New Release Books by James Riley Estep

"Three leading Christian educators offer a survey of faith formation from various perspectives: biblical, theological, pastoral, practical, and global"--

This accessible introduction to the broad scope of Christian education focuses on its practice in the local church. Two leading experts argue that Christian education encompasses all of the intentional practices of the local church, including worship, mission, sacraments, and teaching. They explore Christian education not only as a field of study but as a vital congregational ministry, showing how congregations can engage in discipleship and formation for spiritual growth. The book features exercises and other pedagogical devices and includes reflection questions and suggestions for further reading.

How do Christian higher education institutions orient new faculty members to their role on a Christian campus? How do they lead faculty members toward a deeper understanding of the Christian dimension of their place in higher education? Bible Colleges, Christian Universities, and Seminaries need a resource that can be provided to faculty members or be used in faculty development discussions. This book is designed to serve as just such a resource. It provides a clear and concise portrait of the general role of faculty from a distinctively evangelical Christian perspective. We use the metanarrative of being formed by the cross to describe the "cruciform" role of professors as teachers in the classroom, mentors to the students, scholars within the academy, and servants of the church and community. Each chapter will have personal and group reflection questions and exercises to aid in application.

Taking into account biblical, theological, and historical perspectives, leading ministry and education professionals identify the best approach to curriculum formation for the local church, using the metaphor of mapmaking throughout.

What is "Christian" about Christian education; how is it different from on-Christian education? A Theology for Christian Education examines this question in depth and argues that the doctrines of systematic theology should drive the content, purpose, and methods of the educational program of the c hurch. The book states: "Christian education is distinct from other kinds of education in that its aim is the transformation of the whole person into the likeness of Christ (Col. 1:28). Christian education is the process of accomplishing this aim." A Theology for Christian Education dedicates chapters to examining particular doctrines and their implications for Christian education. It is the only serious academic text to offer a systematic presentation of the intersection of theology and Christian education from a conservative evangelical perspective.