Christian Education in the Small Membership Church

by Karen B. Tye

Christian Education is part of the vital ministry of all churches, but especially of small membership churches. In a culture that places great value on numbers, small membership churches often mistakenly see themselves at a disadvantage. Small membership churches can create wonderful opportunities to form and disciple faithful followers of Jesus Christ. In offering viable Christian Education, the role of the pastor is critical. This book invites pastors to lead their small membership churches to develop an imaginative and holistic vision of Christian Education. Read the Introduction

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

110 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2008

Reviews

[Bernice Lofton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of Good Information

I'm searching for a curriculum for our small church Bible study, and found this book to be full of information and guidance as to what I should be looking for and tips on here to find it.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of references to a David Ray book. Maybe easier to read that one. This book was ok. Not something I would recommend though.

[John Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another short read in the "Small Membership Church" series. Tye's book is by far the shortest, though. Length is never a great indicator of quality, but in this case it might be. My English studies background flared me to anger at times reading this book because of the many typos and grammatical errors. It seemed as if little care went into the writing of this book. In addition to that, the occasionally silly study guide questions at the end of each chapter sometimes seemed as no more than a means to lengthen the book. With that said, many of these questions are, or can be, helpful to a church as it seeks to evaluate an existing or create a new system of education.

Anyone who reads this book might very well come away with some lasting insights. There's plenty of good material in the book. The problem is, in addition to what I've already said above, that Tye quotes other books, almost always by David Ray, when she says anything new or exciting. Essentially, then, this book becomes a review or summary of David Ray's writings on small membership churches. It's maddening. I'm sure that Tye has plenty to say on her own but the way she has written the book makes it seem like she's just transplanting from another source. Though I am one of those people who was able to read this book and have learned a good deal, I also finished reading and wondered, "Why in the world did I not just get a book or two by David Ray to read?" I can't possibly answer that question, and I therefore can't possibly recommend this book.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are better books out there about how to approach Christian Education but this one at least speaks to some unique needs of small churches

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoughtful and well-done.

[Sam Hubbard]

Very informative

[Rev. Val Ohle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lot's of good information, guidance for thinking outside the box.