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Adult learners in congregations seek forums for theological reflection and scriptural exploration. They also long to connect their theology with life experiences. Explore ways that congregational leaders can guide and support the unique needs of adult learners.
SPECIALIZED MINISTRIES : Adult Education
  The Art of Theological Reflection (Book)
Patricia O'Connell Killen, John de Beer, Authors.
New York, NY: Crossroad Publishing Co., 2002.
Believing that personal experience can meet Christian tradition in meaningful conversation, the authors have supplied a framework and process for engaging participants in theological reflection.
Becoming a Congregation of Learners: Learning as a Key to Revitalizing Congregational Life (Book)
Isa Aron, Author.
Woodstock, VT: Jewish Lights Publishing, 2000.
Dr. Isa Aron asserts that in many communities, synagogues are transforming themselves into houses of learning where adults, as well as children, may pursue a deeper understanding of their faith. This book shows explains how such transformation can occur.
 Practicing Our Faith (Web Resource)
Valparaiso Project on the Education and Formation of People of Faith
The "Practicing Our Faith" Web site explores twelve practices, rooted in Christian tradition, that help people to thoughtfully and intentionally live their faith.
 7 Ways of Teaching the Bible to Adults: Using Our Multiple Intelligences to Build Faith (Book)
Barbara Bruce, Author.
Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2000.
Author Barbara Bruce explains our seven "intelligences" and provides ideas for stimulating and using them in an adult study of the Bible.
Becoming Friends: Worship, Justice, and the Practice of Christian Friendship (Book)
Paul J. Wadell, Author.
Brazos Press, 2002.
Focusing on the kinds of friendships that should abound in a Christ-centered church, Paul Wadell asks readers to create "the kind of community that can faithfully enact God's narrative of love, healing, and redemption in the world."
The Big Questions in Science and Religion (Book)
Keith Ward, Author.
Radnor, PA: Templeton Foundation Press, 2008.
Keith Ward—professor, priest, and author—addresses ten significant questions about cosmic and human life. This book would be a valuable text for adult education on the relationship between science and religion.
Created for Community: Connecting Christian Belief with Christian Living (Book)
Stanley J. Grenz, Author.
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1998.
Evangelical scholar Stanley Grenz has written this book about Christian theology as his understanding of the core beliefs that Christians share. Throughout this volume, the author expresses how theology shapes (or ought to shape) life.
Creation and Last Things: At the Intersection of Theology and Science (Book)
Gregory S. Cootsona, Author.
Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002.
Encouraging readers to use this book as a text for a five-week adult education class, the author explains how science and theology inform each other and explores key questions about the meaning of our lives in relation to God's creation.
Evolution and Original Sin: Accounting for Evil in the World (Web Resource)
This multi-session discussion guide from the Washington Theological Consortium offers a fresh perspective on "original sin"—a perspective that honors both scientific thinking and the Christian tradition.
Into the Dark: Seeing the Sacred in the Top Films of the 21st Century (Book)
Craig Detweiler, Author.
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008.
Covering 45 films, Into the Dark offers ample material for adult education classes or small groups to explore how the cinematic lens reveals faith and life.
Listening for God: Contemporary Literature and the Life of Faith (Book)
Paula J. Carlson, Peter S. Hawkins, Editors.
Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress Press, 1994.
Maintaining that contemporary American literature may be one of the most rewarding places to listen for God, the editors introduce eight authors whose writings edge the reader toward a new awareness of God.
No Longer Alone: Mental Health and the Church (Book)
John Toews, Eleanor Loewen, Authors.
Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1995.
A book and two-part video set designed for the faith community, No Longer Alone forms an outstanding foundational study of mental illness by weaving relevant inspirational material into an exploration of mental health issues.
Peacemaking Without Division (Web Resource)
Peacemaking Without Division—based on a workshop conducted in many congregations—provides models and tools for exploring issues of peace and conflict on the personal, interpersonal, community, and global levels.
Process, Not Program: Adult Faith Formation for Vital Churches (Web Resource)
Are you seeking ways to develop spiritual growth, theological reflection, and Christian practices in your faith community? Diana Butler Bass explores the components of adult faith formation for vital churches. Helpful resources are included.
The Promise of Paradox: A Celebration of Contradictions in the Christian Life (Book)
Parker J. Palmer, Author.
San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2008.
Parker Palmer's The Promise of Paradox is organized around the themes of paradox and contradiction in Christian life. Palmer reflects on education, community, contemplation, political responsibility, prayer, social action, and solitude.
Reading with Deeper Eyes: The Love of Literature and the Life of Faith (Book)
William H. Willimon, Author.
Nashville, TN: Upper Room Books, 1998.
In Reading with Deeper Eyes, William Willimon uses the modern parables of literary fiction to engage the reader in a discussion of the lessons they teach us about the kingdom of God and the life of faith.
Start Here: Teaching and Learning with Adults (Book)
Barbara Bruce, Author.
Nashville, TN: Discipleship Resources, 2000.
Many churches are eager to meet the diverse Christian education needs of adults, but do not know where to start. Using research on how adults learn, author Barbara Bruce provides an answer.
To Know as We are Known: Education as a Spiritual Journey (Book)
Parker J. Palmer, Author.
San Francisco, CA: HarperSanFrancisco, 1993.
Urging teachers and learners to recapture the spiritual dimension of education, Parker Palmer provides instruction on the disciplines needed to move teaching into its spiritual core.
Turning to One Another: Simple Conversations to Restore Hope to the Future (Book)
Margaret J. Wheatley, Author.
San Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2002.
"Real change begins with the simple act of people talking about what they care about." With this premise, Margaret Wheatley encourages and instructs readers in the practice of vital conversation.
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