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Teaching for Spiritual Growth
Teaching for Spiritual Growth deals with two important 1) What does it mean to be spiritually mature ? and 2) What can the church do to help people grow spiritually? These questions are explored from the perspectives of theology, developmental psychology, and educational learning theory. The book integrates the three perspectives into a unified view of the teaching-learning process based on a biblical view of 1. the divine side of spiritual growth. What does the nature of God tell us about teaching spiritual maturity? 2. how God has designed people to grow. How does human development affect the process of achieving spiritual maturity? 3. the learning process that produces spiritual growth. What is the process people go through to achieve spiritual maturity? The goal is to help readers develop a philosophy of Christian education that will be applicable to a variety of ministry contexts.
224 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 1994
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42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 4, 2008
This book blew my mind - it doesn't look like much with the cover but open it up and get ready to be completely surprised. It will use it time and time again.
January 5, 2025
This book was very informative and a good reminder of what I’m doing in the youth ministry program at college. I’d recommend for parents, teachers, or even young adults considering working with children in the future. It was easy to understand and was not boring.
My only complaint with it is the layout- each chapter starts with the text on two thirds of the page, leaving one third blank, which would be a great spot to take notes on the text. But then on page two of the chapter, it splits into two columns with no space for notes except in the appendix, where it keeps the text on two thirds of the page and leaves one third blank. It would have been super helpful to have the extra space for notes but there was still a bit of room that I could cram them in.
My only complaint with it is the layout- each chapter starts with the text on two thirds of the page, leaving one third blank, which would be a great spot to take notes on the text. But then on page two of the chapter, it splits into two columns with no space for notes except in the appendix, where it keeps the text on two thirds of the page and leaves one third blank. It would have been super helpful to have the extra space for notes but there was still a bit of room that I could cram them in.
July 9, 2020
I would keep this as a permanent resource.
In a profession often one gets to navigate within set parameters forgetting about the complexity of the job and its impact. A regular revisions of basic concepts is helpful in "not to forget".
In a profession often one gets to navigate within set parameters forgetting about the complexity of the job and its impact. A regular revisions of basic concepts is helpful in "not to forget".
December 29, 2023
Lots of great practicalities. Had to read it for college.
August 15, 2016
Downs, Perry G. Teaching for Spiritual Growth: An Introduction to Christian Education. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.
Helpful resourceful.
e.g.
The content of faith may vary from individual to individual, but faith is a human phenomenon. Fowler says, “... we form and shape our lives in relation to master stories,” and “... God has designed (pre-potentiated) humans to have faith ...” (p111-113)
Adolescence -
Research has shown that teenagers find open discussion helps stimulate active engagement and critical thinking. Similarly, informal learning tends to be the most influential learning form. Church ministry to adolescents should therefore seek to incorporate these two key elements into their Christian education curriculum, or even better still, customise their ministry goals and content to work entirely within these two mediums of learning. Jesus' method seems to have involved both learning forms prompting his disciples to reflect on their life practices, social customs and life experiences in light of Scripture and the progressive revelation he shared. Youth especially enjoy experiential learning. (p188)
Teens should be allowed to articulate their experiences otherwise ministry leaders will not “hear”. For this to happen, openness and honesty must be exemplified by intentional listening and responding. As theology is reflected upon, life lessons can be considered about how it is affecting one's faith (e.g. Jesus' approach in Luke 13:1-5). Open examination of our understanding of God prompts us back into the Bible for new insight and reveals where we need to grow. Asking, “What is this experience doing to your understanding of God?” opens the way for pivotal and creative learning. One note of warning for leaders: be willing to leave matters unresolved as youth need leaders who model confidence in God whilst unanswered questions linger (Job 13:15). (193-4)
Helpful resourceful.
e.g.
The content of faith may vary from individual to individual, but faith is a human phenomenon. Fowler says, “... we form and shape our lives in relation to master stories,” and “... God has designed (pre-potentiated) humans to have faith ...” (p111-113)
Adolescence -
Research has shown that teenagers find open discussion helps stimulate active engagement and critical thinking. Similarly, informal learning tends to be the most influential learning form. Church ministry to adolescents should therefore seek to incorporate these two key elements into their Christian education curriculum, or even better still, customise their ministry goals and content to work entirely within these two mediums of learning. Jesus' method seems to have involved both learning forms prompting his disciples to reflect on their life practices, social customs and life experiences in light of Scripture and the progressive revelation he shared. Youth especially enjoy experiential learning. (p188)
Teens should be allowed to articulate their experiences otherwise ministry leaders will not “hear”. For this to happen, openness and honesty must be exemplified by intentional listening and responding. As theology is reflected upon, life lessons can be considered about how it is affecting one's faith (e.g. Jesus' approach in Luke 13:1-5). Open examination of our understanding of God prompts us back into the Bible for new insight and reveals where we need to grow. Asking, “What is this experience doing to your understanding of God?” opens the way for pivotal and creative learning. One note of warning for leaders: be willing to leave matters unresolved as youth need leaders who model confidence in God whilst unanswered questions linger (Job 13:15). (193-4)
June 11, 2012
Wonderful book on Christian education! Insightful and incredibly pragmatic for teachers, parents, and others.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews