Spirituality: A Holistic Approach to Nurturing Christian Formation answers questions about the most effective ways to help children, pre-teens, and teens develop spiritually. This collection of research gleaned from presentations during the Fourth Triennial Children's Spirituality Conference at Concordia University in 2012 is divided into four major sections: (1) theological and historical foundations, (2) engaging parents and congregations, (3) engaging methodologies, and (4) exploring children at risk, child pornography, social justice, intercultural diversity, and abstinence education. Researchers acknowledge that the home is the foundation for Christian nurture. In Exploring and Engaging Children's Spirituality, both scholars and ministry leaders come together with parents to promote a holistic environment where children are encouraged to love, respect, and obey God. From birth to high school, children's voices resonate throughout these studies as they are invited to share their reflections and experiences. Exploring and Engaging Children's Spirituality is a lively, easy-to-read collection that reflects a broad range of faith traditions and is ideal for all those who are committed to the spiritual development of children.

  Ch. 4

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  Children's Spirituality : Christian Perspectives, Research, and Applications

  Kevin E. Lawson

  The Society of Children's Spirituality: Christian Perspectives launched in 2003 with its first conference held at Concordia University Chicago, in River Forest, Illinois. An earlier edition of this book, composed of chapters based on presentations from that conference, was published in 2004. In 2018 a decision was made to revise this book from the inaugural conference, updating some chapters and providing a new perspective on the ongoing work of the organization, now called the Children's Spirituality Summit. For example, given the advances in what we are learning from brain research, a chapter on this topic has been extensively updated.

  What this revised volume provides is a collection of chapters offering theological perspectives, social science research, and insights on ministry practice about the spiritual lives of children: how they relate to God, how this relationship grows, and what helps in promoting the spiritual formation and vitality of children in the home, church, and school This book offers twenty-three chapters by professors, graduate students, social science researchers, and ministry leaders from different denominational traditions addressing a wide range of issues in theory, research, and ministry practice with children. This second edition offers much to learn from, stimulate your thinking, and improve your practice.

  2nd edition

• 

  Comparing five theological views and ministry practice

  Kevin E. Lawson

  Ch. 2
  

  It represents a broad range of Christian expression writing from a Christ-centered perspective that furthers the conversation about the next steps in children's spirituality and faith development. Moving beyond the basics of faith nurture and what makes for effective ministry, this resource deepens our understanding of the practices in children's lives by bringing together the best of theory and practice and includes contributions from:

  • Dr. Scottie May (Wheaton College)
  • Dr. Kevin Lawson (Biola University)
  • Dr. Erik Carter (Vanderbilt University)
  • John Roberto (Vibrant Faith)
  • Dr. Dana Kennamer Pemberton (Abilene Christian University)
  • Dr. Shirley Morganthaler (Concordia University - Chicago)
  • Dr. Holly Catterton Allen (Lipscomb University)
  • Dr. Robert Keeley (Calvin College and Calvin Seminary)
  • Dr. Mimi Larson (Wheaton College)
  • Lacy Finn Borgo ( Renovaré Institute) and others.

  Pastors, professors, seminary students and children's ministry leaders and practitioners all believe that nurturing a child's spiritual development is important. Yet often they are unsure about which current trends should be embraced. This book will help equip these people with the grounding needed to evaluate trends and with specific suggestions for moving forward. With short, accessibly written chapters it helps pastors and leaders stay up to date with current trends and is an excellent resource for teaching in college and seminary classrooms.

• 

  Growing in Wisdom and Stature: Recent Research on Spirituality and Faith Formation

  Kevin E. Lawson

  Faith formation doesn't just happen--it's a Spirit-led lifelong process of shaping and reshaping. In this accessible anthology, twelve experts share their perspectives on faith formation at home, in worship, in education, in intergenerational contexts, in people with developmental disabilities, and more. Indispensable reading for pastors, church leaders, education committees, parents, and educators.

  Ch 11

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  Handbook for Supervisors of Doctoral Students in Evangelical Theological Institutions

  Kevin E. Lawson

  This book presents doctoral supervision as a task involving both academic and spiritual formation. It meets the need for a handbook that deals with supervision from the perspective of the supervisor who is an evangelical Christian and who teaches in an evangelical theological institution, although the principles set out here will also be of help to evangelical supervisors who work in a secular environment.

• 

  Historical Foundations of Christian Education

  Kevin E. Lawson

  Thirty-one chapters are offered under the following sections: 1) Foundations of C.E.; 2) Developmental Perspectives of C.E.; 3) Educational Implications of C.E.; 4) Organization, Administration, and Leadership; 5) C.E. Applied to the Family; and 6) Specialized Ministries. Contributors include Robert Pazmiño, Jim Wilhoit, Julie Gorman, Klaus Issler, and Ted Ward.

  Ch. 1

• 

  Historical foundations of Christian education

  Kevin E. Lawson

  Ch. 2

  This volume features the expertise of 25 evangelical scholars of Christian education, including diverse, next-generation voices in the field. It provides balanced biblical-theological and practical perspectives for church and parachurch leaders, equipping them to meet the ever-changing needs of our world.

• 

  How to Thrive in Associate Staff Ministry

  Kevin E. Lawson

  CHAPTER 1. Finding Satisfaction in Following God's Direction

  CHAPTER2. Working Well with Your Supervisor and Fellow Associates

  CHAPTER 3. Foundational Attitudes and Commitments

  CHAPTER4. Church Environments that Enable Thriving

  CHAPTER 5. Sustaining Personal Spiritual Vitality

  CHAPTER 6. Building Supportive Relationships

  CHAPTER 7. Strengthening the Home Front

  CHAPTER 8. Savoring Joys and Weathering Storms

  CHAPTER 9. Thriving Skills for Female Associate Staff

  CHAPTER 10. Veterans' Advice to "Wanna-bes" and "Newbies"

  Introduction to Appendixes A and B - For Those Who Care about Associate Staff

  APPENDIX A. The Valued Supervisor

  APPENDIX B. The Supportive Church Board

  APPENDIX C. The "Thriving in Associate Staff Ministry" Study

  APPENDIX D. Professional Organizations for Associate Staff Members

• 

  Infants and children in the church : five views on theology and ministry

  Kevin E. Lawson

  A congregation rejoices when a new child is added to its midst, yet the church often wrestles—in both theology and practice—with how to best receive and minister to infants and children entrusted to her care. Frequent questions arise like:

  > How are infants and children impacted by sin?

  > How does God treat people who die in their infancy or childhood?

  > When and how are children considered members of the church?

  > When and how are children instructed in Christian doctrine?

  Infants and Children in the Church addresses these critical and sensitive questions from a variety of rich traditions, including Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, and Baptist, so that Christians can make the most of every opportunity as they minister to children.

  Ch. 9 Welcoming children

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  In Right Relationship with God: Childhood Conversion in the Evangelical Christian Traditions

  Kevin E. Lawson

  Chapter 9
  

  
  

  Nurturing Child and Adolescent Spirituality: Perspectives from the World's Religious Traditions provides a forum for prominent religious scholars to examine the state of religious knowledge and theological reflection on spiritual development in childhood and adolescence. Featuring essays from thinkers representing the world's major religious traditions, the book introduces new voices, challenges assumptions, raises new questions, and broadens the base of knowledge and investment in this important domain of life. It specifically and intentionally focuses on theological and philosophical perspectives from within religious traditions, creating space for the religious traditions to find their voices. Nurturing Child and Adolescent Spirituality is firmly grounded in the language and priorities of religious studies, and helps stimulate explorations of whether and how religious communities are tapping their own wisdom and strengths in nurturing today's young people in a complex and changing world. Nurturing Child and Adolescent Spirituality will set the stage for new waves of scholarship and dialogue within and across traditions, disciplines, and cultures that will enrich understanding and strengthen how the world's religious traditions, and others, understand and cultivate the spiritual lives of children and adolescents around the globe.

• 

  In Right Relationship with God: Childhood Conversion in the Evangelical Christian Traditions

  Kevin E. Lawson

  Nurturing Child and Adolescent Spirituality: Perspectives from the World's Religious Traditions provides a forum for prominent religious scholars to examine the state of religious knowledge and theological reflection on spiritual development in childhood and adolescence. Featuring essays from thinkers representing the world's major religious traditions, the book introduces new voices, challenges assumptions, raises new questions, and broadens the base of knowledge and investment in this important domain of life. Nurturing Child and Adolescent Spirituality will set the stage for new waves of scholarship and dialogue within and across traditions, disciplines, and cultures that will enrich understanding and strengthen how the world's religious traditions, and others, understand and cultivate the spiritual lives of children and adolescents around the globe.

  Ch. 9

• 

  Looking back, looking forward : reflections on the conference and anticipation of the future

  Kevin E. Lawson

  This pacesetting text considers a wide variety of topics related to the spiritual development of children. The chapters grew out of presentations at the first major conference to consider these important topics from a distinctly Christian perspective. The first section considers the important task of defining spirituality and summarizes some views of the spirituality of children, as reflected in history, theology and the Bible. Social influences on children's spirituality are considered, as well as how brain activity relates to spiritual experiences. The second major section highlights children's spirituality in the home. Here the development of the concept of God is considered, as well as how parents and children work together to construct understandings of spirituality. A third section reflects upon the spirituality of children in the church, including alternative perspectives of how spiritual growth and experience are best encouraged in that setting. The distinctive aspects of African American children and Latino children's spirituality are given careful attention. Schools and other settings are examined in the fourth section of the book, with an emphasis upon moral learning, encouraging faith development with preschoolers, how spirituality helps children cope with serious medical conditions and the stresses related to being children of missionaries, and best practices in reaching inner city children. The book concludes with a chapter that examines how Christians' views of children's spirituality are changing, and anticipates a follow up conference in the near future.

  Section 5

• 

  Restoring Children : Serving Children for Christ – Both Near and Far

  Kevin E. Lawson

  A bold and unique hybrid among resources for Christian educators, students, and pastoral staff, this enterprising book blends the voices of a single author and ten contributing experts into a global conversation on Christian formation and nurture. It effortlessly transcends all ages and all cultures, as it positions Christianity vibrantly alive from cradle to grave. This introductory text on Christian education-formation includes extensive graphical illustrations and accompanying online appendixes, providing a wealth of resources not only to be used in the classroom but to be lived out in the life of the church in the world.

  Ch. 11

• 

  Theology and Christian education in the 20th century : an annotated bibliography

  Kevin E. Lawson

  "Published through grants from the North American Professors of Christian Education, Cook Communications Ministries International, and Biola University."--

• 

  Understanding children's spirituality : theology, research, and practice

  Kevin E. Lawson

  How important is childhood in the spiritual formation of a person? How do children experience God in the context of their lives as they grow? What does God do in the lives of children to draw them to himself and help them grow into a vital relationship with him? How can adults who care about children better support their spiritual growth and direct it toward relationship with God through Jesus Christ? These are critical questions that church leaders face as they consider how best to nurture the faith of the children God brings into our lives. In this book, over two dozen Christian scholars and ministry leaders explore important issues about the spiritual life of children and ways parents, church leaders, and others who care about children can promote their spiritual formation.

  Ch. 7 Baptismal practices... pp. 119+

• 

  Supervising and supporting ministry staff : a guide to thriving together

  Kevin E. Lawson and Mick Boersma

  Surveys of pastoral staff repeatedly show that senior or supervising pastors consistently rate their working relationships with their associate staff members higher than do the associate staff members. Satisfaction levels follow similar patterns. In many cases, supervisors are not aware of or attentive to the concerns of their staff, and yet, these staff members are critical to the success of the church. Supervising and Supporting Ministry Staff is a research-based guide to the senior/associate staff relationship that is filled with real-life stories and practical advice to help readers negotiate their staff relationships successfully. The book focuses not only on the business mechanics of the supervisor/supervisee relationship, but also the full experiences of the associate staff, including emotional and spiritual needs. This helpful resource addresses congregations of all sizes across denominations and discusses a range or supervisor/supervisee relationship types.

• 

  Thriving as a Single Person in Ministry

  Kevin E. Lawson and Jane Carr

  Churches large and small across the world and in every denomination have rising numbers of single people on their leadership staff. This book presents a research-based perspective on the joys, opportunities, and challenges of being single in vocational ministry. Through extensive interviews and focus groups, the authors present both a practical application and a positive message for those serving God as single clergy or pastoral leaders.

• 

  Neither complementarian nor egalitarian : a kingdom corrective to the evangelical gender debate

  Michelle Lee-Barnewall

  Regarding gender relations, the evangelical world is divided between complementarians and egalitarians. While both perspectives have much to contribute, the discussion has reached a stalemate. Michelle Lee-Barnewall critiques both sides of the debate, challenging the standard premises and arguments and offering new insight into a perennially divisive issue in the church. She brings fresh biblical exegesis to bear on our cultural situation, presenting an alternative way to move the discussion forward based on a corporate perspective and on kingdom values. The book includes a foreword by Craig L. Blomberg and an afterword by Lynn H. Cohick.

• 

  New Worship: Straight Talk on Music and the Church

  Barry Wayne Leisch

  Shows pastors how to balance new worship ideas with the traditional while focusing on the purpose of praise and fellowship.

• 

  People in the Presence of God

  Barry Wayne Leisch

  Is there one correct way for the people of God to worship him? It turns out that Scripture offers many models and forms for worship, all of which are acceptable but not necessarily appropriate or functional in a particular setting. Barry Liesch, a professor of music at Biola University, helps his readers to grasp that fact and it's implications for worship in the church today. This is a one-of-a-kind book for many kinds of readers in all kinds of churches. It offers biblical perspective, historical awareness, musical and artistic sensitivity, authentic reverence, and creative stimulation for worship leaders, church musicians, study groups, pastors, worship committees, and a host of others who are interested in appreciating and renewing worship according to biblical models. Within each of the twenty chapters the author shares many suggestions for enhancing and transforming worship in the church today. Not only does he present the various biblical models and offer a wealth of suggestions, he takes up some of the major concerns of worship leaders, planners, and participants -- concerns such as the role of music, uses of symbolism, the appropriateness of dance, modes of celebration, expressions of reverence, and many others.

• 

  Biblical themes for Christians in language teaching

  Michael Lessard-Clouston

  Chapter 1

• 

  Faith and learning integration in ESL/EFL instruction: A preliminary study in America and Indonesia

  Michael Lessard-Clouston

  Chapter 8