Christian Education Resources

The following are some of the resources available at the Lancaster Conference Congregational Resource Center:

Armstrong-Hansche, Melissa and Neil MacQueen. Workshop Rotation: A new model for Sunday school. Louisville: Geneva Press, 2000.

Provides a step-by-step guide through the process of setting up and conducting the Sunday school rotation model. A single Bible story is focused on for several weeks, and children attend a number of workshops with activities that help them process the story.

Bruce, Barbara. 7 Ways of Teaching the Bible to Children. Nashville: Abingdon, 1996.

Uses seven learning styles to show you how to meet the various learning needs of each child in your classroom. Practical advice for discovering each child's learning preferences, reproducible patterns and handouts, and a teacher training session are also included. The Bible story lessons can be used independently or with existing class curriculum.

Eibner, Janet Marshall and Susan Graham Walker. God, Kids, & Us. Harrisburg: Morehouse Publishing, 1996.

A guide for all who care about the full inclusion of children and their families in the life of the church today. An engaging blend of theory, story, and practical resources for congregations committed to welcoming and nurturing children and those who care for them.

Galindo, Israel. The Craft of Christian Teaching: Essential for becoming a very good teacher. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1998.

A strong and vibrant Christian education program lies at the heart of a growing church. No matter what the philosophy or approach to education, no program can flourish without skilled and dedicated teachers. While some such teachers are born, Israel Galindo believes that many others can be made.

Haystead, Wes. The 21^st Century Sunday School: Strategies for today and tomorrow. Cincinnati: Standard Publishing, 1995.

A manual that addresses methods and strategies that make a successful Sunday school. Includes reproducible charts, diagrams, worksheets, and job descriptions to make your job easier.

Hunt, Josh and Larry Mays. Disciple-Making Teachers: How to equip adults for growth and action. Loveland: Group, 1998.

Encourage your adult class to grow in their faith - and to live it daily in a powerful way. Divided into four sections, the book focuses on the learner outside of class; the learner in class; the teacher in class; and the teacher outside the class.

LeFever, Marlene D. Creative Teaching Methods: Be an effective christian teacher. Colorado Springs: Cook Ministry, 1996.

Makes the principle of learning through creative participation come alive for Christian education. Creative methods are vividly and invitingly explored for their potential for deepening the spiritual life through new ways of hearing the Word of God, and using untapped personal resources in responding to it. For use in working with all ages.

LeFever, Marlene D. Learning Styles: Reaching everyone God gave you to teach. Colorado Springs: Cook Ministry, 1995.

A learning style is the way in which a person sees or perceives things best and then uses that knowledge. When we understand learning styles and adjust our teaching or parenting to those styles, we begin reaching everyone God gives us to teach.

Schultz, Thom & Joani. The Dirt on Learning: Groundbreaking rules to grow faith in your church. Loveland: Group, 1999.

Why do some people seem to accept, retain, and apply God's word - while others seem virtually unmoved? Thom and Joani Schultz contend the answers are found in the dirt, just as Jesus revealed in the Parable of the Sower. In this book, you will unearth fresh discoveries that will revolutionize how you teach and lead children, youth, and adults. Also available on video.

Schultz, Thom & Joani. Why Nobody Learns Much of Anything at Church: And How to Fix It. Loveland: Group, 1996.

Here is a hard-hitting look at how learning does - and doesn't - happen in the church. . .and practical solutions for improving how your church provides Christian education. For teachers of all ages.

Snyder, Eleanor and Susan Pries. Loving God. Newton: Faith & Life Press, 1996.

Encourages children to choose to love God and their neighbors. Dramatic biblical stories that help young people see that their love for God is expressed in their choice to follow God in prayer, attitude and behavior toward others. Designed for flexibility in use with your congregational needs.

Teaching for Life. Video. Scottdale: Herald Press, 1998.

Encourage and renew your adult teachers with the life-to-Bible-to-life teaching process. This video will help your adult Sunday school classes as they participate in a teaching/learning process that is both natural and biblically sound.

Warden, Michael D. Extraordinary Results from Ordinary Teachers. Loveland: Group Publishing, 1998.

Offers both a challenge - to teach as Jesus taught - and practical ways to meet that goal. Whether you're a new teacher or a Christian education veteran, you'll deepen your teaching - by deepening your relationship with the ultimate teacher: Jesus Christ.