Resources

This is a page for posting some of our favorite faith nurturing resources. Please send us descriptions of books, articles, or curricula you have found helpful. Along with these, browse the Walk On Resource Book for other recommendations.

Shaped by God
Edited by Robert J. Keeley (Faith Alive, 2010)

From the publisher: Faith formation doesn’t just happen—it’s a Spirit-led lifelong process of shaping and reshaping.

In this accessible anthology, twelve experts share their perspectives on faith formation at home, in worship, in education, in intergenerational contexts, in people with developmental disabilities, and more. Indispensable reading for pastors, church leaders, education committees, parents, and educators.

Includes a forward by Timothy Brown, President of Western Theological Seminary. Other contributers include Holly Catterton Allen, Sarah Arthur, Elizabeth F. Caldwell, Erik W. Carter, Robbie Fox Castleman, David M. Csinos, Fred P. Edie, Syd Hielema, Robert J. Keeley, Kevin E. Lawson, Marian R. Plant, and Don C. Richter.

Helping Our Children Grow in Faith: How the Church can Nurture the Spiritual Development of Kids
by Robert J. Keeley (Baker Books, 2008)

From the publisher: “Children have serious faith questions that require serious answers, answers that adults often find themselves under-prepared to give. But the Christian community has a responsibility to help its children develop a three-dimensional faith, a faith that affects their heads, their hearts, and their spirits. Helping Our Children Grow in Faith is designed for children’s ministry and worship leaders, Sunday school teachers, and pastors as well as parents who want to nurture the spiritual development of the children in their lives. It shows how to integrate children into congregational worship, how to teach them the Bible but leave room for the mystery of God, and how to distinguish the difference between faith development and moral development.”

Practicing Our Faith: A Way of Life for Searching People
edited by Dorothy C. Bass (Jossey-Bass, 1998)

From the back cover: “Many Christians are looking for ways to deepen their relationship with God by practicing their faith in everyday life. . . .This book explores twelve central Christian practices—shared activities that address fundamental human needs and that, woven together, form a way of life. . . . Shaped by the Christian community over the centuries yet richly grounded in the experiences of living communities today, these practices show us how Christian spiritual disciplines can become an integral part of how we live each day.”

Ministry to Seniors
To be communities of lifelong learners, churches must minister to people of all ages. Check out the Reformed Church in America’s website article titled “Resources for Senior Adult Ministry.”

Autism and Your Church: Nurturing the Spiritual Growth of People with Autism Spectrum Disorders
by Barbara J. Newman (Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2006)

From the web site: “This unique resource will help your church to embrace people with autism into the full life of your congregation. Autism has evolved from an unfamiliar term to an everyday reality for millions of people. Bookstore shelves are filled with resources that address how Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) affect children and adults at school, work, and home.

“This resource will enable your congregation to appreciate those with ASD as persons created in God’s image, learn about five specific disorders included in ASD, discover ten strategies for including people with ASD, and develop an action plan for ongoing ministry.”

For more information about ministry to people with cognitive impairments, check out Friendship Ministries at www.friendship.org.

Discover Your Faith and Learn How to Live It
by Norman D. Stolpe (Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2001)

Adapted from the back cover: What do your students really believe about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, and the church? What impact do their beliefs have on their lives? Written for young people in middle school, this six-session study will help your students learn that faith involves our head (knowledge), our heart (experiences and conviction), and our hands (practicing your faith).

Expressing Faith in Jesus: Church Membership for People with Cognitive Impairments
by Ronald C. Vredeveld (Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2005)

From the web site: “This book and resource kit will guide your church leaders and friends with cognitive impairments to go through the process of church membership. Expressing Faith in Jesus is an invaluable resource for helping the Christian community grow in its acceptance of and love for persons with cognitive impairments.”

For more information about ministry to people with cognitive impairments, check out Friendship Ministries at www.friendship.org.

Helping Kids Include Kids with Disabilities
by Barb Newman (Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2001)

From the web site: “This how-to manual equips teachers, church activity leaders, and kids with the information they need to practice inclusive education in community. The book includes information for understanding children with special needs, guidelines for churches, information about specific and general areas of impairment, lesson plans, letters to families, and devotions for families.”

For more information about ministry to people with cognitive impairments, check out Friendship Ministries at www.friendship.org.