Recommended Resources on the Topic of Religious Education
Building an Effective Youth Ministry
Glenn E. Ludwig, copyright 1979 by Abingdon Press. (Part of the Creative Leadership Series) ISBN# 0-687-03992-4
The purpose of this book is to provide a theoretical basis from which youth ministry can be built, looks at the characteristics of today's youth, and suggests a variety of proven methods and approaches for effective ministry with youth in our congregations.
The Complete Guide to Religious Education Volunteers
Donald Ratcliff and Blake J Neff, Copyright 1993 by Religious Education Press ISBN# 0-89135-089-6
This resource explores who potential RE volunteers are, how to crate a volunteer program structure that meets the needs of the organization and the volunteers. Topics include: volunteer recruitment, training, supervision, communication, evaluation, and future trends in volunteerism.
The Congregational Handbook: How to Develop and Sustain Your Unitarian Universalist Congregation 3rd Edition
Copyright 1995 by the UUA.
Edited by Lawrence X. Peers ISBN# 1-55896-334-0
This offers a good overview of congregation planning and development, covering everything from Association membership to vision/mission processes to program planning and staffing needs. Included are useful assessment instruments and sample forms, along with lists of additional resources related to each topic. The section on RE programming starts on page 165.
Educating for Life: A Spiritual Vision for Every Teacher & Parent
Thomas Groome, copyright 1998 by Thomas H. Groome, published by Thomas More. ISBN# 0-88347-383-6 (472 pages)
Groome translates the core convictions of Catholic Christianity for use by families, schools, and faith communities striving to offer a holistic vision for quality educational experiences and life-long learning.
Essex Conversations: Visions for Lifespan Religious Education
Collected by the Essex Conversations Coordinating Committee. Published in 2001 the Unitarian Universalist Association, Skinner House Books. ISBN#1-55896-414-2
This is a rich collection of visions for UU religious education composed by over thirty experienced RE professional and denominational leaders. This is a must read for religious educators and congregation leaders committed to quality lifespan religious education for the 21st century.
Fashion Me A People: Curriculum in the Church
Maria Harris, copyright 1989 by Maria Harris. Published by Westminster/John Knox Press ISBN#0-664-24052-6 (paperback)
Harris presents a dynamic framework for curriculum as the context for congregational life. It concerns the creative and educational powers used to "fashion a people" by intentional exploration and development of the core aspects of community, service, worship, proclamation, and lifelong learning experiences.
First Steps: Planning For Adult Religious Education: A process guide
Betty Jo Middleton. Copyright 1994, and published by the Greater Washington Association RE Council.
This guidebook offers an easy-to-follow process for groups or individuals to plan their adult RE programs. It includes steps for creating a working definition of adult RE, a statement of purpose for the program, exploring the needs and characteristics of adult learners, program design, and facilitation. Helpful worksheets, handouts, forms, and resource bibliography are included.
Giving Birth to Ourselves: A History of the Liberal Religious Educators Association 1949-1999
Joan W. Goodwin. Published 1999 by the LREDA
A look at the evolution LREDA and it's themes and accomplishments over the organization's first 50 years. Complete with photos and listings of LREDA presidents, conferences, and speakers.
Stages of Faith: The Psychology of Human Development and the Quest for Meaning
James W. Fowler, copyright 1981, published by Harper Books. ISBN# 0-06-062866-9
Fowler presents his extensive research on faith development as a dynamic system of images, values, and commitments that guide one's life. Not necessarily religious in nature, Fowler's faith development theory tracks six stages that emerge as people work out the meaning and purpose of their lives.
The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide 2nd edition
Edited by William F. Schulz, copyright 1993 by the UUA, published by Skinner House Books. ISBN# 1-55896-319-7
This handy pocket guide includes sen essays by contemporary UU's about the beliefs and history of Unitarian Universalism and it's trends in ministry, religious education, social justice, and racial diversity. The essay by Makanah E. Morriss, Our Religious Education, begins on page 43.
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
