Basics of Christian Education

Abstract

This work has been several years in the making. Its roots, in fact, stretch far beyond the moment when the first words were put on the page. The seeds were planted long ago and nourished by my childhood community of faith, First Christian Church of Richmond, Indiana. I am grateful to the teachers and members of that community who nurtured my love and passion for the church. The seeds were nourished in adulthood by many who provided support and encouragement. I am particularly grateful to my friend and former pastor, Steve Jones, without whose challenging words I might never have answered my call to teach, and to my mentors in my doctoral work-Dr. Charles Melchert, Dr. Ronald Cram, and Dr. Sara Little-who broadened my vision and modeled for me the importance of critical thinking for the educational ministry of the church. I also want to express my thanks to those who have read and commented on drafts of this work, especially Bob Fulbright, Kim Coffing, and my good friend and colleague from Australia, Dr. Christine Gapes. A word of thanks is due my faculty colleagues, the administration, and the board of directors of Eden Theological Seminary for their willingness to grant the sabbatical time that facilitated my writing efforts. Finally, two groups receive my deepest and heartfelt gratitude. First, my husband, Brent Dodge, and my children, David and Kathy Brock, whose continuing support and belief in me have been a sustaining presence throughout the twists and turns of this journey. And last, my students, past and present, who have been my research colleagues as they have engaged the ideas presented in this book and have provided helpful and encouraging reflections as the work evolved. I couldn't have done it without you