Perspectives on Children's Spiritual Formation

Perspectives

by Gregory C. Carlson (Contributor), Michael J. Anthony, Scottie May

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).

Genres: Christian, Theology

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Rick Stuckwisch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess I'd be more inclined to give this book 2-1/2 stars, but goodreads doesn't allow half stars, and I'm feeling generous. The book wasn't a total waste of time. The introduction wasn't very helpful or promising, and I would have given up on the rest of it if the actual chapters hadn't been better. But I did appreciate the engagement of the various authors with one another. They were all polite and respectful but did not hesitate to offer critique of the various other positions represented. And each of them offered some measure of helpful observations, insights, and suggestions. The biggest drawback was that all of the authors represented similar slices of Protestant theology and practice, including an emphasis on an "age of accountability" and making "decisions for Jesus" (sic). There was a general dismissal, to begin with, of the historic Church with its sacramental theology and liturgical worship, which was a huge turn off and a glaring weakness to the book. Ironically, but tellingly, several of the authors nevertheless ended up pointing to various aspects of the Church's historic liturgical practice to an example of things they had found useful in working with children. And, again, in spite of the serious theological errors, there was also some positive discussion -- based on the Scriptures and practical experience with children -- that could easily contribute to a sound understanding of the Christian faith and life of children.

[Caitlin Grammel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for a class on spiritual formation in the local church. Really liked the tried and true Pragmatic-Participatory Model, but also think all of them could add value and different parts of each would be great for children’s ministry. I also really liked the ideas of letting parents guide their children. It’s cool how the authors talk about children being able to worship and how you are formed so much at a young age. Good thoughts about where you are putting value in your programming… is it about winning or a prize or is it about Jesus and the beauty of our faith? Liked all the relation to scripture. :)

[Kelsey Grissom · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you me church has a children’s ministry but you have never really thought about why that ministry does things the way it does, this is a great place to get started with children’s ministry theory. Four methodologies are presented by four groups of authors, and after each methodology, the other authors critique it. It’s a great way to think through and analyze how and why you want to do ministry a certain way at your church. While most of these authors are clearly more conservative than I am, I still found it to be a very helpful book.

[Jason Hoke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting writing style where a perspective is given and then the other three give a rebuttal to the argument. I discovered if you do not have all four then something will be missed. In my opinion you should not rely on just one method.

[Emily Kidd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read for Children's Ministry 1 class with Professor Shawn Crawley.

[Heath · Rating 2 out of 5]

The views presented in this book are more likely better articulated in other places. The critiques that each view offers of the others are usually uncharitable and miss the mark.

[Dennis Podryadchikov · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the realm of Christian education, Michael J. Anthony systematizes four different approaches to educating children in churches. Each approaches is presented by an advocate, followed by a response from each representative of the other three approaches. Thus, the reader has an opportunity to read both about each approach and its critique. In that way, the reader can draw on unique characteristics of each approach with a possibility of building a combination of approaches that fits the reader's situation or church environment. The book will be an excellent read for children educators and mission workers, who are thinking about children ministry.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has 5 stars because, after all, I had a part in writing it!