The inclusion of autistic youth within the faith community appears to be a challenge for churches. The problem addresses the lack of inclusion for individuals identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who attend church services, specifically Sunday school. Individuals impacted by this problem are ASD individuals, their parents, and Sunday…

Within the past ten to fifteen years, there has been a trend among churches to downsize staff and eliminate the role of "Minister of Education." With these changes in staff structure, a need has emerged for assistance in evaluating adult educational programming within the church. For this project, a process was developed called the Adult…

The purpose of this project was to train the congregation in biblical theology for the purpose of evangelism at River Valley Community Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Chapter 1 summarizes the context of the church, the rationale behind the project, as well as the goals of the project. Chapter 2 explains the biblical basis for the project focusing…

The purpose of this study is to design and test a children worship service that may facilitate active participation and learning with limited resources. This study is focused on finding elements to design a children worship service with and applying them into it in a small church in contrast of large churches with more resources in space, budget,…

An important part of quality of life for people with moderate and severe disabilities (MSDs) is being involved in extracurricular and community activities. However, volunteers, who may not have experience with including people with MSDs, lead most community activities. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of teacher…

Barriers exist at a variety of levels that either impede or prohibit persons with disabilities from full participation within the worship, education, and mission of congregations. Placing the emerging body of literature on inclusion in congregations in conversation with a case study of one particular congregation, the author examines the sources…

Explores ways in which the congregation-as-educator metaphor of educational ministry has contributed to the role and identity of the local church educator. Focuses on three issues affecting the role and function of the church educator: (1) tension between homiletic and therapeutic paradigms; (2) the educator's authority; and (3) the educator as…

Introduces action research as a tool for use in religious education that can be employed by congregationally based educators. States that action research as an educational strategy suggests that educators engage in a cycle of observing, reflecting, planning, and acting. Includes references. (CMK)

Depicts the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) as a model for Christian spirituality and the primary initiation structure of the Church. Describes catechesis, community, liturgy, and service as the foundations required to live in the Spirit's presence. (VWC)

Analyzes and contrasts a number of Roman Catholic documents, published in the United States and foreign countries, emphasizing theological themes which are presented as central to adult religious education. Focuses on the tension between church authority and adult education principles. Concludes that the optimism of the documents is diminished by…

Examines the religious educator's role as catalyst in transforming local church culture. Proposes model of congregational education aiming to change the corporate life of a religious community through members' work to reshape concrete behaviors, structures, and roles in carrying out the church's mission. Notes the range of skills required of…

This guide is intended to help church congregations develop and/or strengthen plans for children's ministries and child advocacy. Specifically the work aims to affirm children's growth, discoveries, and experiences and to provide strategies to congregations for helping children whose physical, emotional, social, economic, and educational…

Objectives were to determine to what extent major Protestant church bodies in the United States have adopted official policy statements supporting public education; to learn whether their adult work agencies have provided public education suggestions and programs for local groups; and to arouse awareness and concern in the churches. Statements by…

Explores whether intergenerational (IG) and homogeneous-age group strategies for intentional education in faith communities are mutually exclusive or complementary. Examines the validity of generational differentiation in educational processes, addresses two difficulties raised for IG programs, and discusses insights on developmental theory and IG…

This self-study serves as a guide for churches and early childhood education programs, focusing on the relationship between a congregation and its early childhood program. A revision of an earlier self-study which was developed by a Seattle-based team of church-related early childhood professionals, the study complements the accreditation program…