About the Book
Because teaching is at the heart of Christian ministry, the editors of Invitation to Educational Ministry have assembled a team of seasoned experts to guide a ministry of education. This volume will help church staff, parachurch leaders, and small-group teachers become more effective, influential, and creative.
After laying a biblical and practical foundation for Christian education, the contributors provide specific guidance on teaching a variety of individuals and groups, including children, adults, singles, seniors, and non-Christians.
The final section shares valuable insights on leading small groups, teaching innovatively, and overseeing a healthy educational ministry, among other topics. Each chapter is designed to equip educators with the most relevant information, and includes many useful features:
• Real-life case studies
• Scriptural support
• Explanations of key terms and concepts
• Practical suggestions
• Resources for additional study
• Sidebars illustrating best principles and practices
About the Author :
George M. Hillman Jr. is department chair and professor of educational ministries and leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary. Sue G. Edwards is associate professor of educational ministries and leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary and the author of the Discover Together Series.
Review :
"As a young man, my heart was lit ablaze with a passion for Jesus through teachers who had a firm grip on the Word of God and a finger on the pulse of modern times. Truly transformational ministers must have both. I chose to attend Dallas Theological Seminary because it produced leaders like this. I am thrilled that Dr. Hillman and Dr. Edwards have taken insights from this great institution and locked them away in a resource for us all!"--Ben Stuart, Pastor of Passion City Church; Author of Single, Dating, Engaged, Married (6/4/2018 12:00:00 AM)
"If you want to be increasingly effective in teaching the Scriptures, then this book is for you. Dr. Hillman and Dr. Edwards have assembled a dream team of great teachers, mentors, and coaches. If this doesn't light your fire to improve as a teacher, then your wood is wet! This is a compelling invitation to become the teacher God created you to be."--Dennis Rainey, Cofounder of FamilyLife (6/4/2018 12:00:00 AM)
"While we are watching a staggering decline in basic biblical knowledge, Dr. Edwards and Dr. Hillman choose to joust the dragon. For us who aspire to teach or lead, education is an ongoing exercise; we will never be out of work unless we quit. In honor of our beloved "Prof", now more than in previous decades, we need a re-calibration of how to teach, how to train, and how to reproduce life-long learners. Don't add this book to your shelf, keep it on your desk, close at hand. Refer to it often and become the tireless trainer of a generation that needs to know God and his word."--Michael Easley, President Emeritus, Moody Bible Institute (6/4/2018 12:00:00 AM)
"Finally, an up-to-date comprehensive book that covers every aspect of Christian education! This book is for every church, large or small. Written by experienced educators, it covers every topic from children to camps. Especially strong chapters are the first one on philosophy, also the ones on family ministry and singles. Writers have purposely based their topics on Scripture yet provide illustrations from current churches. A much needed book for every Christian educator!"--Raye Zacharius, former Senior Christian Education Consultant with David C. Cook Publishing (6/4/2018 12:00:00 AM)
"Invaluable! To have a handbook that is this ministry-friendly and up-to-date is truly a gift to those who desire to lead church education programs that honor God. Many textbooks disappear when the class ends, but this one will become a dog-eared part of the practitioner's library. Along with the expected topics, subjects like pornography, celibacy, infertility, and reductional stereotypes are covered. Additional resources are suggested. A unique extra: As students study the chapters by leaders in their fields, they become acquainted with these authors through glimpses into their lives and ministries. These stories help bring this textbook to life."--Marlene LeFever, Author of Creative Teaching Methods (6/4/2018 12:00:00 AM)
"Nicely done! This introductory text on the church's teaching ministry is written by scholar-practitioners who are passionate about helping others grow spiritually. Their love for people, and for helping them learn and apply Scripture to their lives shines through in what they share. I love the scope of the book, including chapters on ministry with people of all ages and stages of life, those with disabilities, and seekers. The book addresses a range of ministry models and approaches, helping readers think more creatively about a variety of ways available to help people learn and grow. This book will stretch your vision. The discussion questions at the end of each chapter are a helpful addition both for teaching and reflecting on together with colleagues in ministry."--Kevin E. Lawson, Professor of Educational Studies, Talbot School of Theology of Biola University (6/4/2018 12:00:00 AM)
"What a delight to recommend this fresh look at the educational ministry of the church. Using this book as a guide guarantees that biblical education will no longer be just about the transfer of information or an exercise in increasing biblical literacy. This book will empower teachers to honor the goal of Scripture as a resource for life transformation! A big thanks to Dr. Edwards and Dr. Hillman for putting into writing the exciting principles that they have taught to students in the classroom. 'Go to school' on this book and enjoy the rich reward of watching those you teach accelerate their journey of faith."--Joe Stowell, President of Cornerstone University (6/4/2019 12:00:00 AM)
"Having a broad--even thorough--knowledge of the Bible is not that big of a deal. The second chapter of James reminds us that even the demons have that. They're still demons! What matters is when the Bible becomes the tool God uses to grab hold of a person's heart and transform it into one that's much more like his. This is more likely to happen when the person teaching the Bible is not only passionate about its content, but also compassionate towards the people on the receiving end of their teaching. Invitation to Educational Ministry is all about the what, who, and how of this passionate/compassionate kind of Bible teaching--teaching that truly transforms."--Tim Kimmel, Author of Grace-Based Parenting and Grace Filled Marriage (6/4/2018 12:00:00 AM)
