Most programmes of adult Christian learning today expect students to engage in theological reflection. The theoretical underpinning for this is often drawn from secular models of reflective practice, made "theological" by the subject matter for reflection. This article aims to establish an explicitly theological basis for the use of the metaphor…

This practicum addressed the situation of a group of children in grades 1-6 who felt that church had little relevance. The introductory chapter describes the setting, organization and community in which the practicum was conducted. Chapter 2 identifies and documents the problem of children's frustration and alienation with Sunday School and…

Contends that to help children grow up to be people of faith, both parishes and parents have to do more than what was done in past generations. Emphasizes the importance of family catechesis--both the informal catechesis that happens in the home and the formal catechesis that parishes plan and facilitate. (VWC)

This collection of essays on the campus ministry attempts to stimulate interest in developing an efficacious, contemporary role for religion in campus life. An introduction by Clement W. Welch states the place and relationship of the church in the academic community. A section of descriptive essays follows. John J. Kirvan, C.S.P., describes the…

The New York Theological Seminary combines workshops and courses to develop practical experience in the ministry. The seminary offers a one-year internship program for urban ministry, a Urban Year Master's Program, and a training workshop for store front preachers in community leadership. (PG)

Young pastors are beginning to use experiences as a way of teaching in their parishes. Interest in experiential education grew out of frustration with conventional theological education based on classroom lecture and textbooks, which failed to equip the minister-in-training to deal with day-to-day life of the parish, hospital, or campus. (JHZ)

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…

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)

Suggests that one place parents can find helpful resources to aid in the faith formation of their children is the parish community. Presents some models that can be used to prepare for faith events, which depend most often on the makeup and vision of each parish community. (VWC)

In an attempt to assess the relationship between churches and community colleges in northern Illinois, a questionnaire examining the nature and extent of church-college interaction as well as provisions for teaching religion in the community colleges was sent to 36 administrators at 14 colleges. Twenty-seven individuals responded (a 75 percent…

Drawing on insights from group dynamics and group therapy as well as the Christian faith, this book asserts the strategic importance of small groups for making the church more relevant to contemporary life. It gives specific guidelines, examples, and several case studies for the development and clearly structured activity of sharing groups. Such…

Reported are the results of a survey of 222 United Methodist campus ministers across the country in both private and public colleges and universities. The report covers the personal backgrounds and careers of the ministers, their views of campus ministry goals and programs, how the campus ministries are financed and administered, and the quality…