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The Church As Learning Community: A Comprehensive Guide to Christian Education
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Norma Cook Everist contends that it is meaningful to say that in ministries of administration, outreach, and pastoral care, the church is functioning as a learning community. Whenever and wherever Christians are being formed into the image of Jesus Christ through ministry, there Christian education is taking place. Christian education is the name we give to that process of formation.
Building on this central insight, Everist has written a major new introduction to the tasks and practices of Christian education. Part 1 of the book focuses broadly on what it means to be the church in the world. Part 2 shows how being a learning community requires ongoing growth in faith throughout the span of life. Part 3 shifts focus to the church as it moves into the community and world.
Norma Cook Everist contends that it is meaningful to say that in ministries of administration, outreach, and pastoral care, the church is functioning as a learning community. Whenever and wherever Christians are being formed into the image of Jesus Christ through ministry, there Christian education is taking place. Christian education is the name we give to that process of formation.
Building on this central insight, Everist has written a major new introduction to the tasks and practices of Christian education. Part 1 of the book focuses broadly on what it means to be the church in the world. Part 2 shows how being a learning community requires ongoing growth in faith throughout the span of life. Part 3 shifts focus to the church as it moves into the community and world.
391 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2002
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About the author
Norma Cook Everist
13 books3 followersDr. Norma Cook Everist is an ordained ELCA pastor and Senior Distinguished Professor of Church and Ministry at Wartburg Theology Seminary.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 7, 2015
From the publisher: Norma Cook Everist contends that it is meaningful to say that in ministries of administration, outreach, and pastoral care, the church is functioning as a learning community. Whenever and wherever Christians are being formed into the image of Jesus Christ through ministry, there Christian education is taking place. Christian education is the name we give to that process of formation.
Building on this central insight, Everist has written a major new introduction to the tasks and practices of Christian education. Part 1 of the book focuses broadly on what it means to be the church in the world. Part 2 shows how being a learning community requires ongoing growth in faith throughout the span of life. Part 3 shifts focus to the church as it moves into the community and world.
Building on this central insight, Everist has written a major new introduction to the tasks and practices of Christian education. Part 1 of the book focuses broadly on what it means to be the church in the world. Part 2 shows how being a learning community requires ongoing growth in faith throughout the span of life. Part 3 shifts focus to the church as it moves into the community and world.
July 9, 2013
When I'd purchased the book, my impression had been that its focus was figuring out what kinds of educational options might work within one's context. Instead it turned out to be more of a textbook for someone in a class on Christian Education within a church community setting.
Given my background in College Student Personnel, I was familiar with learning theory,but for readers without previous exposure, I would think it would be quite helpful. Though I do think it stopped short of connecting practice with theory. Granted, that's probably easier to do in a classroom than via a book.
What I particularly liked was her focus on the need for on going education for teachers. I agreed. I think often people are reluctant to teach out of a feeling that they do not know enough or the right stuff if questions come up. However, sorting out the solution to the flip side, getting teachers to show for the teaching is no small feat.
Given my background in College Student Personnel, I was familiar with learning theory,but for readers without previous exposure, I would think it would be quite helpful. Though I do think it stopped short of connecting practice with theory. Granted, that's probably easier to do in a classroom than via a book.
What I particularly liked was her focus on the need for on going education for teachers. I agreed. I think often people are reluctant to teach out of a feeling that they do not know enough or the right stuff if questions come up. However, sorting out the solution to the flip side, getting teachers to show for the teaching is no small feat.
July 30, 2011
Norma's book on educating congregations should be foundational in the foundation of Religious Education. Her message is wonderfully good with great nuggets that can be integrated in to your current program. There are no easy solutions included, you must internalize what's in the book and apply it.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews