Learning and Life Experience
From the time that my son Timothy could talk, it seems that his primary question has been “What if?” Tim is now almost 25 years old, so I’ve had lots of experience responding to this question. Several years ago I realized that Tim’s question had somehow become one of the ways in which I understand the nature of God as Creator, as the One who created all that is, and as the One whose creative presence is still at work in our world.
How's My Teaching?
As a teacher in the church, you have the incredible opportunity to help children, youth, or adults encounter and respond to God’s love and grace by living as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. Whether you teach every week, once a month, or on an as-needed basis, you want to be effective.
Thinking Theologically With Adults
Our brains categorize and organize information and experiences. New information or experience is evaluated in light of previous information and experience. We decide if new information confirms or contradicts what we already know or believe.
Cokesbury Webinars
Cokesbury is offering free webinars related to various adult resources, including an introduction to Disciple Bible study, Three Simple Rules, and Faith in Hard Times. You can view these webinars as a streaming video or download them to your computer.
UMC -- Four Areas of Focus
Explore how The United Methodist Church is focusing on four key areas of ministry in a free, self-directed online course from United Methodist Communications. The four foci include:
- Developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world
- Creating new places for new people and revitalizing existing congregations
- Engaging in ministry with the poor
- Combating the diseases of poverty by improving health globally.
This online course is available now. To participate, visit
moodle.umcom.org and select "Four Areas of Focus" under the United Methodist Basics category. There are also postcards with information about this online course and brochures about the four areas of focus available from United Methodist Communications.
Dimensions of Adult Learning
Learning is a complex process of paying attention to information and experience, determining how important it is, and then making meaning of the information and experience. Learning occurs in formal settings, such as university courses, workplace seminars, or Bible studies. Learning also occurs in informal settings, such as talking with friends, reading at home, or visiting a museum.
Adult Ministry Seminar Descriptions
To schedule any of the following workshops and seminars, please contact Carol Krau at ckrau@gbod.org or by calling 1-877-899-2780, ext. 7171 (toll-free).
Wesley Study Bible Available
Abingdon Press has announced the publication of The Wesley Study Bible.
Working for a Just and Lasting Peace for Israelis and Palestinians (pdf)
The renewed conflict in Gaza is a source of concern for persons of faith. This advocacy guide is available through the General Board of Church and Society and may be used in Sunday school classes or other small-group settings.
Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century: An Inquiry Approach
By Richard H. Gentzler Jr.
The church is in the hands of its elders. While the popular perception is that the aged are needy and infirm, Gentzler affirms the majority of older adults have plenty to give. The church needs to tap into their wisdom, energy, experience, and talents.
People of Integrity: Authentic Christian Living
By William B. Morgan Jr
Integrity is one of those hard to define, even harder to live, realities. Nevertheless, it's a core-defining quality we recognize when we see it in people and sorely miss it when we dont. Morgan defines it as the "God-given strength to respond to life in relationship with God instead of reacting to things on our own."
Generational Anchor Points That Help Define or Shape a Generation
Center Sage (Spring 2009)
We want to hear from mid-life adults!
We'd like to know more about the concerns and interests of mid-life adults. If you're between the ages of 40 and 60 (plus or minus a few years) would you take a few minutes to answer a brief online survey?
Take the survey now
